In August 2022, I took a trip to the quaint village of Huncoat in Lancashire, camera in hand (my trusty Nikon D3300!) to capture the essence of its modest but historically significant railway station.
This seemingly quiet stop on the East Lancashire Line holds a fascinating past, closely linked to the region's industrial boom. It's more than just a place to catch a train; it's a window into the coal, brick, and power-generating industries that once dominated this area.
The Historical Significance
Huncoat Railway Station, currently managed by Northern Trains, first opened its doors on September 18, 1848, as part of the East Lancashire Railway. Interestingly, the station you see today isn't the original location—it was relocated to its current site in 1902 by the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway to better serve the growing local industries.
Industrial Hub: The area around the station exploded with industry between the two World Wars. It served three local collieries (coal mines), two coke ovens, and the famous Accrington Nori Brick Works. This meant a vast network of mineral lines converged here, making Huncoat a vital freight hub.
The Power Station Link: Perhaps the most imposing piece of local history was the massive Huncoat Power Station, constructed between 1950 and 1956 right next to the station. It relied on the railway for the massive amounts of coal it consumed. While the power station was decommissioned in 1984 and the site is now a nature walk, the sheer scale of the operation it once supported is impressive.
A Railway Award Winner: In a testament to its freight importance, the station actually won a railway award just before the start of the Second World War for the sheer tonnage of freight it handled!
Capturing the Modern Halt
Today, the bustling freight yards are gone, and the grand old 1912 station buildings—which once housed a booking office, waiting rooms, and a parcels office—have been replaced with simple, modern shelters, marking its evolution into a quiet, unstaffed commuter halt.
Despite the modernisation, the station's character shines through, especially thanks to the community effort from the local group, 'Hands on Huncoat', who often add beautiful floral displays, breathing new life into the platforms.
Your Journey on the East Lancashire Line
The station sits on the East Lancashire Line, connecting destinations in a convenient one-hour frequency (hourly on weekdays and Saturdays, two-hourly on Sundays).
Westbound: Trains head toward Accrington, Blackburn, and ultimately Preston.
Eastbound: Services run to Burnley and Colne.
The contrasting elements of Huncoat make it a compelling subject for any rail enthusiast—the simple functionality of a modern Northern station set against a backdrop of deep industrial history. If you're ever travelling through Lancashire, it’s a spot well worth a pause to reflect on the industries that shaped the region.
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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.
