Rainhill formerly Kendrick's Cross
(1830 - )

Rainhill has an important place in railway history, as the location of the Rainhill Trials making it one of the oldest railway stations in the world, opening in 1830

The trials were held in October 1829 for the nearly completed Liverpool and Manchester Railway. five engines competed - Cycloped, Novelty, Perseverance, Rocket and Sans Pareil, running back and forth along a mile length of level track at Rainhill

Stephenson's Rocket was the only locomotive to complete the trials averaging twelve miles per hour hauling thirteen tons and was declared the winner and received £500 prize money. The Stephensons were accordingly given the contract to produce locomotives for the railway

George Stephenson also built the well-known Skew Bridge which was opened in 1830 and carries the Warrington Road (A57) across the railway line near the station. This bridge was the first in the world to cross a railway line at an angle. The bridge is now a listed building

The station is fully staffed throughout the day and the booking office and waiting room (grade-II listed) is on the westbound platform, with a brick shelter on the opposite side and a lattice footbridge linking them. Digital information displays, help points and timetable poster boards are located on each side and there is step-free access to both platforms