Wild Swan Books
The Hythe & Sandgate Railway
Incorporating the Hythe & Sandgate TramwayBrian Hart
Hardback - 168 pages - £21.95
Contents- The Hythe & Sandgate Railway
- A New Route to the Continent
- A Royal Inauguration
- Opening Day
- Plans to Reach Folkestone
- The Dream Fades
- A Trip to the Seaside
- The Pride of Kent
- Gathering Clouds
- The End of a Dream
- The Hythe & Sandgate Tramway
- A Bright Augury
- Days of Adversity
- The Great Crisis
- A Fateful Sequel
Even though it was one of the shortest lines ever constructed by the South Eastern Railway, the Hythe & Sandgate Branch held wondrous aspirations. Devised as a new route to the continent, for thirty years the SER planned and fought for its extension through to Folkestone Harbour. Its tireless proponent, Sir Edward Watkin, used every ploy and contrivance to woo the wealthy and powerful landowners who stood in its way. As a result, this is not only the story of a 3-mile long branch line, but of a struggle for supremacy that lasted for more than half a century.
This book is also covers the fascinating story of the delightful Hythe & Sandgate Tramway. Managed by the SER, it won a firm place in the hearts of holidaymakers and locals, but fell an easy victim to the motorised charabanc and omnibus, eventually closing in 1922.
Readers of Brian Hart's other books won't need reminding of the author's enthusiasm and skill in recapturing the spirit of the past and conveying the story in such a highly readable manner.
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