Authorisation
The line received approval in 1846, along with the Sheffield and Lincolnshire extension, which was the branch to Lincoln, which would run from near Retford. Parliamentary decree meant that the way from Saxilby to Lincoln would be shared with the Great Northern. The latter built this part of the line and shared it with the S&LE with the agreement that it could have running powers from Retford to Sheffield.
Read more about this topic: Sheffield And Lincolnshire Junction Railway