Authorised on 3d August 1846 but work on the 51 milie line did not start until 1850. It opened for goods on 30th July 1852 and passengers on 6th December 1853 .From 1st July 1862 it was leased jointly to LNWR and GWR. Arranged jointly under them in 1870. In grouping it became part of LMS/ GWR.