London and Croydon Railway
The London and Croydon Railway (L&C) - an Atmospheric Railway
The company was incorporated in 1835
1839 June 5th. The line to West Croydon opened. Much of the route follows the alignment of the former Croydon Canal, which was closed by Act of Parliament in 1836. West Croydon railway and bus stations stand on the site of the old canal basin.
1839 The London and Croydon Railway started to run into their own station at London Bridge on 5 June; this had a wooden trussed pitched roof, 56 ft by 212 ft, and was situated just to the north of the London and Greenwich Railway's station.
1840 the line had stations at New Cross, Dartmouth Arms, Sydenham, Anerley, Jolly Sailor near Beulah Spa and that part of Norwood. Fares ranged from 1s 9d to 1s 3d for a one-way journey.
1845 The L&C inaugurated the atmospheric system of propulsion; it worked for about a year but was not a success, so the pipes were removed,. The stationary engine-house still remains at Forest Hill railway station and the West Croydon pumping station was relocated to form part of the Surrey Street waterworks building, which still exists.
1846 July 27th. The L&C amalgamated with the London and Brighton Railway as the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway.
See Also
Sources of Information
- Bradshaw’s Railway Companion 1840