The Up side buildings, facing platform 1 – late 1970s.
Starting at the northern end of platform 1 (up side) we will work our way southwards and take a look at the interesting station buildings on this side. You will note that to provide a wider perspective most of the photographs were taken from the opposite side of the tracks (from platform 2).
A general view looking south from the northern end of platform 1. The station buildings on platform 2 can be seen on the right across the main lines. Copyright Image - Mel Smith
Starting at the northern end of Platform 1 we will move southwards. In this picture we can see from the left, the former Guards' Room, a store for fish (with the double doors) and the Porters' Room. Copyright Image - Mel Smith
Having moved on, we take a brief look back at our starting point with another view of the Guards' Room, a store for fish (with the double doors) and the Porters' Room. The open door central to the photograph shows the entrance to the Gents toilet. Copyright Image - Mel Smith
The door central to this photograph leads to what was formally the Ladies toilet & Ladies Waiting Room. The adjacent double doors lead into the General Waiting Room. Note the drinking fountain to the right partly obscured by the column. Copyright Image - Mel SmithThe door on the left was for use by Inspectors, the double doors in the centre are the entrance to the Refreshment Room (Buffet). Copyright Image - Mel Smith
Another view looking back towards the Refreshment Room area. Note the drinking fountain to the left. These were originally installed for passengers unable to afford both tickets and drinks from the Refreshment Room. Copyright Image - Mel Smith
Moving on from the Refreshment Room, the former Dining Room can be seen on the right (two part glazed windows). Copyright Image - Mel Smith
This view shows the windows to the former Dining Room (central) and a further window just beyond the post box. This single window we think was originally an additional entrance to the platform from the Booking Hall. The only entrance in use at the time of this photograph can just be seen behind the Ticket Booth on the right. Copyright Image - Mel Smith
The entrance and exit from platform 1 on the right. The former bricked up entrance, now a window, is central to the photograph. The former Dining Room can be seen on the left. Copyright Image - Mel Smith
A view across the tracks from Platform 1 showing the buildings at the south end of the station on Platform 2 with the book stall on the left. Copyright Image - Mel Smith
Moving along past the Book Stall we pause to glance upwards, taking in the fine roof detail and part of the underside of the footbridge. The chains on the columns were used to secure trolleys. Copyright Image - Mel Smith
The end of the Book Stall is just in view on the left. The open doors (centre) were to the "Postal Authorities Room" The larger double doors behind the bicycle was the Luggage Entrance" The doors just coming into view on the right lead through to "Enquiries" with another room behind this for use by "Station Masters Clerks" Copyright Image - Mel Smith
Left to right:- Book Stall, "Postal Authorities Room" Luggage Entrance & Enquiries. The stairs to the footbridge are just coming into view. Copyright Image - Mel Smith
The stairs from platform 1 leading to the footbridge across to platform 2. The two doors positioned at the bottom of the stairs form an entrance to a 'Battery Room' (left) and a 'Lobby' (right) Copyright Image - Mel Smith
A wider view of the stairs from platform 1 leading to the foot bridge across to platform 2. Again the Battery Room & Lobby doors are central to the photograph. The doors to the right lead to the 'Cable Room' and 'Telegraph Office' Copyright Image - Mel Smith
In this view the 'Cable Room' and 'Telegraph Office' doors can once again be seen on the extreme left. Copyright Image - Mel Smith
Copyright Image - Mel Smith
The opening in the wall gives access to the Goods Shed from Platform 1. Copyright Image - Mel Smith
This is the former Goods Agent's Office at the rear of the Goods Shed. Copyright Image - Mel Smith
Copyright Image - Mel Smith
The former Goods Accounts Office at the south end of Platform 1, with the Goods Shed behind. Copyright Image - Mel Smith
At last we reach the south end of Platform 1 and the site of the former Telegraph Office. Copyright Image - Mel Smith
This is Grantham signal box, from which the signals and points in the Grantham area were controlled between February 1972 and February 1980. Built in 1875, it was known as Grantham 'Yard Box' until it closed in June 1971. Its mechanical lever frame was then removed and an electronic control panel was installed so that, in February 1972, it took over the work of the remaining mechanical signal boxes between High Dyke and Barkston on the East Coast Main Line. Its reach extended further north at the end of April. In February 1980 control of signalling in the Grantham area was taken over by Doncaster Power Signal Box and this attractive Victorian structure became redundant. It was demolished late in 1981, after 105 years as a prominent feature at the south end of the station. Copyright Image - Mel Smith
We are now stood at the end of platform 1 looking south. On the left is Grantham signal box (formerly 'Yard Box'). The colour light signal controls the "up fast" to "up slow" turnout just beyond. The slow line continued for 5 miles to High Dyke, enabling slower traffic to be overtaken by expresses. Copyright Image - Mel Smith
A colour image showing the south end of Platform 1 in 1981. Copyright Image - Mel Smith
Time for a chat. Another colour image showing the south end of Platform 1 in 1981. Copyright Image - Mel Smith
Having now reached the south end of the station we have cross over to the down side (platform 2) just in time to see in the far distance a Deltic hauled service departing for the north. Copyright Image - Mel Smith
If you have any personal memories, images or additional information relating to the station buildings, potentially for use in this section, we would love to hear from you. Please note: Unless stated otherwise all images are Copyright: Mel Smith.
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