Based at Stapleford Park near Melton Mowbray, this railway is home to the UK based, world famous, 10 1/4" gauge railway.
History
Stapleford Miniature Railway was the creation and inspiration of the Second Lord Gretton of Stapleford Park. The stately house and gardens of Stapleford Park had been opened to the public, by Lord Gretton in 1953. The first line of the railway was opened on May 18, 1957 and ran from the old stable hill station and car park to the main hall. Lord Gretton wishing to offer the public added attractions, took advantage of an advertisement he saw offering two second - hand, David Curwen 4-4-2 steam locos, six coaches and 2,000 feet of track.
Over a period of years Lord Gretton along with his son John, the Third Lord Gretton expanded the lines and even built scale model replicas of the liners, the SS "Northern Star" and SS "Southern Cross," The largest scale passenger carrying ships in the world, which sailed on the lake. Stapleford Park soon established itself as a very popular tourist attraction which began in the 50's and continued until 1982.
The Second Lord Gretton's death in 1982, saw the Estate and railway closed to the public. At the end of that season, the Third Lord Gretton, put the railway into safe storage and in 1985, the house was sold and is now a top country hotel owned by Peter De Savary. The railway and Estate remained within the Gretton family and almost everything remained untouched.
Sadly the Third Lord Gretton's untimely death in 1989, appeared to be the death knoll of the railway but his dreams were never forgotten. A small group of enthusiasts that had been connected with the original operations pondered the idea of restoring the railway to it's former glory. Lady Jenny Gretton agreed and in 1992, the 'Friends of the Stapleford Miniature Railway' was formed with Lady Gretton as Chairman. With a lot of hard work, reconstruction and dedication, the railway held it's first public open day in August 1995, for the first time since 1982.
The Railway Today
The estate remains within the Gretton family and the railway is operated and maintained by the FSMR. The railway opens for just two special Steam weekends a year in aid of LOROS - The Leicestershire and Rutland Organisation for the Relief of Suffering. This local charity, provides hospice care and support for terminally ill patients and their families and dedicates itself to providing the highest standards of care.
