Ashurst Station
For very many years all services coming south from Ashurst and east from the Withyham line turned towards Tunbridge Wells. Passengers were required to change at Groombridge to go south towards Eridge.
Although a direct line was constructed between "Ashurst Junction" and "Birchden Junction" (north of Eridge) 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, from 1914, a triangle of operational lines was formed in the area. More information about this appears in
the Spa Valley Railway index.
Separate collections cover (a) Monks Lane Halt (closed) and Little Browns Tunnel; (b) Edenbridge Town Station; (c) Hever Station; (d) Cowden Station and Markbeech Tunnel; (e) Ashurst Station; (f) Eridge Station (covered in the Spa Valley Railway Index); (g) Crowborough Station and Crowborough Tunnel; (h) Buxted Station, Sleeches Viaduct and Greenhurst Viaduct; and (i) Uckfield Station.
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The single line from Hever through Cowden ends just north of Willetts Bridge, this view north showing the points where double track restarts. 09.04.2008
Pulling the camera lens back this is the actual view north from Willetts Bridge. 09.04.2008
Looking south from Willetts Bridge with a long lens a northbound Turbostar waits at the main signal (seen just below the train's headlight). Beyond the main signal (nearer the camera) is the rear of a SPAD (Signal Passed At Danger) warning signal. These signals are more clearly illustrated in the collections for Hever and Crowborough stations. No SPAD signal was fitted at the time of the Cowden collision. 09.04.2008
Looking south towards Ashurst from Willetts Bridge. A 171 Turbostar has just left the single line section and the northbound train waits to proceed. 09.04.2008
A view north down the line from Ashurst station showing (in the distance) the signal that controls access to the single line section. At the time of the Cowden rail crash the weather was foggy but the line is straight at this point and should have provided adequate sighting. In 1994 the signal had no supplementary SPAD (Signal Passed At Danger) warning signal although one has since been provided and technology has advanced since the collision. The enquiry into the accident considered that the signal met the signalling standards that then existed. 02.04.2007
A view north with a longer lens shows, in the far distance, the red signal protecting the entrance to the single line section that starts north of Ashurst station and continues to Hever. The SPAD signal and Willetts Bridge (previously featured) are out of sight around the bend. 19.03.2006
This view north from the station, taken in 2003, shows the bridges directly adjacent to the station. The nearest bridge crosses a waterway which served the old water mill at Ashurst. Although the mill was destroyed by fire in September 1930 the stream still discharges into the adjacent River Medway. The second bridge in shot is the narrow road bridge which allows the A264 to pass under the railway. The River Medway flows directly past the station on the western side and then crosses under the railway to head east via the most distant bridge in view. 18.04.2003
The same view in 2007 with a slightly longer lens. On 15 October 1994 signal OD58 seen in the distance in advance of Willetts Bridge was passed at red by the 08.00 Uckfield to Oxted train, which then ran through (and broke) the points and entered the single line section. Just south of Cowden it collided with the oncoming 08.04 Oxted to Uckfield service which was correctly within the section. The reason why the driver passed the signal will never be known as he and the guard (who was riding in the front cab) were both killed, together with the other driver and two passengers. A memorial to those who lost their lives is at Cowden station. 02.04.2007
Now at road level this is the narrow bridge that carries the A264 under the railway at Ashurst. The camera is looking west and the station is to the left. This facility would have been excellent for carts and horse drawn carriages when the railway was built, but leaves something to be desired for modern traffic levels. Locals might say that is also keeps the larger lorries away. Looking through the arch another long parapet can be seen This is where the River Medway passes under the road directly adjacent to the railway embankment. 30.05.2021 20784
The same bridge at Ashurst, but now looking east. The county of Kent is entered as you pass under the bridge, and Station Approach is to the right after a short distance. The River Medway flows from right to left under the road roughly where the photographer is standing. 30.05.2021 20786
The River Medway flowing away north, having passed under the A264 at Ashurst. The railway embankment is on the right, but hidden by the thick growth of trees. The area is festooned with "No Fishing" signs but they didn't add anything to the picture. There is a significant flow of water in the river. 30.05.2021 20785
Counting north from Ashurst Station this is the third bridge, where the River Medway passes under the railway and flows away east (towards the camera). The scene was captured by Eric Kemp on 03.03.1974. Eric Kemp retains all rights to this image and he expresses the view that the bridge and timbers by the river bank are crying out to be modelled.
Ashurst3.03.1974.thebridgeandtimbersriverbankarecryingoutmodelled
The bridge at the northern end of Ashurst Station on Monday 11.07.1977. 3D DMU 1313 is about to run non-stop through Ashurst with the rear portion of the 18:45 service from Victoria, which split at Oxted in those years (the 19:30 service from Oxted). This train is heading to Crowborough. Given that services on the line were not frequent failing to stop at intermediate stations seems odd, but no doubt it was logical at the time. Eric Kemp retains all rights to this image.
1313aboutrunnonstopthroughAshurstwiththerearportion18.45Vic.19.30OxtedCrowboroughMon.11.07.'77
Ashurst Station on Saturday 18.07.1970, 3D DMU 1314 enters the station with the 10:09 service from Victoria. In those years the train divided at Oxted, and this is the rear portion. The front of the train went forward to East Grinstead. The "1" headcode denotes a train from Oxted. Note the tall northbound Starting signal that then existed at the station, and which was operated from a frame on the platform (see later). Eric Kemp retains all rights to this image.
Ashurstwith1314enteringthe10.09VictoriarearportionfromOxtedSat.18.07.1970
"Hastings" DMU 1001 enters Ashurst, heading for Uckfield, on Monday 26.05.1997, with a service in connection with the Uckfield Line Gala Weekend. The yellow panel of a northbound service can just be seen departing towards the single line section. Note the Connex colour scheme on the platform furniture. Eric Kemp retains all rights to this image.
UckfieldLineGalaWeekend.1001entersAshurstheadingforMon.26.05.1997
Looking north from Ashurst station in 2003. The main station building had, by then, been demolished and the site (on the right behind the metal fence) was used for a small unmade car park. Also in view is the base of a massive radio mast which supported the antennas for the Cab Secure Radio System (since decommissioned and replaced with GSM-R). The station is in Connex colours. 18.04.2003
A later picture taken in 2006 shows that the Southern colour scheme and signs had appeared, and tactile paving had been fitted on the northbound platform. The brick shed on the right is the only part of the original station buildings that survives. The area on the right was originally occupied by a station house, booking hall, canopy and platform lever frame for the points and signals. 19.03.2006
A wider view shows that by 2007 the previously "rough" car park had been given a proper tarmac surface. The base of the Cab Secure Radio antenna tower can be seen on the right. 02.04.2007
How things have changed at this quiet rural location. Someone thinks that high palisade spiked topped fencing is needed at the edge of the car park, perhaps to stop the trees getting in. There is absolutely no reason for it, as it is not securing anything. Ramps are no longer allowed at the end of platforms, and instead there are metal gates and "no-walk" surfaces. Apparently it occurs to nobody that anyone determined to get on the track will simply jump from the platform. The cost of these utterly ineffective "defences" at every station must be astonishing. Ashurst 30.05.2021 18117
Happier times, and this is the (then) forecourt of Ashurst station captured on 26.07.1969. The booking hall and waiting room are nearest to the camera, with the Station Master's house behind the canopy that is erected over the entrance. A large sign attached to the booking hall states "Ashurst Station". In the background are the gates to the goods yard. Note the generously equipped telegraph pole with vital communications for the station, and the gas lamp over the entrance. A young man sits on the bumper of an Austin (I think) whilst the photographer does his work. Eric Kemp retains all rights to this image.
Ashurst Station on Saturday 26.07.1969, looking towards Eridge with the footbridge, Up platform shelter and oil lamps in view. The first oil lamp on the left has a "3" marker, to show drivers of three car units where to stop and at the end of the platform there is a Down Starting signal in the "Off" position. The signal is set quite low to allow drivers to see it through the footbridge. The staff board crossing would not be allowed nowadays but was part of the every day scene in those years. Eric Kemp retains all rights to this image.
AshurstSat.26.07.1969lookingtowardsEridgewithfootbridgeplatformshelterandoillamps
This view south taken in 1998 from the southbound platform shows the neglected state of the station in those years. The station buildings have been demolished and replaced by a bus shelter. The platform surface is poor, the fence broken, and trees and shrubs are spreading on to the adjacent platform. The semaphore signals have gone, and been replaced by colour light signals sited in different positions. The station furniture and footbridge are in Connex colours. 10.10.1998
Another view south five years later in 2003. The broken fence has been taken down on the left and replaced by a temporary metal version protecting the gravel car park. There is a new fence and lights on the northbound platform, but unfortunately they appeared to be on all day. So much for saving energy. 18.04.2003
Another view south from the northbound platform in 2003 shows the small (and rather quiet) car park. The hole under the platform marks the position where point and signal cables used to emerge from the lever frame that was on the platform. 18.04.2003
Ashurst Station looking south in 2006. The station is in a rural location and attracts few passengers. Those that do travel have a bus shelter to protect them from adverse weather. In common with other stations the footbridge did not get the benefit of a repaint into Southern colours. 19.03.2006
More or less the same view in 2007 with the historic shed on the left and rather more vehicles in the car park. 02.04.2007
Looking south from the northbound platform at Ashurst, towards the station entrance. Southbound passengers are granted a small open bus shelter, but since it faces west into the prevailing weather this is likely to be mixed blessing. The footbridge has been equipped with large modern yellow handrails. 30.05.2021 20778
The lever frame which was previously sited on the southbound platform at Ashurst station, pictured on 26.07.1969. In those years it would have controlled the semaphore signals and the points at the southern end of the station. The frame was under the station canopy that then existed. A small glazed area had been constructed at the far end of the frame to give the porter/signalman additional protection from the weather. Through the glass partition there is a glimpse of the brick shed that is the one remaining building on the platform. Eric Kemp retains all rights to this image.
A general view of Ashurst station on 18.07.1970. It was then a typical southern scene, with the raised Starting signal at the end of the platform and the slightly faded green footbridge and oil lamps hoping for the appearance of a paint brush. The flower beds look a little overgrown and there are weeds in the platform surface. Eric Kemp retains all rights to this image.
Ashurstgeneralview18.07.'70.theyoungladpicturelaterbecamebrotherlawE2.
Ashurst station building viewed looking north from under the footbridge. 11.09.1971. Eric Kemp retains all rights to this image.
Ashurststationbuildingviewedfromunderthefootbridge11.09.1971
A nice view of Ashurst station on Saturday 11.09.1971 as 3D 1305 arrives with the rear portion of the 16:09 service from Victoria. In those years the train split at Oxted, with the front portion going on to East Grinstead. The station building can be seen in the background and there is a display of flowers on the southbound platform. Eric Kemp retains all rights to this image.
Ashurstwith1305therearportionsplitOxted16.09VictoriaSat.11.09.1971
For a number of years additional capacity was provided on peak services by locomotive hauled trains to and from London Bridge Low Level (who remembers the Low Level platforms?). These were popular trains and reputed to be more comfortable than the DMUs. 33039 is seen at Ashurst with the 17:19 service from London Bridge on Monday 11.07.1977. The locomotive is hauling a nice set of blue and grey Mark 1 coaches. 33039 was previously D6557 and spent it's initial years based at Hither Green before it was sent to Easleigh in 1983. Eric Kemp retains all rights to this image.
Looking north from slightly further down the platform at Ashurst as 171721 departs with a northbound service. This section of the platform is quite narrow and the land falls sharply away towards the River Medway, which runs alongside the western edge of the platform. It is possible to speculate that a section of the land might have slipped away in the past, but I am not aware of any such event. 30.05.2021 20766
