Luton Hoo railway station was built by the Hertford, Luton and Dunstable Railway on the branch line between Hatfield and Dunstable. It opened in 1860 and was originally called New Mill End. In 1861 the station and line was taken over by the Great Northern Railway. The Prince of Wales, the future George V, who had travelled by special train from King's Cross alighted at the station on 5 December 1878 on a visit to Luton Hoo. A crowd cheered the Prince on his arrival. A carpet was laid along the station platform over which a wooden roof decorated with evergreens and scarlet cloth was erected. The station's name was changed to Luton Hoo in 1891. It was closed in 1965. The last passenger train, packed with enthusiasts, was hauled by Brush Type 2 D5589 on 24 April 1965.