(HD) Kent & East Sussex Railway opens to Robertsbridge Only track relaying and imported motive power during World War II and at nationalisation in 1948 saved it. In the 1924 book A Parcel of Kent by F J Harvey Darton, the railway described is clearly based on the Kent & East Sussex Railway. Mr Hoad, 67, who runs it with wife Lynn and sons Tom, 38, and Will, 34, said: 'We feel angry at having our land taken from us against our will for what can only be termed a vanity project. With some additional help from the mainline railways in the form of deferred debts, it continued. Hire purchased in 1924 from Edmonds of Thetford. Acquired in 1936. [16], Between 1928 and 1933, a through coach was added to the 5:15 pm from Cannon Street to Hastings, which was detached at Robertsbridge and worked on to Tenterden. Still in regular use in the 1930s. ', At the local pub, the Salehurst Halt, landlady Karen Collier-Keywood, 59, said: 'Our village has always been about community. The Kent and East Sussex Railway is a preserved steam railway which makes for an excellent family day out. Ci sono 5 modi per andare da Ardingly a Rye in treno, bus, taxi o in macchina. Afternoon Tea, Lunch and Evening Dining trains, Treat mum to something special this Mothers Day. A wind pump was provided at the Headcorn end of the station. Difficulties in raising capital caused delays. Double-heading was prohibited between Rolvenden and Robertsbridge.[13]. Supporters include Network Rail and the National Trust, which will gain a rail link to the 14th century moated Bodiam Castle. The renamed Kent &. The locomotive works is located at Rolvenden station and has a viewing platform overlooking the works yard and a selection of former inter-modal shipping containers used for equipment storage. Built in 1906 using the bodies of two of the Hurst Nelson carriages on a new underframe. It supplied a water tower located at the Robertsbridge end of the station. [5], The South Eastern Railway abandoned its plans to build the Cranbrook to Appledore line; the scheme was adopted by the Rother Valley Railway. Supplied new in 1901 for the opening of the line. classicsworld.co.uk, TILT Digital Agency WordPress Designers and Developers in Kent. The railway runs between Tenterden Town and Bodiam . Two landowners remain resistant to selling the necessary agricultural land for railway development, and the plans for a level crossing on the A21 in particular has caused local controversy. Scrapped in 1941. The line was an alternative supply route to the south coast, and relieved some of the pressure on Ashford. Purchased secondhand in 1909. It's not as though we're putting a new line across virgin land there was a railway there until the 1960s.'. Sold in 1909 to the. 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. 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. Then operated by the K&ESR until withdrawn in 1924 and stored. Rother Valley Railway (RVR) says it is delighted that its application for restoration of the Northbridge Street to Junction Road section of the Robertsbridge to Bodiam Reconnection Project has been approved by Rother District Council (RDC). Published: 22:00, 11 May 2018 | Updated: 22:36, 11 May 2018. But opponents fear it will leave an 'ugly scar' on the landscape, harm wildlife habitats and destroy the area's tranquillity. Speed was to be limited to 15 miles per hour (24km/h), but under the terms of the Act was soon raised to 25 miles per hour (40km/h). Ex Southern Railway No. Rail mounted guns were stationed at Rolvenden and Wittersham. A pair of railcars, purchased in 1930. 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. Kent & East Sussex Railway - Tenterden - Northiam - Bodiam Body scrapped in 1976. The Kent & East Sussex Railway was one of the light railways operated by Colonel H.F. Stephens, the railway engineer. The first railbus was introduced in 1923. The line closed the following day, apart from a short stretch at Robertsbridge serving Hodson's Flour Mill, which became a private siding. Built by the London and South Western Railway in 1892 as No. . If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. The RVR also owns a steam locomotive, Charwelton, which works on the K&ESR but is currently under overhaul at Rolvenden. Designed to serve rural villages, the railway opened in 1900 and originally ran between Robertsbridge and Tenterden. 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. Originally numbered. [10], In 1931, Colonel Stephens died, and the management of the K&ESR came under the control of William Henry Austen, who had been assistant and life-partner to Stephens for a number of years. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Limited efforts to improve and integrate the K&ESR into the national system soon come to an end and the writing was on the wall for closure. Our Education Directory has everything you could possibly need! He entered into negotiations with the Southern Railway aimed at disposing of worn out stock and obtaining serviceable replacements. To compete for passengers Stephens then brought in some railmoters to supplement the existing somewhat minimalist steam services established during the Great War. Although the Rother Valley Railway and the Kent & East Sussex Light Railway originally ran separate passenger and freight trains, by the 1920s mixed trains were the norm. A charity, supported by a society of volunteers, is attempting to re-establish the railway link. Ex LSWR No 0127. Once that is secured we will be working towards a spring 2019 target date to finish the work.. Scrapped in 1948. The work was overseen by Holman F Stephens, who was appointed general manager in 1899 and managing director in 1900. There is also a small collection of historic railway vehicles in various stages of preservation. 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. In 1864, a proposed railway from Paddock Wood via Cranbrook and Tenterden to Hythe (the Weald of Kent Railway) also failed to obtain its Act of Parliament. K&ESR focussed efforts on the eastern end of the line. The Kent and East Sussex Railway (K&ESR) refers to both a historical private railway company in Kent and East Sussex in England, as well as a heritage railway currently running on part of the route of the historical company. The decision follows requests from Highways England and the Office of Road and Rail for additional traffic impact studies to be carried out into the effects of installing a crossing on the A21, at Northbridge Street, East Sussex, which would be needed to build the extension. The contract for the construction of the line was won by London and Scottish Contract Corporation, who sub-contracted the work to Godfrey and Siddelow. The option was not exercised. Could be used on either passenger or freight trains. The railway has cited improved public transport links from passengers on the main-line Charing Cross to Hastings route to access the heritage route to Tenterden, currently the largest town in Kent without a railway connected to the main line. In April 2021, Rother District Council granted planning permission for the installation of the turntable at the Robertsbridge site, a few hundred yards north of the platform and next to the planned loco shed. Acquired in 1936. Purchased secondhand in 1901. December 2016 saw the reconnection of the RVR to the Network Rail system some 50 years after closure. ', End of the line:Those behind the current bid by the Rother Valley Railway, or RVR, argue it will attract an extra 50,000 visitors annually and add 4.1million a year to the local economy. Preservationists fought hard to secure this unique line . Railroad Company. Renumbered 1934 in 1912 and again renumbered 2640 in 1923. The line from Tenterden to Headcorn Junction opened to traffic on 15 May 1905. The final working was the 7.55 am working from Robertsbridge on Saturday 10th June 1961 followed the next day by a rail tour. Renumbered 3550 in 1912 and again renumbered to 6413 in 1923. (Pic: Colin Tyson) In 1898, the proposal was abandoned in favour of extending the Cranbrook and Paddock Wood railway to Tenterden and Appledore. RM E0YC0N - Robertsbridge Junction, the future terminus of the Kent and East Sussex Railway now being constructed at Robertsbridge station. Bad floods probably delayed the opening of the line, which finally opened to goods traffic on 26th March and to passengers on 2nd April. Mrs Ainslie said: 'It is purely the whim of an organisation of train enthusiasts who feel they have the right to take something for their own gratification. The second-hand replacement stock obtained was at the time superior to virtually everything available on most rural branch lines. The extension to Tenterden Town opened on 15 April 1903. The Inquiry has now closed and the Inspector is writing up his . Purchased by the East Kent Light Railway in 1926. Four cattle wagons were purchased in 1904, and another was purchased in 1928. In addition are a number of other wagons and carriages undergoing or awaiting restoration. Great Western Railway 0-6-0 Dean Goods War Department Nos WD195, WD196 and WD197 were used on the Kent & East Sussex Light Railway between 1941 and 1943 when rail mounted rocket guns were stationed at Rolvenden and Wittersham. 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). KENT AND EAST SUSSEX RAILWAY - 30 Photos - Yelp Seleziona un'opzione qui sotto per avere indicazioni dettagliate e confrontare i prezzi del biglietto e i tempi di viaggio nel pianificatore di viaggio di Rome2rio. This inquiry was scheduled to begin on 26 May 2020, was deferred, and eventually began in July 2021. Two compartment brake third. Rother Valley Railway - Gateley At the Eastern end RVR has rebuilt this section of the railway from Bodiam to Junction Road so KESR was able to start running passenger trains in 2011. THE KENT & EAST SUSSEX RAILWAY - transportsofdelight The railway went into by receivership in 1932. Completion of the railway line between Bodiam and Robertsbridge Junction Station adjacent to the mainline railway will enable visitors to use the country's public transport system to access the Kent & East Sussex Railway and the attractions it serves. The heritage railway runs from Tenterden Town station through the Rother Valley to Bodiam. Built by the London and South Western Railway Ex Southern Railway No. The original route, between Robertsbridge and Headcorn in Kent, opened in 1900 and was shut in 1961. Kent & East Sussex Railway (Tenterden) - All You Need to - Tripadvisor Rother Valley Railway (Bodiam to Robertsbridge Junction) Order. A separate railway preservation effort, the Rother Valley Railway, is restoring track at the western end between Robertsbridge Junction and Bodiam. The Rother Valley Railway proposes to restore the missing rail link between Bodiam and Robertsbridge. 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. The name of the railway was changed in 1904 to the Kent & East Sussex Light Railway. What's for dinner? Revealed: The top 10 fastest-growing destinations for UK pensioners retiring overseas. Trying to find the right nursery, school, college, university or training provider in Kent or Medway? [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. A familiar and friendly face on our platforms, volunteer Geoff has reached the finals of this prestigious Visit England award but only your votes can help him win. Controversially the railway extension requires the compulsory purchase of land at two East Sussex farms Parsonage Farm at Robertsbridge owned by the Hoads and Moat Farm near Salehurst owned by the Ainslies, who have set up a Facebook page The Great Robertsbridge Train Robbery to oppose the expansion. The planning approval is for the central two mile section of the railway to be restored, which has been granted despite concerns from some about level crossings and excessive parking in Robertsbridge. 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. 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. [15], The Kent & East Sussex Light Railway was operated as two separate sections, Robertsbridge - Tenterden Town and Tenterden Town - Headcorn. The application will then be decided by the Secretary of State. All ticket stock was withdrawn and new tickets were printed, and the staffing of stations was increased. Kent & East Sussex Railway extension public inquiry delay Purchased secondhand in 1909. RVR, which would pay 10 per cent above the market value of the land, is already building a heritage railway station opposite Robertsbridge mainline station and track has been laid for about half a mile towards the two farms. 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". On 16 March 2017, Rother District Council granted planning permission for the reinstatement of the line between Northbridge Street and Junction Road. Body later used as a shed on a farm, where it survived until 1964. Most of the permanent way between Northiam and Bodiam has now been rebuilt to modern standards. kent and east sussex railway extension to robertsbridge Simultaneously the South Eastern & Chatham (SE&CR), decided to rid itself of an obligation to build its long envisaged line to Tenterden. kent and east sussex railway extension to robertsbridge Their extension by West_Stanley Fri Nov 23, 2012 4:20 am They're extending to their original terminus at Robertsbridge, about 4 miles away from their current one at Bodium. An 1877-built six-wheel hand-operated crane and match truck were purchased c1919. In 2012 a plan to reconnect the RVR to the national railway network once more was announced, and this connection opened in 2016. The railway was reconnected to the Network Rail (NR) mainline in December 2016 to permit stock transfers, and use of the RVR by NR plant for training and other purposes; and the newly installed turntable can also be accessed. The Inspector will submit a report to the Secretary of State, with recommendations. In 1904, the Headcorn and Maidstone Junction Light Railway was authorised. The railway runs between Tenterden Town and Bodiam. The Light Railways Act 1896 allowed for cheaper construction methods in return for a speed restriction. The financial position has since improved. The Rother Valley Railway's awaiting trains from Tenterden. Purchased new in 1904, seated 48. They're spending a lot of money at the Robertsbridge end, renewing bridges, building a station and other buildings. Operated under contract by William Hook & Son until the firm ceased trading in 1916. Scrapped in 1948. 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. This awaits a public inquiry.[22]. Plans for a heritage railway extension that would see Tenterden connected to the mainline have come to a temporary halt.