Incorporated by act of 5th May 1837. Under act of 1846 (9 & 10 Vic, cap.268), Sheffield, Ashton under Lyne & Manchester Railway Company; Great Grimsby & Sheffield Junction Rly. Co; Sheffield & Lincolnshire Junction Rly. Co; Sheffield & Lincolnshire Extension Rly. Co; and Grimsby Dock Co., were amalgamated to form Manchester, Sheffield & Lincolnshire Railway Company.

By act of 9th July 1847, Manchester & Lincoln Union Railway Company and Chesterfield & Gainsborough Canal Company were united with Manchester, Sheffield & Lincolnshire Railway Company. Latter company was re-incorporated under Consolidating Act of 1st August 1849, and by Great Central Railway Act of 3rd June 1897 name of Company was changed from 1st August 1897 to Great Central Railway Company. Great Central Railway Company was vested in London & North Eastern Railway Company as from 1st January 1923 by virtue of North Eastern, Eastern & East Scottish Group Amalgamation Scheme 1922 dated 30th December 1922