company pressed its opposition in the Parliamentary hearings for the line. In addition, opinion formers in Horncastle were concerned that local people would purchase goods in Boston or Lincoln by travelling there by train, rather than supporting local businesses. Nevertheless the Horncastle and Kirkstead Junction Railway was authorised by Parliament on 10 July 1854; share capital was £48,000, with borrowing powers of £13,000. The local company built the line, using the contractor Thomas Brassey; Brassey had taken £15,000 in shares on the understanding that he would be appointed as the contractor. The 1854 - 1855 winter was exceptionally severe, and work did not start until March 1855. An intermediate station was to have been made at Roughton but this was not proceeded with and the only intermediate station was Woodhall Spa. The line was inspected for Board of Trade approval for opening by Lt-Colonel Wynne on 6 August 1855. However he reported that "I found the permanent way, generally, in a very incomplete state, and the rails especially so much out of adjustment, that I am of the opinion that the Horncastle Railway cannot be opened without danger to the public using the same". The Lincolnshire Chronicle reported that "Arrangements were made for running special trains ... during the day. This part of the proceedings was... obliged to be abandoned, in consequence of the government inspector (Col. Wynne), who passed over the line on Monday last, having declined to certify the line as fit for passenger-traffic. The late heavy rains having caused the soil to settle unequally in various parts of the line, is reported to be the cause of the withholding of the certificate; but, as this is mere temporary derangement, which a few days' labour will suffice to remedy, the opening of the line for regular traffic will not be long deferred." The line could not therefore be opened for passenger purposes, and it was opened for "light goods" only on 11 August 1855. An opening ceremony for the line had been arranged for that day, and it went ahead anyway, despite the refusal for passenger operation. Rectification work must have been accomplished swiftly, for on 11 August 1855 Lt-Colonel Yolland inspected the line and found it satisfactory. Opening The line opened fully on 26 September 1855. The directors had negotiated with the Great Northern Railway to work their line; the GNR operated the adjacent main line, between