Incorporated on 30 June 1864, the line opened on 5 December 1870 but passenger services only lasted until 11 March 1872. At the end of March the line fell into disuse, but an official receiver was appointed and goods traffic resumed on 23 February 1875, and passenger traffic on 17 May. The line was bought by the Knot End Railway with effect from 1 July 1908.