Local history

The railways in Kent were developed mainly by two companies; the South Eastern Railway (1836 – 1923) and the London, Chatham and Dover Railway (1853 – 1923). They worked in union from 1899 until 1923 when they were both incorporated into the Southern Railway Group. Railways were finally nationalised in 1948.

The railway was electrified between Meopham and Gillingham in 1939 and between Gillingham and Ramsgate in 1959. Chatham, Gillingham (New Brompton) and Rainham stations were opened in 1858 and Rochester was opened at its current location in 1892. Three tunnels had to be constructed at Fort Pitt (428 yards), Chatham (297 yards) and Gillingham (897 yards), as well as a railway bridge over the River Medway between Rochester and Strood.

The line between Strood and Gravesend, (including the tunnel between Higham and Strood), was originally constructed as a canal but was converted for railway use in the 1840s and the complete line from London Bridge to Strood was fully operational by 1849.

The South Eastern Railway opened the Hundred of Hoo railway line in 1882, which terminated in a station at Port Victoria. This was used regularly by Queen Victoria and other members of the royal family when travelling to the continent.

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