kent and east sussex railway extension to robertsbridge He said: "Although we have managed to satisfy many of the statutory consultees with regards any concerns they may have had about our proposals, Highways England and the Office of Rail and Road have requested additional studies be carried out. The use of compulsory purchase orders on farmland needed for the new track has even been branded The Great Robertsbridge Train Robbery by campaigners. [8] The original junction at Headcorn was on the Ashford side of the station. This has now been installed (Spring 2023). There has been some resistance from two landowners with regard to the proposed reinstatement, while the third missing section of route adjoining Junction Road has now been acquired by RVR Ltd and made ready for tracklaying. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. That was not accompanied by an increase in passengers, and regular passenger services ceased. A proposed roadside tramway from Headcorn to Tenterden suffered the same fate in 1882. Cruise-goers reveal their most terrifying incidents at sea - from watching a ferocious 'You'll be missed forever': Elizabeth Hurley and son Damian share heartfelt tribute to her late ex Shane 'I was a bit of a mess': Amanda Abbington reveals she considered suicide after split from ex Martin Freeman Matt Hancock discussed 'deploying' new virus variant to 'frighten the pants off everyone' as former Health 'So many dead. Only the section from Tovil to Tovil Goods was ever built. The original route, between Robertsbridge and Headcorn in Kent, opened in 1900 and was shut in 1961. The Kent & East Sussex Railway Preservation Society was formed in 1961 following closure of the line by British Railways. Opposition from the South Eastern Railway meant that the Tenterden to Appledore section was dropped. The Tenterden Railway Company is now known as The Kent & East Sussex Railway (K&ESR), as of January 2004. No 15 was scrapped in 1948. These locomotives worked on the line between 1948 and 1961. The Kent and East Sussex Railway is a winding rural steam and diesel light railway that runs for 10 miles on a preserved rail route through the Kent countryside. Kent & East Sussex Railway - Kent & East Sussex Railway The renamed Kent &. The preserved line currently runs from Tenterden Town station to Bodiam (within sight of the National Trust's Bodiam Castle), with an extra one mile (1.6km) of track to the Junction Road station site (though there are currently no plans to re-open for alighting). By the 1950s passengers were no longer carried on the line and . Kent and East Sussex Railway: 12-ton flat Built in 1926 by the London, Midland and Scottish Railway at Newtonheath as a Banana Van. Authorisation was received in December 1899 to build the Cranbrook and Tenterden Light Railway from Cranbrook via Benenden to the Tenterden terminus of the Rother Valley Railway, and to extend further into the town of Tenterden itself. RVR chairman Gardner Crawley, 74, said: 'There's a lot of very wealthy people in East Sussex but parts of it are very deprived and the big employer nowadays is tourism. Kent & East Sussex Railway This was the quintessential Stephens' light railway and was always the heart of his empire. The second-hand replacement stock obtained was at the time superior to virtually everything available on most rural branch lines. It was originally opened, in 1900, as the Rother Valley Railway, with its first stretch of line running from Robertsbridge to Tenterden (the station later being renamed Rolvenden). The railway has suffered from the legacy of Colonel Stephens's cheap and poor construction of the permanent way; thus the preserved railway has sought to update permanent way features, for instance by renewing culverts and embankments. The order of scrapping of the locomotives was 7, 5, 6 (steam railcar), 1, 9, 2 and 8.[7]. What's for dinner? In 2012 a plan to reconnect the RVR to the national railway network once more was announced, and this connection opened in 2016. Southern Railway No 3440 was loaned to the Kent & East Sussex Light Railway in 1940. BBC's 1million star Zoe Ball, 52, lands big new payday for Abba show on ITV. REVEALED: Huge sonic boom felt by thousands across the country was caused by RAF Typhoon jets scrambling to DR ELLIE CANNON: My breast has not got lumps but it's itchy, should I be concerned about cancer at age 72? The Rother Valley Railway proposes to restore the missing rail link between Bodiam and Robertsbridge. The extension to Headcorn had been built with heavier rails than the Robertsbridge - Rolvenden section, and thus had a higher axle loading allowing the use of heavier locomotives. 1325 was loaned in 1946 and No. [7], When World War II broke out in 1939, the K&ESR again came under government control, being placed under the Railway Operating Division of the Royal Engineers. Designed to serve rural villages, the railway opened in 1900 and originally ran between Robertsbridge and Tenterden. Trying to find the right nursery, school, college, university or training provider in Kent or Medway? In large part by pressure exerted by Stephens and his associates, it was decided to permit Light Railways and the K&ESR did so. It's GRAYGATE! A wind pump was provided at Robertsbridge to supply water for locomotives. The railway went into by receivership in 1932. Most of these will be from the Kent & East Sussex Railway as this is one of my personal specialties, but other lines will be included where possible. Purchased secondhand in 1906. The proposed Order is applied for by Rother Valley Railway Limited (RVR), working in partnership with the Kent and East Sussex Railway (K&ESR) which operates an existing heritage railway between Tenterden and Bodiam. The first railbus was introduced in 1923. Correspondence with the Southern Railway in 1930 led to Sir Herbert Walker stating that there was no chance of the line making a profit, and that even if passenger services were withdrawn, it was doubtful whether the receipts from freight traffic would cover operating expenses. The Kent and East Sussex Railway is a preserved steam railway which makes for an excellent family day out. Sadly there have since been no other. Our Education Directory has everything you could possibly need! It takes its name from the original name for what later became the Kent and East Sussex Railway, running from Robertsbridge through to Headcorn in Kent, via Tenterden. Revealed: The top 10 fastest-growing destinations for UK pensioners retiring overseas. The railway runs between Tenterden Town and Bodiam. Kent & East Sussex Railway - Tenterden - Northiam - Bodiam Welcome to the Kent & East Sussex Railway Train Services Sunday 19th March 2023 Give Mum the gift of time travel this Mothers' Day! The end was in sight and traffic decline was now steep. There is also a small collection of historic railway vehicles in various stages of preservation. Bodies used to create bogie carriages in 1906. Supporters include Network Rail and the National Trust, which will gain a rail link to the 14th century moated Bodiam Castle. The line runs through a lightly populated area and was never well . One probably carried a number between 11 and 14. Scrapped in 1948. The next stage now is to seek the required Act of Parliament to secure the final go-ahead for construction of the missing two-mile link to begin. Murdaugh is heckled as he leaves court, Missing hiker buried under snow forces arm out to wave to helicopter, Incredible footage of Ukrainian soldiers fighting Russians in Bakhmut, Fleet-footed cop chases an offender riding a scooter, Two Russian tanks annihilated with bombs by Ukrainian armed forces, Isabel Oakeshott clashes with Nick Robinson over Hancock texts, Dozens stuck in car park as staff refuses to open gate for woman, Insane moment river of rocks falls onto Malibu Canyon in CA. 1426 was loaned to the Kent & East Sussex Light Railway in 1943. The Inquiry has now closed and the Inspector is writing up his . Purchased secondhand in 1932. The controversial 7million scheme, led by rail enthusiasts backed by wealthy and anonymous benefactors, would restore what supporters call the 'missing link' in the Kent and East Sussex Railway, connecting it with the national network on the London to Hastings line. Converted c1909 to a five compartment brake third. Supporters include Tom Lewis, the owner of Morghew Park Estate in Smallhythe Road, who described the heritage K&ESR line that already crosses his land as "a responsible and co-operative neighbour". Kent & East Sussex Railway - Tenterden - Northiam - Bodiam kent and east sussex railway extension to robertsbridge. Subscribe to Old Glory magazine today and receive your first 3 issues for just 5! kent and east sussex railway extension to robertsbridge The Rother Valley Railway's awaiting trains from Tenterden. Purchased secondhand in 1901. In 1900, the Kent & East Sussex railway was built from Tenterden to Robertsbridge giving access to the main line for the rural villages. Purchased new in 1904, seated 32. [5], The South Eastern Railway abandoned its plans to build the Cranbrook to Appledore line; the scheme was adopted by the Rother Valley Railway. This was abandoned in 1899 as it was deemed too expensive to construct, and the South Eastern Railway again backed the Tenterden Railway, but no work was done and powers to construct the line lapsed in 1901.[4]. Start your day off right, with a Dayspring Coffee Formerly a model of its kind the K&ESR was now perceived as a run-down decrepit railway of the greatest charm. This branch line closed to passenger traffic in 1954. 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Still in regular use in the 1930s. A separate Company, the Rother Valley Railway (East Sussex) Ltd, was formed on 22 May 1991 with the approval of the Tenterden Railway Company to reconstruct the railway between Bodiam and Robertsbridge and has since simplified its name to Rother Valley Railway Ltd. RECONSTRUCTING THE KENT & EAST SUSSEX RAILWAY FROM ROBERTSBRIDGE TO BODIAM The RVR Robertsbridge Junction Station site is OPEN Sundays from 10.00 to 16.00 You can get to us at Robertsbridge by main line railway. The train was hauled by the ex LSWR Saddletank No 4. The RVR agreed to build and operate a line to Headcorn, in return for a financial guarantee to make up any losses. The remaining landowners have additionally expressed concern and RVR fully appreciates that a railway crossing their farms represents some disruption. 51.5687N 0.2269W. Several bridges need to be rebuilt between Northbridge Street and Junction Road, and three road crossings made, including the A21 Robertsbridge by-pass. Difficulties in raising capital caused delays. Steam locomotives - Kent & East Sussex Railway Rother Valley Railway - Gateley In 1910 the decision was undertaken to upgrade the rolling stock to more comfortable steam-heated stock and obtain more locomotives. Crucially, however, the two families whose farms would be crossed by the line do not want to sell their land to RVR. They're spending a lot of money at the Robertsbridge end, renewing bridges, building a station and other buildings. Hire purchased in 1924 from Edmonds of Thetford. In 1957, Drewry diesel locomotive 11220 was successfully trialled on the line, and it and 11223 were the regular locomotives for the final years of operation. Renumbered 3550 in 1912 and again renumbered to 6413 in 1923. However, due to difficulties in obtaining the necessary Light Railway (Transfer) Order, it was 1974 before the line partially reopened as a heritage steam railway between Tenterden and Rolvenden. The South Eastern Railway opened its line from Ashford to Hastings on 13 February 1851. Contents 1 Historical company 1.1 Background 1.2 Opening and growth 1.3 Grouping and decline 1.4 British Railways The total cost of the entire project is expected to be somewhere between 6 and 7m. May have carried No. In that year, the first of the locomotives hired from the Southern Railway arrived on the line, this was P Class No. The financial position has since improved. The final passenger train ran on 2 January 1954. kent and east sussex railway extension to robertsbridge Purchased secondhand in 1906. Still in regular use in the 1930s. RVR applied to the Secretary of State for a Transport and Works Act Order on 19 April 2018. Southern Railway No. Purchased secondhand in 1901. Railway experience days are also offered. Scrapped in 1941. RVR has met with the three landowners and will continue to engage with them with a view to acquiring the original track bed by agreement.. Later it was able to achieve charity status, and is led by the Rother Valley Railway Heritage Trust. THE KENT & EAST SUSSEX RAILWAY - transportsofdelight Acquired in 1936. Still in regular use in the 1930s. Last edited on 21 February 2023, at 15:49, Learn how and when to remove this template message, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rother_Valley_Railway&oldid=1140748000, From 1988 until the early 1990s, another "Rother Valley Railway" had a brief existence on the site of, This page was last edited on 21 February 2023, at 15:49. Rolling stock of the Kent & East Sussex Railway (heritage) There was occasional passenger traffic in the form of railtours. On 16th March, 1903 the existing Tenterden station was renamed Rolvenden and the line extended 1 miles to a new terminus at Tenterden Town. Originally numbered. Operated under contract by William Hook & Son until the firm ceased trading in 1916. [2], The Ashford - Hastings line had originally been promoted to run via Headcorn and Tenterden, but the government preferred the more southerly route. kent and east sussex railway extension to robertsbridge This page was last edited on 2 February 2023, at 16:12. Body later used as a shed on a farm, where it survived until 1964. It's not as though we're putting a new line across virgin land there was a railway there until the 1960s.'. As the Great War came to an end the Government decreed that the railways be re-organised into large private companies generally known as 'The Grouping'. By the 1900s, the parish was a thriving community with shops, inns and in addition to agriculture had a number of industries including saw milling, flour . It will serve Brent Cross and the northern parts of Cricklewood and Dollis Hill areas of north London. Scrapped in 1948. The East Sussex Light Railway was authorised in 1901. It was originally opened, in 1900, as the Rother Valley Railway, with its first stretch of line running from Robertsbridge to Tenterden (the station later being renamed Rolvenden). Rail mounted guns were stationed at Rolvenden and Wittersham. Emma Ainslie, 45, and her husband Alexander, 45, who own Moat Farm in Robertsbridge in East Sussex, Rother District Council granted planning permission last year but, crucially, the two families whose farms would be crossed by the line do not want to sell their land to RVR. Kent and East Sussex Railway | Railway Trips in Kent - Visit Kent kent and east sussex railway extension to robertsbridge Once that is achieved money is in place to start the work and if everything progresses to plan the entire 14-mile route from Tenterden to Robertsbridge could be up and running in two years time. The Rother Valley section would always show a favourable margin, however small, but losses on the Headcorn extension climbed to catastrophic levels which, even with the mainline subsidy, could not be sustained. Built by the London and South Western Railway. One embankment is still visible but is covered by mature oak and other trees. The line from Headcorn Junction was opened on 15th May1905 but the expansion programme had come to an end. Sold in 1909 to the Woolmer Instructional Military Railway, where it lasted until 1940. Originally numbered, Built as a Wolseley Siddeley motor car. kent and east sussex railway extension to robertsbridge. Mixed trains continued to run, but were now provided with a brake van. . In 1904 (officially on 1st June), the new title Kent and East Sussex Railway (K&ESR) was adopted, The railway had been an operational and commercial success, but it was probably fortunate that much of the wider network was not built. The railway also appears in the 1940 book Ember Lane by Sheila Kaye-Smith, where it is titled the Sussex Border Railway. The Rother Valley Railway's public enquiry result about the planned route extension to Bodiam, in East Sussex, has been delayed yet again! There will be an end-on link with the Kent and East Sussex at Bodiam enabling through running. The final passenger train over the line before closure was a Locomotive Club of Great Britain railtour on 11 June 1961. General agricultural traffic could be considerable, but was very seasonal. Southern Railway No. / 51.5687; -0.2269. In 1877, the Cranbrook and Paddock Wood Railway was incorporated, and powers obtained to build the northern section of the Weald of Kent Railway to transport agricultural produce and livestock from low-lying land adjacent to Wittersham Road to a better mainline connection. The carriages were required for use in the filming of The Loves of Joanna Godden. The passenger railway finally came to an end on Saturday 2nd January 1954. To British Railways on nationalisation and remained in service on the line. Conceived as the Rother Valley Railway, it opened from Robertsbridge to Rolvenden station (then named Tenterden) in 1900 and subsequently on to Tenterden Town in 1903. The lukewarm reception was partly because of the distance of the station from the town, and partly due to fears that the opening of the light railway from Robertsbridge would prevent a more heavily engineered line being built from Headcorn. With the passing of the Light Railways Act 1896, a group of citizens of Tenterden, led by Sir Myles Fenton proposed a railway from Robertsbridge to Tenterdenthe Rother Valley Railway. Not so shipshape! Three compartment brake third. At the Robertsbridge end of the line, RVR has purchased further land since 2006 and the reconnection between Rother Valley Railway and the Network Rail main line was formally opened by Sir Peter Hendy, chairman of Network Rail in December 2016. For the opening . If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. In addition are a number of other wagons and carriages undergoing or awaiting restoration. Built by the London and South Western Railway Ex Southern Railway No. Kent & East Sussex Railway extension public inquiry delay To British Railways on nationalisation and remained in service on the line. (Pic: Colin Tyson) The first advertised passenger service over this section ran on the weekend of 19/20 March 2011, although services are currently restricted to occasional gala days only. Stationmaster Geoff is Tourism Superstar Award 2023 finalist! Body later used as a shed on a farm, where it survived until 1964.