The first line from Stoke to Norton Bridge was laid in 1848 and the second from Stone to Colwich in 1849. The routes had been initially surveyed in 1835 by that most famous railway engineer George Stephenson, who met many obstacles in his work, especially the risk of attack from those then employed on the prosperous canals. At the official opening on April 17th, 1848, the first passenger train to use the line left Stoke for Norton Bridge drawn by No.1 engine "Dragon," the six-wheeled carriages each having four compartments painted claret with a Staffordshire Knot in gold.

The advent of the railway spelled imminent disaster for the thriving coaching business which Stone enjoyed at this time. As many as 38 coaches a day, en route to London, Manchester, Birmingham and Liverpool, patronised the 23 inns and taverns that provided fare and hospitality for the weary traveller."

"AT 11.07am yesterday, Stone railway station reopened for business as the first train in five years collected passengers.
It was greeted by dozens of people, rail enthusiasts and local dignitaries and was played in by Stone Town Band.

Campaigners welcomed the service – which goes to London Euston – and said it was a platform on which to lobby for even better services for the town.

And they urged residents to help them by making use of the hourly London Midland train.
Richard Stevens, from the North Staffordshire Rail Promotion Group, said:

"We have been wanting this train for five years and we now have a direct service to London Euston."

Rail enthusiast Ian Rich, aged 34, from Fenton, was one of those who got off the inaugural service. He said: "It is nice to see a train calling here again."

Stone MP Bill Cash has been lobbying Government ministers for the return of the service for several years.

He said: "It is of vital importance. I have been campaigning for five years and it is a tremendous moment because this will bring Stone into the arteries of the West Midlands and also provide a national link to London.
"It is an important moment for Stone."

Stone mayor Mark Green said: "We are hoping that people will support the service because we need that support to progress to the next stage and help the businesses of Stone."
Campaigners are already looking to get the station onto the Birmingham to Manchester line and are also keen for later services back from London.
Currently, the last train departs mid-afternoon, but it is hoped that will be pushed back into early evening.

Mr Stevens said that 25 trains a day would stop at the station.
He added: "It is very significant for the town and puts Stone back on to the rail network map.
"We have got the service now and we have got to build on that."

Stone station closed temporarily five years ago and has not been in operation since.

Rail fans Aidan Croft, aged 19, from Wetley Rocks, and 42-year-old Dave Capewell, from Cheddleton, are involved with Churnet Valley Railway and came to see the train's arrival.
Mr Capewell said: "People are going to use it and it is going to be good."

A direct trip from Stone to London will take around two-and-three-quarter hours on the new timetable."
 

The Sentinel Newspaper - 15th December 2008