Westerham's branch line was opened in 1881 and closed in 1961, so didn't even make its centenary! It is often assumed that this was the result of a Dr Beeching purge, but he did not take up that responsibility until 1965. The Westerham branch-line closure was the subject of a much darker story surrounding an order from the then Minister of Transport, Ernest Marples. At the time of closure there were 200 season-ticket holders who never received a bean in compensation...
Many of these photographs date from between the wars. For an overview of the history of the Westerham line click here.
For a small video on the line when running click here.
