Cheddleton Station is one of only three original Churnet Valley Stations to have survived demolition in the 1960s and 1970s (the other two being Rushton and Alton). Built in 1849, the station was reputedly designed by Pugin.
For more information on this popular destination please visit the entries for Churnet Valley Railway in our Attractions directory: http://churnet-valley.guide/attractions/churnet-valley-railway-cheddleton
Railway Water Columns were once an everyday sight on railway stations up and down the UK, offering a source of water for steam locomotives to ensure they never ran out.
The Churnet Valley Railway's charitable support body the "North Staffordshire Railway Company (1978) Ltd" (NSRC) was able to acquire one of the original North Staffs columns from Hanely Station in Stoke-on-Trent which was located on the former Potteries Loop Line. This was moved to the charity's Cheddleton base where it was placed into store until sufficient funding was gained to re-erect it.
Also known as Cheddleton County Mental Asylum, St Edwards Hospital was opened in 1899 by Staffordshire County Council to hold up to 600 mental health patients.
The grounds were landscaped and hundreds of trees were planted. The Asylum was a community in itself with its own bakery, butchers, vegetable gardens, sports ground and burial ground. There was an active social calendar for employees and patients.
