North Rode railway station was opened with great fanfare in 1849 by the North Staffordshire Railway Company after completion of the stupendous North Rode Viaduct and the new railway line from Colwich to Macclesfield, thus shortening the Journey from London to Manchester by 17 miles. The Churnet Valley line branched off the main line just south of North Rode Station, and headed through Leek to Uttoxeter and then on to Derby. North Rode had its own siding and freight depot on the eastern side, just north of the station close to the current UPS depot. In 1862, you could catch a train in North Rode and arrive into Macclesfield within 12 minutes or into Manchester within 1h 10mins! However in 1962 after 113 years in use, the village lost its station and the Churnet valley line was finally closed down by Dr Beeching.
There is now very little evidence of a once busy railway station, other than the remains of a milk churn chute on the steep western embankment, which was once used by farmers to get their milk down to the north bound platform and the 8.30am Milk Train to Manchester. North Rode station was particularly striking with its three storey tower on the southbound platform, and its first Station Master, Mr Charles Hawkins, also made and sold violins from the station.
Looking south, over the bridge parapet, you can just make out on the left hand side, where the Churnet Valley line branched off, and a large signal box once stood. Nothing remains of the signal box or Bosley station one stop down the line, however Rushton station two stops down the line still stands as a private residence and a fine example of the style of stations along this line.
Thanks to the North Staffordshire Railway Co for the pictures – there’s others and lots more info on their website at www.ns.railway.co.uk Huw Williams July 2020