Spa Valley Railway, West Station, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

The railways grew up fast across Great Britain during the 19th and early 20th century. Train was a popular mode of transport and allowed many, for the first time, to explore other towns and cities. Tunbridge Wells had two stations build by rival companies, Tunbridge Wells Central, opened by the South Eastern Railway 1845 , which is now the main railway station, and Tunbridge Wells West was opened by the London Brighton & South Coast Railway - LB&SCR 1866 and is now the place where the Spa Valley Railway runs from. Around1876, these two stations were linked by a tunnel enabling connections between the London to Brighton and the London to Hastings lines. From Tunbridge Wells West there were direct services to the South coast at Brighton and Eastbourne and north-bound to London Victoria. Passing into the ownership of the Southern railway in 1923, the route became a very popular cross country link with over 100 trains passing a day. Coming under the ownership of British Railways in 1948, Groombridge station was re-signalled and steam gave way to diesel multiple units. Gradually lines began to close all around with the Eridge to Hailsham branch in 1965, the East Grinstead to Groombridge in 1967 and the Uckfield to Lewes line in 1969. Unfortunately as the popularity for the motorcar increased, train services were severely cut back due to the lack of patronage and the Tunbridge Wells to Eridge section closed on 6th July 1985.

Rubrik: Fotogalerien (privat) :: Eisenbahnen -

http://www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk/