In 1851 large amounts of ironstone were discovered in Northamptonshire and the London & North Western Railway (L&NWR) decided to capitalize on this occurrence by proposing a new railway line between Northampton and Market Harborough. This in itself would open up more of the countryside for railway travel by providing a link between the lines from Rugby to Stamford, and Blisworth to Peterborough. Designed and built by George R Stephenson, the Northampton to Market Harborough line was opened in 1859.

It had eight stations, Northampton, Pitsford & Brampton, Spratton, Brixworth, Lamport, Kelmarsh, Clipston and Market Harborough and two tunnels; Kelmarsh at 531 yards long and Oxendon at 462 yards long on the down line (to Market Harborough) and the other bore at 453 yards long on the up line (to Northampton. You may have a particular skill you feel you can offer the railway; you may wish to learn a new skill or take on a particular project. To become a volunteer you are also required to become a member which comes with many benefits.