There is a great deal that is interesting about this early twentieth century postcard. It shows the High Tor, the High Tor Tunnel and the large gasometer on the Starkholmes side of the line.

There are actually two trains shown on the main line as a second train is waiting at the northbound platform whilst the Midland Express, with its distinctive "Derby Red" (or crimson lake) livery, steams southwards towards Cromford and then Derby. Matlock Bath was more than just a passenger station and several goods wagons are in the sidings of the station yard. There are no signals close to the points and the adjacent sidings and it is impossible to see the position of signal box, which would give a clearer idea of when this picture dates from^[1]. Presumably the white boxes close to the points are linked to the signals.

Whilst it is quite hard to date the postcard precisely it is possible it is from about 1906-08. Comparisons with late nineteenth century photographs show the station to be very similar^[1]. Drabble's Timber Yard is on the left. George Drabble began advertising at Matlock Bath in 1891 as "timber merchant and saw mills, Railway station" and the last reference to him at the station was about 1916^[2].

The railway engine, a Class 3P 4-4-0, could have been built in the 1890's as the distinctive tall funnel and the extended footplate at the front of the engine's boiler marks it as an extremely early style; the life of such engines was twenty or more years. The driver's cab is very open and has spectacle glasses as windows^[3]. The express is heading a uniform rake of Buin clerestory coaches^[4]. These coaches appeared around 1904^[4], which is why the date of 1906-08 is suggested.

Midland Express trains no longer steam through Matlock Bath on their way to Manchester or London and haven't done so since the days of Dr. Beeching. There is now only a single track for the trains and the footbridge to the platform on the other side has long gone - there is no platform either.   On the right is a recent photograph of the booking hall and platform. Below it is a second view of the booking hall, but looking southwards down the platform. Key's Field can be seen top right.

More information is elsewhere on this website.

Bemroses' Guide dates from about 1869 and published the following:
Engraving of High Tor Tunnel, shows the railway station building (at the bottom of the page)
Tourist Tickets on the Midland Railway
Weekend Fares on the Midland Railway

Railway Cards of Derbyshire Scenes - more Midland Railway cards, but not the same publisher