Kent & East Sussex Railway Makes Headway With 'Ready For Robertsbridge' Plans
Late Victorian
Originally located at Tovil Station in Maidstone, the footbridge was gifted to the Kent & East Sussex Railway by Network Rail, following its decommissioning some years ago. The late Victorian wrought-iron lattice girder structure has since been in storage awaiting an appropriate future use.
The footbridge is currently away from the railway undergoing specialist repair, cleaning and repainting as part of the first phase of the project. Further works will include repairs to the cast-iron support columns, preparation of foundations, installation of new decking and stair components, and re-erection at Northiam.
K&ESR Chairman Derrick Bilsby said:
"We are enormously grateful to both the Railway Heritage Trust and the Rochester Bridge Trust for their confidence in this project, and to the supporters whose donations have helped bring us to this point.
"The Tovil Footbridge is an important example of historic railway engineering which deserves to be preserved and appreciated by future generations. Thanks to this funding package, we can now look forward to returning the bridge to railway use in a setting where it will serve both a practical purpose and become a notable feature of Northiam Station.
"The project represents a significant collaboration between the heritage railway, charitable trusts and private supporters, ensuring that a historic structure rescued from the national network will once again serve railway passengers for decades to come."
The railway is currently assessing two potential locations for the bridge at Northiam Station. The preferred operational location would be near the centre of the platforms, providing the greatest convenience for passengers. An alternative site adjacent to the level crossing at the Tenterden end of the station is also under consideration.
The final decision will depend on wider infrastructure planning at Northiam, including the possible installation of a water crane, which could require associated signalling alterations. A dedicated working group has therefore been tasked with evaluating the options and making recommendations to the K&ESR Board before the railway proceeds with the necessary planning applications.
The K&ESR has also purchased two reverse osmosis water treatment units - one to be located at Tenterden and the other at Northiam. The sole operational RO unit at present is at Rolvenden.
Derrick Bilsby said:
"Ready access to treated water will be essential to running steam services on the extended line. Having these RO units strategically located at both Tenterden and Northiam will ensure that engines need only to get treated water from Rolvenden at the start of the service day."
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For further information please contact:
Alison Miles, Press Officer, Kent & East Sussex Railway
E: amiles@kesr.org.uk
M: 07900 691116
Notes to Editors
Funding for the project comprises:
Railway Heritage Trust (Phase 1): £30,000
Railway Heritage Trust (Phase 2): £40,000
Rochester Bridge Trust: £60,000
Additional funding from K&ESR 'Ready for Robertsbridge' restricted funds, volunteer time and private donations
About the Railway Heritage Trust The Railway Heritage Trust was established in 1985 to help in the preservation and upkeep of listed railway buildings and structures, and in the transfer of non-operational railway premises and structures to outside bodies willing to undertake their preservation. The Trust supports a wide range of projects each year, with a balance struck between buildings and structures, and between large and small projects.
About the Rochester Bridge Trust The Rochester Bridge Trust was founded in 1399 and is the only surviving independent bridge trust that still serves its original purpose. The Trust owns and maintains the road and service bridges over the Medway at Rochester and has contributed to the cost of many other Medway crossings over the centuries. It makes charitable grants and supports other charitable and educational projects in Kent.
About the Kent & East Sussex Railway: The Kent & East Sussex Railway is a renowned heritage railway based in Tenterden, Kent, UK and operates as an educational charity. Built by Holman F Stephens, it was the first light passenger railway in Britain in the early 20th century and is today one of Britain's most loved and original heritage lines. With a rich history spanning over 120 years, the K&ESR offers visitors an authentic steam and diesel-powered railway experience through 10½ miles of Wealden countryside in the beautiful Rother Valley, a designated National Landscape (formerly known as Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). Staffed almost entirely by volunteers, the railway prides itself on preserving railway heritage, operating a diverse range of locomotives, and providing a unique glimpse into the golden age of rail travel. A regular award winner over the years, the K&ESR gained a coveted Trip Advisor Travellers Choice Award in both 2024 and 2025, placing it among the top 10% of listings of places to visit around the world on Tripadvisor. It has also been voted Best Family Experience in Kent by the public in both 2025 and 2026 in the Muddy Stilettos Awards and picked up the Gold award for Event of the Year in the 2025-6 Beautiful South Tourism Awards.
