Junctions near the town also connect to branches to Nottingham, and to Sleaford and Skegness. The station was opened in 1852, and was built close to the factory of Richard Hornsby & Sons. It is composed of four platforms; platforms 1 and 2 are on the East Coast Main Line and are responsible for express services between London and Scotland. Platform 1 serves exclusively London King's Cross via Peterborough and Stevenage; Platform 2 serves cities of northern England and Edinburgh. Platform 2, 3 and 4 are formed from a large island platform structure. Platform 3 is a bay platform at the northern end of the station that is used to allow local trains to reverse, while Platform 4 is a two-way platform that is used by East Midlands Trains. Only Platform 1 has amenities, including toilets, refresh