In the 19th century the ancient town of Tenterden sat on its ridge commanding the High Weald of rolling clay hills, reflecting on past glories as the tide of the industrial revolution swept past it. Craving a railway connection, this belatedly came about through the creation of a Light Railway, the first fruit of new legislation and the creative mind of engineer and manager Holman F. Stephens.
The resultant Rother Valley Railway expanded to become the Kent & East Sussex Railway. Enjoying modest prosperity until the coming of the motor age it served the town and its surrounding countryside well. Remaining fiercely proud and independent until government takeover and closure in the 1950s, the railway developed great charm and character which is reflected in the heritage railway it has become today.
Brian Janes, curator of the railway’s museum, draws on his extensive research and knowledge to give a concise picture of the life and importance of the railway to its rural area. Well-illustrated throughout with archive black & white photographs. 64 pages.