Lincoln and Boston. The new branch was miles in length from a junction at Kirkstead, on the main line. The junction at Kirkstead faced away from Kirkstead station, towards Boston, so branch trains had to reverse direction at the junction. Stations on the branch were Woodhall Spa and Horncastle. The reference to light goods probably refers to packages that could be manhandled on the passenger platform, prior to commissioning of the goods shed and cranage facilities; the line opened fully for the latter traffic on 26 September 1855. The total earnings for the part year from 8 August to the end of 1855, were £1,537. Part that sum was payable to the Great Northern Railway for working the line and for use of Kirkstead GNR station; £952 was the Horncastle and Kirkstead Railway's portion. A dividend of 3s ld. per share, stated to be "equivalent to 4% per annum upon the share capital of the company (less income-tax), leaving a balance of 331. 16s. 7d. for the next account." Passenger and goods services The line was originally operated under the "one engine in steam" system, but from 3 June 1889 a block post was instituted at Woodhall Spa together with a crossing loop, and block working was operated. For some years Woodhall Spa had no goods facility; a siding for the purpose was provided from 4 April 1887. In 1887 the passenger train service consisted of eight trains each way daily; the journey time was 28 minutes; there were additional trains on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and from 1898 one train conveyed a through coach from London. There was a Sunday service at first, but this was discontinued in June 1868. In 1910 the basic train service was six journeys each way with additional market-day services, but by 1938 it had risen again to eight with an additional service on Saturdays. The Autumn Horncastle horse fairs were renowned for the quality of the animals being sold, and the railway provided the means for local horses to be brought in, and despatched to their new owners at destinations countrywide. The late 19th century were the peak years and up to 150 horses arrived at the station every day for several days before the start of the fair. However, horse trading declined after 1918 as the use of road transport increased. Despite the railway, Horncastle never developed industrially. In 1890 the