The Railway Inn
The name clearly suggests that this inn, with its links to the railway, is the most recently-established of the inns of Ancaster. The Grantham to Sleaford Railway (with a station at Ancaster) did not open until June 1857. In 1860, John Newton was an agent, advertising1 coal for sale at Ancaster Station, but in May 1862, he placed an advertisement2 inviting contractors to submit tenders for the building of a Public House, together with a stable and cart shed, on ground near the railway station at Ancaster. In 1863 John Newton, advertised3 coal for sale at his coal depot, with coke and oilcake also being available. He gave his address as the Railway Hotel, Ancaster Station. John Newton continued to supply coal to Ancaster, and in 1871, he and his wife, Ellen were recorded as being resident at the Railway Hotel. Ellen Newton was still innkeeper at the Railway Hotel/Inn in 1901.
After the Railway Inn opened its doors there would have been four fully-licensed inns in Ancaster, as well as two beerhouses. The three other inns which operated during the nineteenth century were the Angel Inn, the Red Lion Inn and the Butcher's Arms.
1. Grantham Journal 21 Jan. 1860
2. Grantham Journal 24 May 1862
3. Stamford Mercury 18 Dec. 1863