Groombridge Station
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and Tunbridge Wells West lost their passenger services on 6 July 1985 when trains between Eridge and Tonbridge were withdrawn.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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A new direction sign fitted opposite Groombridge Station platform, which included reference to the Eridge extension (which opened in 2011). 02.03.2009
Looking west along Groombridge Station platform from the road bridge. 02.03.2009
Looking west at Groombridge Station with a longer lens, showing the new points and signal box under construction. Directly beyond the points is the side of the embankment that was cut back during the track works. 02.03.2009 The signal box has a separate gallery.
Groombridge Station, looking east on 27.03.2011, with the roof installed on the western canopy. 10466
A second view of the almost finished western canopy at Groombridge Station. 27.03.2011 10467
Another view of the almost finished western canopy at Groombridge Station. 27.03.2011 6656
A lovely display of Spring flowers at Groombridge Station. 27.03.2011 6657
A lovely display of Spring flowers at Groombridge Station. 27.03.2011 6662
Waiting for the train. Groombridge Station 27.03.2011 10468
Looking west along the platform at Groombridge Station on 27.03.2011. The refreshment stall is open. 10469
Looking west along the platform at Groombridge Station on 27.03.2011. The signal box was substantially complete and a new bracket signal had been erected (this was subsequently modified). 10471
Groombridge Station looking west. 27.03.2011 6659
The direction sign at Groombridge. 27.03.2011 6660
Looking east along the platform at Groombridge Station on 27.03.2011. The signal box was substantially complete and a new bracket signal had been erected (this was subsequently modified). 6641
Looking east along the platform at Groombridge Station on 27.03.2011. 6651
Groombridge Station platform, looking west. 27.03.2011 6664
The refreshment stall open for service. Groombridge Station 27.03.2011 6661
The refreshment stall open for service. Groombridge Station 27.03.2011 6663
The refreshment stall at Groombridge Station, fully operational and painted in new "Green and Cream" colours. The adjacent station name board had also been repainted in green. 25.08.2019 20071
Under the new "green" eastern canopy at Groombridge Station a small W H Smith kiosk had been installed and served as a home for the coin operated model railway. 25.08.2019 20072
The eastern end of Groombridge Station, in the new green colours. This feels much more appropriate for a "Southern" station. 25.08.2019 20070
The direction sign at Groombridge Station had also changed to green livery. 25.08.2019 20085
Opposite the station platform at Groombridge a small display had been created. 25.08.2019 20073
Groombridge Station buildings in their new green and cream colours, pictured from the footbridge on 29.05.2021. The facilities at the station have much improved over the last 20 years. 18046
Looking east along the length of Groombridge Station on 29.05.2021 20702
This old 2003 view of Groombridge Station catches an advertising slogan on the side of one of the properties on the embankment, but it appeared to have worn, resulting in the appearance of an older image that was beneath. These large signs (equivalent to more modern posters) were quite common in Victorian times. (See next image). 19.10.2003
By 2019 the sign on the side of the bakers had been very nicely repainted. Groombridge Station 25.08.2019 20086
By 2019 the sign on the side of the bakers had been very nicely repainted. Groombridge Station 25.08.2019 20092
The Spa Valley Railway is now displaying notices relating to bridge strikes; a safety problem for all railways. This is the notice at Groombridge Lane. 27.03.2011 6644
