There will be an end-on link with the Kent and East Sussex at Bodiam enabling through running. It's GRAYGATE! (then known as the Rother Valley Railway) was opened in 1900 from Robertsbridge on the S.E.R. 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. 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. The K&ESR acquired a horse-drawn van and two drays in 1916. [4] Stephens attained the rank of lieutenant colonel in the Territorial Army (TA) in 1916 and was subsequently known as Colonel Stephens. But the project has found support among Tenterden residents because of its potential to bring in visitors from London and boost tourism. 32655 was replaced by O1 31065 and 32678 banked the train to St Michael's. Body scrapped in 1976. It opened in 1900 and was extended to TenterdenTown station in 1903 (the original terminus was renamed Rolvenden), and through to a junction at Headcorn on the SE&CR . Number 107 in the K&ESR stocklist. 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. Supporters include Network Rail and the National Trust, which will gain a rail link to the 14th century moated Bodiam Castle. BBC's 1million star Zoe Ball, 52, lands big new payday for Abba show on ITV. 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. 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. One probably carried a number between 11 and 14. The Rother Valley section continued for goods with one morning and one afternoon service. Revealed: The top 10 fastest-growing destinations for UK pensioners retiring overseas. Situated at Tenterden is the Colonel Stephens Railway Museum. June 14, 2022; indigo child symbol 1426 was loaned to the Kent & East Sussex Light Railway in 1943. The K&ESR settled into a period of greater quietude, useful primarily to the farmers and small tradesmen in the locality, as well as those travellers who were not on a bus route. Plan meals, try new foods and explore cuisines with tested recipes from the country's top chefs. The Great Robertsbridge Train Robbery: Families accuse railway line stealing their farm land for a 7million extension project using a compulsory purchase order allowing companies to buy. This branch line closed to passenger traffic in 1954. Purchased secondhand in 1901. The Inspector will submit a report to the Secretary of State, with recommendations. In a statement this week RVR chairman Gardner Crawley said: Their fears will be addressed as the scheme progresses and it is to be hoped that the economic benefits of the scheme will become apparent. 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. 2655 was loaned from 1939 to 1945, 2678 was loaned in 1940. In addition are a number of other wagons and carriages undergoing or awaiting restoration. Plans for the missing central part of the route are well advanced, despite being hampered by the A21 trunk road crossing the track bed, the need for some very expensive bridge works and the necessity to purchase the route from landowners. are honey nut cheerios high in oxalates. This is the reconstructed Robertsbridge Junction station, adjacent to the Network Rail station. [15], The Kent & East Sussex Light Railway was operated as two separate sections, Robertsbridge - Tenterden Town and Tenterden Town - Headcorn. Headcorn was remodelled by the Southern Railway in 1930 to provide two through roads and the junction was then moved to the Tonbridge side of the station. Kent & East Sussex Railway This was the quintessential Stephens' light railway and was always the heart of his empire. When this extension fever was over, the K&ESR was established as a growing and mostly profitable concern. Several bridges need to be rebuilt between Northbridge Street and Junction Road, and three road crossings made, including the A21 Robertsbridge by-pass. Two freight trains a day continued to run, with hop-pickers' specials operating until 1958. kent and east sussex railway extension to robertsbridge. Preservation activities began immediately. Heady ideas of commanding enough finance to build lines to Rye, Cranbrook and Pevensey, all authorised over 1898-1900, together with Maidstone in 1905-06, faded. Ministers in clash as farmers fear Britain will be flooded with cheap Mexican and Canadian meat Britain's Special Forces are banned from TikTok and other apps amid fears their accounts could be Mamma Mia! By June 2012, this further extension was also completed. Southern Railway No 3334 loaned to the Kent & East Sussex Light Railway in 1938 when No 4 was sent to. 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). ', Neighbouring 440-acre Parsonage Farm has been in Andrew Hoad's family since the 1880s. It's not as though we're putting a new line across virgin land there was a railway there until the 1960s.'. Simultaneously the South Eastern & Chatham (SE&CR), decided to rid itself of an obligation to build its long envisaged line to Tenterden. (Pic: Colin Tyson) The Rother Valley Railway's public enquiry result about the planned route extension to Bodiam, in East Sussex, has been delayed yet again! Posted by Chris Graham on 20th November 2021, The Rother Valley Railways awaiting trains from Tenterden. Originally numbered, Built as a Wolseley Siddeley motor car. For the opening . 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. May have carried No. They say it could put Robertsbridge, which dates to 1176 when a Cistercian abbey was founded, back on the map. 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]. The final passenger train ran on 2 January 1954. The railway runs between Tenterden Town and Bodiam . This line would have run from Headcorn via Sutton Valence to Tovil, where running powers over part of the Medway Valley Line would have allowed access to Maidstone. Robertsbridge, East Sussex, TN32 5DG telephone: 01580 881833 RVR e-mail: . On 16 March 2017, Rother District Council granted planning permission for the reinstatement of the line between Northbridge Street and Junction Road. He entered into negotiations with the Southern Railway aimed at disposing of worn out stock and obtaining serviceable replacements. The RVR agreed to build and operate a line to Headcorn, in return for a financial guarantee to make up any losses. Built by the London and South Western Railway Ex Southern Railway No. A charity, supported by a society of volunteers, is attempting to re-establish the railway link. Locals are in revolt over the proposed expansion of the historic train route. 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. A proposal was promoted in 1900 to build a line from Robertsbridge to Pevensey, which was to be worked by the Rother Valley Railway. Credit: Richard Crease/Alamy Live News. 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. We will be applying for final permission now from the Department of Transport which will require an Act of Parliament. Since 1991, the Rother Valley Railway has been acquiring parts of the trackbed as and when possible. The Rother Valley Railway (RVR) is a heritage railway project based at Robertsbridge in East Sussex, England. 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. With the increase in price for scrap metal during the war, most of the line's surplus stock was scrapped. The two Terriers then ran back to Robertsbridge with a carriage between them to reduce the weight on the bridges. This is a popular exhibit amongst children visiting the museum, many of whom delight in the collection of old railway magazines and timetables. Transport Secretary Chris Grayling has made the decision to delay the public inquiry into reinstating a two-mile section of line that would join the heritage Kent & East Sussex Railway to the mainline at Robertsbridge junction in East Sussex. The name of the railway was changed in 1904 to the Kent & East Sussex Light Railway. 10th May 2021. It was released from government control in 1921, and 1,487 in compensation was paid. Purchased secondhand in 1906. To compete for passengers Stephens then brought in some railmoters to supplement the existing somewhat minimalist steam services established during the Great War. The work was overseen by Holman F Stephens, who was appointed general manager in 1899 and managing director in 1900. Purchased new in 1904, seated 46. This inquiry was scheduled to begin on 26 May 2020, was deferred, and eventually began in July 2021. Three compartment brake third. Supplied new in 1901 for the opening of the line. Passenger traffic and the operation of the Headcorn extension ceased in 1953 and the railway closed completely in 1961. The preserved railway has had a tempestuous history, with two financial crises and disputes between the volunteer group and their elected board of trustees. The latter section was lifted and became abandoned in the mid 1970s. The first official train ran on the weekend of 19/20 March 2011. It will serve Brent Cross and the northern parts of Cricklewood and Dollis Hill areas of north London. Purchased secondhand in 1905. [3], The Tenterden Railway was the next to be proposed, running from Maidstone to Hastings via Headcorn, Tenterden, and Appledore. The final working was the 7.55 am working from Robertsbridge on Saturday 10th June 1961 followed the next day by a rail tour. In March 1903 the old (Tenterden) terminus was renamed Rolvenden and the railway was extended 1.5 miles to the present Tenterden Town station. Tickets for other lines under Colonel Stephens's control were also printed here.[13]. . With some additional help from the mainline railways in the form of deferred debts, it continued. The heritage railway runs from Tenterden Town station through the Rother Valley to Bodiam. From 2009 to 2010 the RVR with help from K&ESR and volunteers were able to complete the 1 mile (1.6km) extension westwards from near Bodiam station, through Quarry Farm, to the B2244 (Junction Road). / 51.5687; -0.2269. 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.. [7], On the outbreak of World War I in 1914, the K&ESR came under government control, as did most railways at the time. In 1935, the K&ESR purchased a 2-ton Bedford LQ lorry, and another was purchased in 1936. 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. K&ESR focussed efforts on the eastern end of the line. Ex LSWR No 0127. At Tenterden visitors can explore the Colonel Stephens Museum, and at the other end of the line admire the castle ruins at Bodiam. On Saturday 26 March 1949, A1 32678 was derailed between Northiam and the Rother Bridge working the 5:50 pm from Bexhill West. The option was not exercised. The reason for this refusal was the Ministry plan to build a by-pass to take the A21 around Robertsbridge. In 1906, the K&ESR purchased a Great Western Railway. Hire purchased in 1924 from Edmonds of Thetford. The Rother Valley Railway proposes to restore the missing rail link between Bodiam and Robertsbridge. Railway experience days are also offered. Purchased secondhand in 1932. All ticket stock was withdrawn and new tickets were printed, and the staffing of stations was increased. Became British Railways property on nationalisation. 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). Owned by the Rother Valley Railway and/or the Kent & East Sussex Light Railway. The extension was built and opened in 1905. 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 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. Plans for a heritage railway extension that would see Tenterden connected to the mainline have come to a temporary halt. The preservationists wanted to reopen the line through to Robertsbridge, but were refused permission by the then Transport Minister Barbara Castle to take over the section between Bodiam and Robertsbridge, despite taking the Minister to the High Court. One such train in 1936 is recorded as having consisted of four Southern Railway bogie carriages, two K&ESR six-wheeled carriages and a van. A small collection of rolling stock is stored at Robertsbridge, with several items undergoing active restoration. Purchased secondhand in 1909. In that year, the first of the locomotives hired from the Southern Railway arrived on the line, this was P Class No.