The North Eastern Railway (NER), formed in 1854 by amalgamation, at the time was the largest railway company in the country and controlled the East Coast Main Line from Knottingley, south of York, through Darlington to Berwick-upon-Tweed. When they approached the S&DR with a proposal to merge, the S&DR deciding they preferred a merger with the NER than eventually become part of the LNWR, entered negotiations.
The North Eastern Railway (NER), established in 1854 through consolidation, at that time was the biggest railway company in the nation and managed the East Coast Main Line from Knottingley, south of York, to Darlington and Berwick-upon-Tweed. When they approached the S&DR with a proposal for a merger, the S&DR preferring a union with the NER over eventually becoming part of the LNWR, initiated discussions.