Brief Encounter at Milford Junction

Designated as a second-class station, Carnforth had just one platform with a wooden structure when it was opened in 1846 by the Lancaster & Carlisle Railway.

Ten years later a small station was built following the connection of the Furness and Midland Railway lines. Carnforth became a junction in 1857 when the Ulverston & Lancaster Railway arrived from the North West, and a new station and small engine shed were constructed.

In 1859 the London & North Western Railway leased both the Lancaster & Preston Junction Railway and the Lancaster & Carlisle Railway, and in 1862 the Ulverston & Lancaster Railway was bought by the Furness Railway.

Carnforth station was enlarged during the 1870s and in 1880, when it was rebuilt at a cost of £40,000. It also received trains from the Midland Railway following the commissioning of a south-to-east direct curve to the Furness & Midland Joint Railway resulting in the creation of a triangular junction.

The station was operated under joint management by the Furness, Midland and LNWR, and station personnel wore a uniform with the initials CJS for Carnforth: Joint Station.

The Furness Railway erected a distinctive stone-built signalbox to the north-west of the station in 1882, which was used until 1903 and survives today, protected by listed building status.

In the second half of the 19th century, Carnforth became an important centre for the transfer of mail. By the end of the Victorian age, an extensive goods yards had been built for remarshalling the many freight trains that passed through the busy junction.

A major station rebuilding project took place