Eridge Station up to 2008
For very many years all services coming south from Ashurst and east from the Three Bridges line turned towards Tunbridge Wells. Passengers were required to change at Groombridge to go south towards Eridge. Although there was a direct line between "Ashurst Junction" and "Birchden Junction" it was only used for the storage of out of service locomotives. It was not until 7 June 1914 that direct services ran between Ashurst and Eridge. Thus a triangle of operational lines was formed in the area.
Groombridge and Tunbridge Wells West lost their passenger services on 6 July 1985 when trains between Eridge and Tonbridge were withdrawn. Eridge remains open, on the line between Uckfield and London, but one side of the station now also serves as a terminus for the Spa Valley service from Tunbridge Wells, which arrived in 2011. In the period between 1985 and 2011 parts of Eridge Station were left in poor condition but it has since been restored to a very high standard.
Separate collections cover (a) Eridge Station up to 2008; (b) Eridge Station 2008 - 2010; (c) Eridge Station 2011 - 2020; (d) Eridge Station from 2021; (e) Forge Farm Crossing; (f) The Birchden, Groombridge and Ashurst Triangle; (g) Groombridge Station; (h) Groombridge Signal Box; (i) East of Groombridge; (j) High Rocks Station; and (k) Tunbridge Wells Station and Shed.
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Lines run south into Eridge around a sweeping bend. In this view north the Network Rail line is on the left and the (then) disused Spa Valley Railway line is on the right. Note the points which provide access to the bay platform and access to a long siding (part of a former goods yard). Furthest from the camera is part of an old cross-over to the Network Rail line. 28.01.2008
Another, almost unchanged, view of the former Platform 1 in 2008. It is a great pity that this platform could not have been used by the Network Rail line. If it had been open it would have been possible (in theory) for the Spa Valley Railway to have had a run-round facility via Platforms 2 and 3. The subsequent extension of the platform and installation of Network Rail apparatus cases has now made any use of this platform impossible. 28.01.2008
In 2008 considerable efforts were being made to clear foliage from the disused platform and the former siding. If a small area of this land had been acquired it would have been possible (in theory) to provide "step-free" access to Platform 1 from the pavement above. This might, in turn, have allowed the steps from the car park obstructing Platform 3 to be removed. 28.01.2008
A low resolution image of Eridge looking south on 17.09.1998 shows that at the time the whole of the trackbed of the disused Platform 1 was covered in undergrowth (extreme right). Note the old Network South East running in board and the weeds on the platforms. The neglected appearance of the platforms was fairly typical of the line in those years.
A 2003 view of Eridge looking south. The single Network Rail line is nearest to the camera. The other island platform would later be used by the Spa Valley Railway. The lamps at the north end of Platform 1 are still in the old red NSE colour scheme and looking very sad. 05.10.2003
A 2005 view taken from the same position, with newly introduced 171802 delivering a few passengers off a southbound Uckfield service. 07.12.2005
In 2005, after an interval to allow a passing move on the double track at Crowborough, 171806 arrives at the same platform with a northbound London Bridge train. 07.12.2005
After a short pause to pick up passengers, 171806 departs north, bound for London Bridge. The units were still very well turned out (note how clean it is below platform level), and, for some, were probably an improvement on the "Thumpers". Enthusiasts tended to miss the older units (it's called nostalgia). 07.12.2005
Eridge, Platform 1, in 2008. This view was intended to show a train, but the loudspeaker had just announced that due to adverse conditions the northbound service was cancelled. The single lady passenger was left with a long wait, and probably wondering about the adverse conditions. They were not apparent. In the meantime she could perhaps inspect the tired paintwork on the building. 28.01.2008
A general view of the station, looking south from the northern end in 2008. The car park was almost full. The station is not in a centre of population, but parking there can be easier than driving into nearby towns to reach a station. In former years there was a goods shed and goods sidings in the car park. 28.01.2008
