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. 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. Scrapped in 1948. 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. Attention then focussed on extending from Robertsbridge to Northbridge Street, and this was followed by work to recast the Robertsbridge section in readiness for the planned eventual join-up with K&ESR's track, once the necessary permissions have been obtained and construction completed. The first railbus was introduced in 1923. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. The results of the delayed public inquiry (due to Covid-19) to extend the Rother Valley Railways route from between the national railway system at Robertsbridge, East Sussex, to the Kent & East Sussex Railways station at Bodiam on the original trackbed, is not now expected until 2022. Body scrapped in 1976. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. 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. In 1935, the K&ESR purchased a 2-ton Bedford LQ lorry, and another was purchased in 1936. Purchased secondhand in 1906. Andrew Hoad, 67, with his two sons Tom 38 (left) and Will 34 (right) who own Parsonage Farm in Robertsbridge, East Sussex where multi millionaire Richard Broyd is trying to extend a heritage steam railway across their land as a 'Vanity Project'. In the hop-picking season, special trains were run to bring the hop-pickers down from London. Bodywork by Eaton Coachworks, Cringleford. [38], The grand cavalcade at Tenterden Town Station during a Steam Gala on the Kent and East Sussex Railway, For details and history of rolling stock on the line since preservation, see, Headcorn and Maidstone Junction Light Railway, Learn how and when to remove this template message, Rolling stock of the Kent & East Sussex Railway (heritage), https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/politics/application-seeks-phased-development-of-rother-valley-railway-3434807, "Miniature Locomotives and Large Exhibits", Kent and East Sussex Railway Co. Ltd. website, Video on Joost: Golden Age of Steam (episode 5) focussing on the heritage railway, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kent_and_East_Sussex_Railway&oldid=1137062740, London, Brighton and South Coast Railway (LBSC), Purchased new in 1905. Fitted with a body similar to those used on buses and sent to the, A pair of railcars. The Southern Railway refused permission for some of the K&ESR carriages to be taken to Lydd in 1947 citing safety reasons. For some, there is no finer sight than a locomotive in full steam chugging majestically through the glorious English countryside. This has now been installed (Spring 2023). In 2010 a further 150yds of track bed was obtained and track was laid to the site of Junction Road Halt adjacent to the B2244 (formerly the A229). It was released from government control in 1921, and 1,487 in compensation was paid. The total cost of the entire project is expected to be somewhere between 6 and 7m. The line opened to Goudhurst in 1892 and Hawkhurst in 1893. [7], On the outbreak of World War I in 1914, the K&ESR came under government control, as did most railways at the time. Still in regular use in the 1930s. The heritage railway runs from Tenterden Town station through the Rother Valley to Bodiam. The work will be financed by private benefactors and RVR says independent studies have shown that the reinstatement of RVR will bring economic benefits in excess of 2m per year to the area. Built by the London and South Western Railway Ex Southern Railway No. Hire purchased in 1924 from Edmonds of Thetford. Components for Operation Pluto were conveyed along the line. 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. kelseymarketplace.co.uk . 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". However the world was in rapid change as ex-army motor lorries and buses flooded the transport market. 10th May 2021. [3], The Tenterden Railway was the next to be proposed, running from Maidstone to Hastings via Headcorn, Tenterden, and Appledore. General agricultural traffic could be considerable, but was very seasonal. RM 2FMJAE2 - Tenterden, UK. This website and its associated newspaper are members of the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). Such workings continued on a diminishing basis until the 1958 season. Although these were light and economical to run, they did not provide much in the way of passenger comfort. The South Eastern and Chatham Railway agreed to make up any operating losses in exchange for an option to purchase the line at any time within the next 21 years from the date of opening. Purchased new in 1904, seated 48. Only the section from the original Tenterden terminus to Tenterden Town was actually built of all these schemes.[6]. 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 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 South Eastern Railway opened its line from Ashford to Hastings on 13 February 1851. Ex LSWR No 0127. Since 1991, the Rother Valley Railway has been acquiring parts of the trackbed as and when possible. kent and east sussex railway extension to robertsbridge. The comments below have not been moderated. Themed events are run through the year. 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. 2714. A proposal was promoted in 1900 to build a line from Robertsbridge to Pevensey, which was to be worked by the Rother Valley Railway. Converted c1909 to a five compartment brake third. An 1877-built six-wheel hand-operated crane and match truck were purchased c1919. Trains first ran again on the Kent & East Sussex Railway on 3 February 1974 between Tenterden to Rolvenden, the line gradually being restored and extended in stages, reaching Wittersham Road in 1977, Northiam in 1990 and finally Bodiam on 2 April 2000, exactly 100 years to the day since the original opening of the line to passengers. By end of 2013, the track had been laid from the newly built platform at Robertsbridge all the way to Northbridge Street over five newly rebuilt bridges, and during 2013 the first steam trains ran along this line since it was closed. Purchased new in 1904, seated 46. The line was an alternative supply route to the south coast, and relieved some of the pressure on Ashford. . Purchased secondhand in 1901. The work was overseen by Holman F Stephens, who was appointed general manager in 1899 and managing director in 1900. Purchased secondhand in 1906. On 1 January 1948, the line became part of Southern Region of British Railways on nationalisation. In 1958, Hastings Diesel Electric Multiple Unit number 1002 underwent load tests between Bodiam and Northiam the only time one of these units visited the line prior to the preservation era. 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. The line was authorised to be built with 56 pounds per yard (27.8kg/m) rails but was actually built with 60 pounds per yard (29.8kg/m) rails. Scrapped in 1948. The route from Tenterden to Bodiam is 10.5 miles. kent and east sussex railway extension to robertsbridge. Bodies used to create bogie carriages in 1906. Supplied new in 1901 for the opening of the line. Horse-drawn van and two drays. It sat for 19 days and concluded on 3 September 2021. 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. A scuffed copy of the Koran. Preservationists fought hard to secure this unique line . At Robertsbridge, a separate railway preservation effort was set up by the Rother Valley Railway in 1990. Formerly a classic rural branch line, it has an interesting history and runs through stunning scenery. 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. 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. In 1904, the Rother Valley Railway changed its name to the Kent & East Sussex Light Railway. The Kent & East Sussex Railway Preservation Society was formed in 1961 following closure of the line by British Railways. [15], The Kent & East Sussex Light Railway was operated as two separate sections, Robertsbridge - Tenterden Town and Tenterden Town - Headcorn. Er zijn genoeg bezienswaardigheden om te bezoeken rond Salehurst and Robertsbridge. Bodies used to create bogie carriages in 1906. Ex South Eastern and Chatham Railway birdcage carriages were put into service on the line, supplementing the ex London and South Western Railway carriages. Nos. Sold in 1909 to the Woolmer Instructional Military Railway, where it lasted until 1940. The Kent and East Sussex Railway is one of the county's top tourist attractions The railway track has been laid on nearly a third of the 3.5-mile route between Robertsbridge and Bodiam. Ex Southern Railway No. With the help of a grant from the Railway Heritage Trust RVR acquired and removed the railway turntable from Hither Green depot in 2020, and following refurbishment this has recently been installed at Robertsbridge. This page was last edited on 2 February 2023, at 16:12. 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). Construction work commenced in 1898 but there were delays with contractors' bankruptcy and it was not until 9th January 1900 that the line was reported complete. But in one idyllic corner of East Sussex, that prospect has got the locals, well, rather steamed up. On 16 March 2017, Rother District Council granted planning permission for the reinstatement of the line between Northbridge Street and Junction Road. Plans for a heritage railway extension that would see Tenterden connected to the mainline have come to a temporary halt. The Tenterden Railway Company is now known as The Kent & East Sussex Railway (K&ESR), as of January 2004. The first train departed at 7:30 am, carrying some 60.2 passengers. 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). 31048, 31064, 31065, 31370, 31390 and 31434, On 9 January 1929, the Ford railmotor was derailed at. The Rother Valley Railway was a standard gauge line from a junction at Robertsbridge in East Sussex, on the SE&CR's Tonbridge-Hastings line, to Tenterden, 12 miles away in Kent. Crucially, however, the two families whose farms would be crossed by the line do not want to sell their land to RVR. 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. In 1932, Austen was appointed Official Receiver for the line. 1555 was loaned in 1947. A 14-year-old autistic boy's naive prank. 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. In 1990, the railway had to remove 200 metres of embankment damaged by badgers. "These are to better understand what effect a level crossing, which would only operate during off-peak hours, would have on the A21.". The railway went into by receivership in 1932. The proposal to build this road was the major reason preventing the acquisition from British Railways of this section of the railway by the Tenterden Railway Company in the 1960s, and the railway land was subsequently sold off to local farmers. [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. Later it was able to achieve charity status, and is led by the Rother Valley Railway Heritage Trust. 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 preserved railway has had a tempestuous history, with two financial crises and disputes between the volunteer group and their elected board of trustees. Difficulties in raising capital caused delays. Afternoon Tea, Lunch and Evening Dining trains, Treat mum to something special this Mothers Day. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. The railway runs between Tenterden Town and Bodiam . Three compartments plus brake. Kent and East Sussex Railway. It also has links to multi-millionaire hedge fund manager Jeremy Hosking, 59, who owns a number of steam locomotives including the Royal Scot. The decision was taken to shut down the passenger service and retain the goods service on the old Rother Valley section only. Some are connected with local history and the railway whilst, as on other heritage lines, Thomas and Santa specials provide a commercial underpinning to the company's activities. 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. kent and east sussex railway extension to robertsbridge. Passenger traffic and the operation of the Headcorn extension ceased in 1953 and the railway closed completely in 1961. The section between Tenterden Town and Headcorn was largely paralleled by roads, and was open to competition from road transport. At both ends of our railway you have so many places to choose from to eat, drink and keep everyone entertained to create a memorable day out whether you are 3 or 93! While the RVR does not yet feature regular passenger trains, the base at Robertsbridge houses a small shop and visitor centre open to the public each Sunday, utilising a building formerly used as the London terminus of the Orient Express. Mr Crawley added: "We are happy to carry out these additional studies and look forward to reassuring these consultees that it will be possible to reinstate the full length of the railway between Tenterden and Robertsbridge, with all the benefits that would bring, without any unduly adverse effects.". Scrapped in 1948. 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. It aims to restore track and services east from the main line railway station to Bodiam. Karen Collier-Keywood, the landlord of the Salehurst Halt Pub in Salehurst. Brighton works between 1872 and 1880. 1325 was loaned in 1946 and No. A: Woolwich Arsenal Railway: 3-plank dropside open Obtained from the Woolwich Arsenal Railway in 1964. June 14, 2022; indigo child symbol Prince Harry interview RECAP: Duke of Sussex fans say his Q&A with Gabor Mate 'should have been longer' Do not sell or share my personal information. 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. No 15 was scrapped in 1948. 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. June 30, 2022 . Credit: Richard Crease/Alamy Live News. Two compartments plus brake. 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. The use of compulsory purchase orders on farmland needed for the new track has even been branded The Great Robertsbridge Train Robbery by campaigners. [1], By the mid 19th century, Tenterden was in the middle of a triangle of railway lines. The diminutive tank locomotives were designed to haul commuter trains on the already heavily congested lines in South and South-East London. One batch of stock disposed of was valued at 855, but realised only 6 10s 0d. Work began on restoration and by April of that year the track was laid. Alexander and Emma Ainslie, both 45, run 220-acre Moat Farm. 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. Southern Railway No 3334 loaned to the Kent & East Sussex Light Railway in 1938 when No 4 was sent to. Tenterden Town station is the main headquarters for the heritage railway, where a book and gift shop can be found, selling Thomas the Tank Engine gifts, the carriage and wagon department and a cafe that was once the Maidstone & District Motor Services bus station building from Maidstone, Kent. The railway line from Rolvenden to Robertsbridge was opened in 1900. 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. Delivered to Rolvenden and used on the line before delivery to the East Kent Light Railway. Once that is secured we will be working towards a spring 2019 target date to finish the work.. These were withdrawn in the mid-1930s. There will be an end-on link with the Kent and East Sussex at Bodiam enabling through running. The vote is open until 20 March so please give him your support: Welcome to the Kent & East Sussex Railway. Next Trains Mothering Sunday - 19-Mar-23 Treat mum to something special this Mothers Day 20 for 20 Appeal Purchased secondhand by 1906. Built by the London and South Western Railway in 1892 as No. A wind pump was provided just outside Headcorn Junction to supply water for the locomotives. Only the section from Tovil to Tovil Goods was ever built. Scrapped in 1948. In 2010, the latter section was further extended to reach Junction Road. Built by London and South Western Railway. 2655 was loaned from 1939 to 1945, 2678 was loaned in 1940. Still in regular use in the 1930s. We are continuing to try to protect this for future generations. One embankment is still visible but is covered by mature oak and other trees. London transport portal. 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. [36] The Kent & East Sussex Railway is the subject of the poem Farmer's Train[37] by Hugh Bevan,[38] illustrated by Rowland Emett,[36] and published in Punch issue dated 3 June 1946. But the project has found support among Tenterden residents because of its potential to bring in visitors from London and boost tourism. One probably carried a number between 11 and 14. In large part by pressure exerted by Stephens and his associates, it was decided to permit Light Railways and the K&ESR did so. They say it could put Robertsbridge, which dates to 1176 when a Cistercian abbey was founded, back on the map. The second-hand replacement stock obtained was at the time superior to virtually everything available on most rural branch lines. 32655 was replaced by O1 31065 and 32678 banked the train to St Michael's. In 1855, a proposed railway from Headcorn via Cranbrook to Tenterden failed to obtain its Act of Parliament. By Victorian standards construction progress was slow. By June 2012, this further extension was also completed. 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. However, in 2011 this plan was dropped in favour of moving directly to a final layout suitable to handle the eventual traffic to and from Tenterden, with no interim railway operations. A month passed before 32678 was recovered. Access to the current KESR is largely made by private car or coach, so the railway would help reduce traffic movements on local rural roads. May have carried No. Built in 1906 using the bodies of two of the Hurst Nelson carriages on a new underframe. The remaining passenger traffic continued to drop and, most importantly, the profitable general merchandise traffic followed. It partially reopened as a heritage railway where the public can enjoy journeys at 25mph on old steam locos and diesel trains 13 years later, running for ten and a half miles from Bodiam to Tenterden. 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. 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. 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. Extensions followed, notably to Wittersham Road in 1977 and Northiam in 1990; then to Bodiam in 2000, and an extra one mile (1.6km) extension to the site of Junction Road halt in 2011. The first train from Rolvenden to Tenterden carried 312. The Kent & East Sussex Railway (K&ESR) refers to both an 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. 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. The line closed the following day, apart from a short stretch at Robertsbridge serving Hodson's Flour Mill, which became a private siding. Purchased in 1923 from Edmonds of. The South Eastern and Chatham Railway, seeking to relieve themselves from building the Tenterden Railway, entered into an agreement with the Rother Valley Railway for the latter to build and operate the line from Tenterden to Headcorn. It will serve Brent Cross and the northern parts of Cricklewood and Dollis Hill areas of north London. Further wagons were hired from Hurst Nelson between 1911 and 1919. A mile of new track has already been laid to the west of Bodiam station, to the site of the former Junction Road Halt. Our Education Directory has everything you could possibly need! . [5], The South Eastern Railway abandoned its plans to build the Cranbrook to Appledore line; the scheme was adopted by the Rother Valley Railway. There is no surviving railway track on either farm. Scrapped in 1941. K&ESR focussed efforts on the eastern end of the line. Mrs Ainslie's grandfather Robert de Quincey bought it in 1946 after returning from three years as a prisoner of war in Burma. The Rother Valley Railway (RVR) is a heritage railway project based at Robertsbridge in East Sussex, England. The East Sussex Light Railway was authorised in 1901. [7] The original Tenterden station was renamed Rolvenden on this date. 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. Locals are in revolt over the proposed expansion of the historic train route. On12th March 1903 a contract to build the Headcorn and upgrade the Rother Valley line was signed, a wise upgrade to meet a successful increase in traffic. By the 1950s passengers were no longer carried on the line and . Hastings line to a temporary terminus, later named Rolvenden, near Tenterden. Railroad Company. 'Few preserved railways would seem to offer better prospects for an increase in With the end of the War, the Transport Act 1947 took powers to acquire all railway undertakings and this spelt the end of the independent K&ESR and indeed its partial closure. 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). Rother Valley Railway chairman Gardner Crawley said the railway had requested that the hearing be delayed so it could gather more information on its impact on traffic.
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