Description:A view from the down (northbound) platform of Stoke Station. The photographer noted that "smoke from (steam) engines makes it dull". Soon after the photograph was taken, the lines were electrified (1967) and the four tracks reduced to three and later, two. The up (southbound) platform on the right has several trolleys laden with parcels and mail awaiting the next train. They are clustered around the newsstand and bookstall commonly found on railway stations. To the left is the arched access to the platforms from the booking hall. The platforms are spanned by a glazed roof built in 1893.
Just visible over the northbound track is a water crane and hose, used to supply water to steam engine tanks or tenders.