[HER note: The line passes close to and often crosses over the Lincolnshire county border. A large part of the current mapping for this feature actually lies in Peterborough District (particularly to the east of Stamford), but is included to aid understanding of the route.] Railway line running between Syston and Peterborough, passing through Stamford. The Midland Railway Company obtained an Act in 1845, authorizing the construction of the line. It was intended that the route should follow the river through Stamford, but the Marquis of Exeter, who owned most of the land hereabouts, insisted on a cut-and-cover tunnel which avoided a level crossing and kept the railway out of sight of the town, and more importantly, Burghley House where he lived. The tender submitted for £8,700 by Groocock and Yates of Leicester was accepted and work on the railway began in March 1846, supervised by a man called Cleverley. The line from Peterborough to a temporary station at Stamford was completed shortly afterwards, making Stamford the first town in the county to be served by a railway. The deep cutting passing beneath High Street St Martin's was finally completed in March 1847, and the permanent Stamford Town Railway Station was finished and opened in June 1848 (see MLI125712). The line continues in use today. {1}{2}