It is the nearest station to the National Tramway Museum at Crich; there is a steep uphill walk of about 1 mile (1.6 km) from the station to the museum.[3]
The station was moved to its present location in 1894, when its name became Whatstandwell; the platform at the original station still exists. The area was used as a goods yard after the present station was built. The contractor for the new station was W.C. Hardy of Derby.[5] The new station opened on 11 November 1894.[2]
On 4 October 1853, a luggage train was on its way from Rowsley to Ambergate; at Whatstandwell, it was put into a siding to collect some empty wagons. It derailed and a breakdown crew was sent for from Derby. With this assistance, the train was re-railed and set off for Ambergate. The breakdown train, which had come from Derby, was standing on the wrong line for returning to Derby. Instead of continuing for half a mile to cross onto the correct line, they were determined to return to Derby on the wrong line, calculating that they would get back before anything started out from Derby. They ignored the rules of the company which required a fireman walking 800 yards in advance of the train and proceeding at a walking pace; instead, they travelled at full speed.[6]
They collided with another engine and Michael Barker, a fireman, was killed. Samuel Kent, George Cawood and John Smeeton were indicted for his manslaughter. They were found guilty at the Midland Assizes on 18 March 1854. Kent was sentenced by Lord Chief Justice Jervis to 18 months’ imprisonment and hard labour; the others were given 12 months each.[7]
Facilities
One of the platform planters maintained by the station adopters
The station has a single platform, which has direct access from the station car park and the A6 road. Additionally, a footbridge crosses the railway line and gives access to the Cromford Canaltowpath and to a bridge over the canal to Main Road, the village and Crich Tramway Village.[8]
There is a shelter and ticket machine on the platform; tickets can also be also purchased from the guard on the train. There is no ticket office or toilets and the station is generally unmanned.[8]
A team of volunteers from the village helps to maintain the station and car park.[citation needed]
Service
Whatstandwell station, with the tunnel in the background
The typical off-peak service is one train per hour in each direction between Matlock and Nottingham, via Derby. On Sundays, the station is served by one train every two hours in each direction in the morning, increasing to hourly in the afternoon.[9]
