Brighton Main Line
Encyclopedia
The Brighton Main Line is a British railway line from London Victoria and London Bridge
to Brighton
. It is about 50 miles (80 km) long, and is electrified throughout. Trains are operated by Southern
, First Capital Connect
, and Gatwick Express
, now part of Southern.
. The London and Brighton Railway
(L&BR) emerged with an Act of Parliament
of 15 July 1837, after a prolonged and expensive battle, for the most direct of these alternative routes. The scheme was to build a line from a junction with the London and Croydon Railway
(L&CR) at Norwood to Brighton
. The existing L&CR route from Norwood to London Bridge
would also be used. One complication however, insisted on by the UK Parliament, was that the new railway should share its line between Croydon and Redhill
with the South Eastern Railway
main line to Dover
. This clause in the act gave rise to sixty years of disputes between the two companies concerned.
, the Wealden ridge
and the South Downs
while avoiding steep gradients.
Due to the difficult terrain and relatively limited population between Croydon and Brighton, the line by-passed several towns and villages on the London-Brighton road, such as Reigate
and Crawley
. Even so, it required substantial earthworks, notably at Merstham
, with one of the largest cuttings in Britain; seven tunnels (Merstham
, Quarry
, Redhill, Balcombe
, Haywards Heath
, Patcham
and Clayton
); and several embankments. There is also the 1475 feet (449.6 m), 96 feet (29.3 m) Ouse Valley Viaduct
near Balcombe.
The line was opened in two stages:
to Shoreham-by-Sea
was finished on 12 May 1840, before the main line, as it did not involve significant civil engineering works (all the materials for the line having arrived by sea). The Newhaven section did not materialise until 1846, when the Brighton - Hastings line
was opened by the Brighton Lewes and Hastings Railway
. A few weeks later the L&CR, the L&BR and other railways in Sussex amalgamated to form the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway
(LB&SCR).
to the resited Crystal Palace
was built in 1851, extending to Sydenham
in 1854, Balham
and Wandsworth
in 1856, Battersea
in 1858, and London Victoria in 1860. A cut-off line reducing the distance between Croydon and Balham was opened in 1862.
, and the SER (later the South Eastern and Chatham Railway
from Coulsdon to Redhill. Eventually the LB&SCR built an avoiding line between Coulsdon North and Earlswood
which became known as the Quarry Line, and which is still used by fast trains avoiding Redhill. It was opened on 8 November 1899 (1 April 1900 for passenger traffic).
throughout. The LB&SCR electrified its South London Line
on 1 December 1909 using an overhead high-tension single-phase system; within three years the line from Victoria to Selhurst railway station
was also converted, and in 1920, that from London Bridge to South Croydon
. In 1921 plans were drawn up to extend overhead electrification to Brighton. However, the 1923 grouping
intervened and it only ever reached Coulsdon North
, before the Southern Railway decided to standardise using the third-rail system of the former London and South Western Railway
. Thus in 1928/29 the existing lines were converted to third-rail operation.
The decision to electrify the entire main line was taken in 1929, and the section from Coulsdon North – Three Bridges
was opened in July 1932. That from Three Bridges – Brighton (and also to West Worthing
) was operational from 1 January 1933.
The third-rail system is electrified at 750V DC and in recent years had its power supply upgraded ready for the introduction of new Electrostar
stock operated by Southern
. Traction current supply for the whole route is overseen by Lewisham, Selhurst and Brighton electrical control rooms.
There are now many more trains from Victoria to Brighton
than from London Bridge: a reversal of the original pattern. The line is four-tracked as far as Balcombe Tunnel junction, where it becomes a single pair through to Preston Park
station. With the exception of a pair of platform loop lines at Haywards Heath station
there are no passing places.
The fastest services from Brighton
to Victoria call only at East Croydon and Clapham Junction
, though some "express" services also call at Gatwick Airport. First Capital Connect services from Brighton
to London Bridge continue via the Thameslink
route across London to Blackfriars, City Thameslink, Farringdon and St Pancras
, and then on to Luton
and Bedford.
The Gatwick Express
also uses the Brighton Mainline, with non-stop services running between London Victoria and Gatwick Airport
. A train departs in both directions every 15 minutes, with a journey time of 30 minutes. Six weekday peak-hour Gatwick Express trains are extended to or from Brighton, up to London in the morning (calling at up to five other stations along the way) and down to Brighton in the evening.
junction southwards to Preston Park station
the tracks reduce from two pairs of running lines to one pair. Any train which failed in this section would cause major disruption, so two provisions are in place to keep the service running.
, rejoining the main line at Montpelier Junction. This prevents the train from calling at Burgess Hill, Hassocks, and Preston Park.
From Victoria, the following other services use the line, but branch off where shown:
London Bridge station
London Bridge railway station is a central London railway terminus and London Underground complex in the London Borough of Southwark, occupying a large area on two levels immediately south-east of London Bridge and 1.6 miles east of Charing Cross. It is one of the oldest railway stations in the...
to Brighton
Brighton railway station
Brighton railway station is the principal railway station in the city of Brighton and Hove, on the south coast of England. The station master is Mark Epsom...
. It is about 50 miles (80 km) long, and is electrified throughout. Trains are operated by Southern
Southern (train operating company)
Southern is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. Officially named Southern Railway Ltd., it is a subsidiary of Govia, a joint venture between transport groups Go-Ahead Group and Keolis, and has operated the South Central rail franchise since October 2000 and the Gatwick Express service...
, First Capital Connect
First Capital Connect
First Capital Connect is a passenger train operating company in England that began operations on the National Rail network on 1 April 2006...
, and Gatwick Express
Gatwick Express
Gatwick Express is the name given to the frequent rail shuttle service between Victoria station in London and Gatwick Airport in South East England, operated by the Southern franchise...
, now part of Southern.
Original proposals
There were no fewer than six original proposals to build a railway between London and BrightonBrighton
Brighton is the major part of the city of Brighton and Hove in East Sussex, England on the south coast of Great Britain...
. The London and Brighton Railway
London and Brighton Railway
The London and Brighton Railway was a railway company in England which was incorporated in 1837 and survived until 1846. Its railway runs from a junction with the London & Croydon Railway at Norwood - which gives it access from London Bridge, just south of the River Thames in central London...
(L&BR) emerged with an Act of Parliament
Act of Parliament
An Act of Parliament is a statute enacted as primary legislation by a national or sub-national parliament. In the Republic of Ireland the term Act of the Oireachtas is used, and in the United States the term Act of Congress is used.In Commonwealth countries, the term is used both in a narrow...
of 15 July 1837, after a prolonged and expensive battle, for the most direct of these alternative routes. The scheme was to build a line from a junction with the London and Croydon Railway
London and Croydon Railway
The London and Croydon Railway was an early railway which operated between London and Croydon in England. It was opened in 1839 and in July 1846 it merged with other railways to form a part of the London Brighton and South Coast Railway ....
(L&CR) at Norwood to Brighton
Brighton
Brighton is the major part of the city of Brighton and Hove in East Sussex, England on the south coast of Great Britain...
. The existing L&CR route from Norwood to London Bridge
London Bridge station
London Bridge railway station is a central London railway terminus and London Underground complex in the London Borough of Southwark, occupying a large area on two levels immediately south-east of London Bridge and 1.6 miles east of Charing Cross. It is one of the oldest railway stations in the...
would also be used. One complication however, insisted on by the UK Parliament, was that the new railway should share its line between Croydon and Redhill
Redhill railway station
Redhill railway station serves the town of Redhill, Surrey, England. The station is a major interchange point on the Brighton Main Line 21 miles south of London Victoria...
with the South Eastern Railway
South Eastern Railway (UK)
The South Eastern Railway was a railway company in south-eastern England from 1836 until 1922. The company was formed to construct a route from London to Dover. Branch lines were later opened to Tunbridge Wells, Hastings, Canterbury and other places in Kent...
main line to Dover
Dover
Dover is a town and major ferry port in the home county of Kent, in South East England. It faces France across the narrowest part of the English Channel, and lies south-east of Canterbury; east of Kent's administrative capital Maidstone; and north-east along the coastline from Dungeness and Hastings...
. This clause in the act gave rise to sixty years of disputes between the two companies concerned.
Brighton line
The countryside between London and Brighton was largely rural. The new line was planned to traverse the North DownsNorth Downs
The North Downs are a ridge of chalk hills in south east England that stretch from Farnham in Surrey to the White Cliffs of Dover in Kent. The North Downs lie within two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty , the Surrey Hills and the Kent Downs...
, the Wealden ridge
Weald
The Weald is the name given to an area in South East England situated between the parallel chalk escarpments of the North and the South Downs. It should be regarded as three separate parts: the sandstone "High Weald" in the centre; the clay "Low Weald" periphery; and the Greensand Ridge which...
and the South Downs
South Downs
The South Downs is a range of chalk hills that extends for about across the south-eastern coastal counties of England from the Itchen Valley of Hampshire in the west to Beachy Head, near Eastbourne, East Sussex, in the east. It is bounded on its northern side by a steep escarpment, from whose...
while avoiding steep gradients.
Due to the difficult terrain and relatively limited population between Croydon and Brighton, the line by-passed several towns and villages on the London-Brighton road, such as Reigate
Reigate
Reigate is a historic market town in Surrey, England, at the foot of the North Downs, and in the London commuter belt. It is one of the main constituents of the Borough of Reigate and Banstead...
and Crawley
Crawley
Crawley is a town and local government district with Borough status in West Sussex, England. It is south of Charing Cross, north of Brighton and Hove, and northeast of the county town of Chichester, covers an area of and had a population of 99,744 at the time of the 2001 Census.The area has...
. Even so, it required substantial earthworks, notably at Merstham
Merstham
Merstham is a village in the Reigate and Banstead borough of Surrey, England, in the London commuter belt. It is just north of Redhill, near the intersection of the M25 and M23 motorways, on the edge of the North Downs and on the North Downs Way.-History:...
, with one of the largest cuttings in Britain; seven tunnels (Merstham
Merstham tunnels
The Merstham and Quarry tunnels are two railway tunnels on the Brighton main line between Merstham and Coulsdon in Surrey, Great Britain...
, Quarry
Merstham tunnels
The Merstham and Quarry tunnels are two railway tunnels on the Brighton main line between Merstham and Coulsdon in Surrey, Great Britain...
, Redhill, Balcombe
Balcombe tunnel
Balcombe tunnel is a railway tunnel on the Brighton Main Line through the Sussex Weald between Three Bridges and Balcombe. It is 1141 yards long.-History:The tunnel was constructed by the London and Brighton Railway during 1840-41...
, Haywards Heath
Haywards Heath
-Climate:Haywards Heath experiences an oceanic climate similar to almost all of the United Kingdom.-Rail:Haywards Heath railway station is a major station on the Brighton Main Line...
, Patcham
Patcham
Patcham is an area of the city of Brighton and Hove. It is approximately north of the city centre, bounded by the A27 to the north, Hollingbury to the east and southeast, Withdean to the south and the Brighton Main Line to the west...
and Clayton
Clayton Tunnel
Clayton Tunnel is a railway tunnel located near the village of Clayton, West Sussex between Hassocks and Preston Park railway stations on the Brighton Main Line...
); and several embankments. There is also the 1475 feet (449.6 m), 96 feet (29.3 m) Ouse Valley Viaduct
Ouse Valley Viaduct
Built in 1841, the Ouse Valley Viaduct over the River Ouse on the London-Brighton Railway Line north of Haywards Heath and south of Balcombe is long.-Description:...
near Balcombe.
The line was opened in two stages:
- 12 July 1841: Norwood JunctionNorwood Junction railway stationNorwood Junction railway station is in South Norwood in the London Borough of Croydon in south London, in Travelcard Zone 4.The station is managed by London Overground and trains operated by Southern and London Overground .-History:...
, London (L&CR) to Haywards HeathHaywards Heath railway stationHaywards Heath railway station serves Haywards Heath in West Sussex, England. It is on the Brighton Main Line and Thameslink north of Brighton, and train services are primarily provided by Southern and First Capital Connect...
. - 21 September 1841: the final section from Haywards HeathHaywards Heath railway stationHaywards Heath railway station serves Haywards Heath in West Sussex, England. It is on the Brighton Main Line and Thameslink north of Brighton, and train services are primarily provided by Southern and First Capital Connect...
to BrightonBrighton railway stationBrighton railway station is the principal railway station in the city of Brighton and Hove, on the south coast of England. The station master is Mark Epsom...
.
Branch lines
The branch line from BrightonBrighton railway station
Brighton railway station is the principal railway station in the city of Brighton and Hove, on the south coast of England. The station master is Mark Epsom...
to Shoreham-by-Sea
Shoreham-by-Sea railway station
Shoreham-by-Sea railway station serves the town of Shoreham-by-Sea in the county of West Sussex, and also serves the nearby Shoreham Airport. The station and the majority of trains serving it are operated by Southern...
was finished on 12 May 1840, before the main line, as it did not involve significant civil engineering works (all the materials for the line having arrived by sea). The Newhaven section did not materialise until 1846, when the Brighton - Hastings line
East Coastway Line
East Coastway is the name used by the train operating company, Southern , for the routes it operates along the south coast of Sussex and Kent to the east of Brighton, England. Those to the West of Brighton are named the West Coastway Line...
was opened by the Brighton Lewes and Hastings Railway
Brighton Lewes and Hastings Railway
The Brighton Lewes and Hastings Railway was an early railway in southern England running between the three East Sussex towns mentioned in its name...
. A few weeks later the L&CR, the L&BR and other railways in Sussex amalgamated to form the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway
London, Brighton and South Coast Railway
The London, Brighton and South Coast Railway was a railway company in the United Kingdom from 1846 to 1922. Its territory formed a rough triangle, with London at its apex, practically the whole coastline of Sussex as its base, and a large part of Surrey...
(LB&SCR).
Lines to Victoria
A branch line from NorwoodNorwood
- Australia :* Norwood Secondary College, Secondary School in Ringwood, Victoria.* Norwood, South Australia, suburb of Adelaide**Electoral district of Norwood, a state electoral district in South Australia...
to the resited Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace railway station
Crystal Palace railway station is in the London Borough of Bromley in south London. It is located in the Anerley area between the town centres of Crystal Palace and Penge...
was built in 1851, extending to Sydenham
Sydenham
Sydenham is an area and electoral ward in the London Borough of Lewisham; although some streets towards Crystal Palace Park, Forest Hill and Penge are outside the ward and in the London Borough of Bromley, and some streets off Sydenham Hill are in the London Borough of Southwark. Sydenham was in...
in 1854, Balham
Balham
Balham is a district of London, EnglandBalham can also refer to:*Balham, Ardennes, a commune in France*Balham station, railway and tube station in Balham, London*Balaam, a Biblical figure...
and Wandsworth
Wandsworth
Wandsworth is a district of south London, England, in the London Borough of Wandsworth. It is situated southwest of Charing Cross. The area is identified in the London Plan as one of 35 major centres in Greater London.-Toponymy:...
in 1856, Battersea
Battersea
Battersea is an area of the London Borough of Wandsworth, England. It is an inner-city district of South London, situated on the south side of the River Thames, 2.9 miles south-west of Charing Cross. Battersea spans from Fairfield in the west to Queenstown in the east...
in 1858, and London Victoria in 1860. A cut-off line reducing the distance between Croydon and Balham was opened in 1862.
Quarry line
There were frequent disputes resulting from the two companies' sharing of the busy section between Croydon and Redhill. The LB&SCR owned that section between Croydon and Coulsdon NorthCoulsdon North railway station
Coulsdon North is a closed railway station on the Brighton Main Line.- Opening :The station was opened as "Stoats Nest and Cane Hill" on 5 November 1899 by the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway . It took its name partly from the nearby Cane Hill asylum and partly from the nearby Stoats Nest...
, and the SER (later the South Eastern and Chatham Railway
South Eastern and Chatham Railway
The South Eastern and Chatham Railway Companies Joint Management Committee , known by its shorter name of the South Eastern and Chatham Railway was a working union of two neighbouring rival railways, the South Eastern Railway and London, Chatham and Dover Railway , that operated services between...
from Coulsdon to Redhill. Eventually the LB&SCR built an avoiding line between Coulsdon North and Earlswood
Earlswood (Surrey) railway station
Earlswood railway station serves Earlswood, south of Redhill, in Surrey. It is on the Brighton Main Line, south of the junction between the 'Redhill line' and the 'Quarry line'. Train services are provided by Southern.-History:...
which became known as the Quarry Line, and which is still used by fast trains avoiding Redhill. It was opened on 8 November 1899 (1 April 1900 for passenger traffic).
Electrification
The line was the first UK main line to be electrifiedRailway electrification in Great Britain
Railway electrification in Great Britain started towards of the 19th century. A great range of voltages have been used in the intervening period using both overhead lines and third rails, however the most common standard for mainline services is now 25 kV AC using overhead lines and the...
throughout. The LB&SCR electrified its South London Line
South London Line
South London Line may refer to one of two semicircular railway lines which both run between London Victoria and London Bridge stations through the southern suburbs of London, UK:*Inner South London Line - running via Denmark Hill and Peckham Rye...
on 1 December 1909 using an overhead high-tension single-phase system; within three years the line from Victoria to Selhurst railway station
Selhurst
Selhurst is a suburban development in the London Borough of Croydon south-south-east of Charing Cross. A relatively small area, Selhurst is bounded by South Norwood, Croydon and Thornton Heath and, like nearby Broad Green, has lost its distinct identity from these larger neighbours in recent years...
was also converted, and in 1920, that from London Bridge to South Croydon
South Croydon railway station
South Croydon railway station is in the London Borough of Croydon in south London, in Travelcard Zone 5. It is on the Brighton Line at its junction with the Oxted Line. The station and all trains serving it are operated by Southern.-History:...
. In 1921 plans were drawn up to extend overhead electrification to Brighton. However, the 1923 grouping
Railways Act 1921
The Railways Act 1921, also known as the Grouping Act, was an enactment by the British government of David Lloyd George intended to stem the losses being made by many of the country's 120 railway companies, move the railways away from internal competition, and to retain some of the benefits which...
intervened and it only ever reached Coulsdon North
Coulsdon North railway station
Coulsdon North is a closed railway station on the Brighton Main Line.- Opening :The station was opened as "Stoats Nest and Cane Hill" on 5 November 1899 by the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway . It took its name partly from the nearby Cane Hill asylum and partly from the nearby Stoats Nest...
, before the Southern Railway decided to standardise using the third-rail system of the former London and South Western Railway
London and South Western Railway
The London and South Western Railway was a railway company in England from 1838 to 1922. Its network extended from London to Plymouth via Salisbury and Exeter, with branches to Ilfracombe and Padstow and via Southampton to Bournemouth and Weymouth. It also had many routes connecting towns in...
. Thus in 1928/29 the existing lines were converted to third-rail operation.
The decision to electrify the entire main line was taken in 1929, and the section from Coulsdon North – Three Bridges
Three Bridges railway station
Three Bridges railway station is located in and named after the village of Three Bridges, which is now a district of Crawley, West Sussex, England...
was opened in July 1932. That from Three Bridges – Brighton (and also to West Worthing
West Worthing railway station
West Worthing railway station is in Worthing in the county of West Sussex, England. The station is operated by Southern. Note that on the West Coastway Line faster trains do not stop here....
) was operational from 1 January 1933.
The third-rail system is electrified at 750V DC and in recent years had its power supply upgraded ready for the introduction of new Electrostar
Electrostar
Electrostar is the name given to a series of related electric multiple-unit passenger trains manufactured by Bombardier Transportation at their Litchurch Lane Works in Derby, England...
stock operated by Southern
Southern (train operating company)
Southern is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. Officially named Southern Railway Ltd., it is a subsidiary of Govia, a joint venture between transport groups Go-Ahead Group and Keolis, and has operated the South Central rail franchise since October 2000 and the Gatwick Express service...
. Traction current supply for the whole route is overseen by Lewisham, Selhurst and Brighton electrical control rooms.
Services
Brighton railway station
Brighton railway station is the principal railway station in the city of Brighton and Hove, on the south coast of England. The station master is Mark Epsom...
than from London Bridge: a reversal of the original pattern. The line is four-tracked as far as Balcombe Tunnel junction, where it becomes a single pair through to Preston Park
Preston Park railway station
Preston Park railway station serves the northern suburban areas of Brighton in East Sussex, England. It is on the Brighton Main Line and Thameslink 2 km north of Brighton railway station, and train services are provided by Southern and First Capital Connect...
station. With the exception of a pair of platform loop lines at Haywards Heath station
Haywards Heath railway station
Haywards Heath railway station serves Haywards Heath in West Sussex, England. It is on the Brighton Main Line and Thameslink north of Brighton, and train services are primarily provided by Southern and First Capital Connect...
there are no passing places.
The fastest services from Brighton
Brighton railway station
Brighton railway station is the principal railway station in the city of Brighton and Hove, on the south coast of England. The station master is Mark Epsom...
to Victoria call only at East Croydon and Clapham Junction
Clapham Junction railway station
Clapham Junction railway station is near St John's Hill in the south-west of Battersea in the London Borough of Wandsworth. Although it is in Battersea, the area around the station is commonly identified as Clapham Junction....
, though some "express" services also call at Gatwick Airport. First Capital Connect services from Brighton
Brighton railway station
Brighton railway station is the principal railway station in the city of Brighton and Hove, on the south coast of England. The station master is Mark Epsom...
to London Bridge continue via the Thameslink
Thameslink
Thameslink is a fifty-station main-line route in the British railway system running north to south through London from Bedford to Brighton, serving both London Gatwick Airport and London Luton Airport. It opened as a through service in 1988 and by 1998 was severely overcrowded, carrying more than...
route across London to Blackfriars, City Thameslink, Farringdon and St Pancras
St Pancras railway station
St Pancras railway station, also known as London St Pancras and since 2007 as St Pancras International, is a central London railway terminus celebrated for its Victorian architecture. The Grade I listed building stands on Euston Road in St Pancras, London Borough of Camden, between the...
, and then on to Luton
Luton railway station
Luton railway station is located in Luton, Bedfordshire, England. The station is near to the town centre, about three minutes' walk from the Arndale Shopping Centre. It is situated on the Midland Main Line and is operated by First Capital Connect.-History:...
and Bedford.
The Gatwick Express
Gatwick Express
Gatwick Express is the name given to the frequent rail shuttle service between Victoria station in London and Gatwick Airport in South East England, operated by the Southern franchise...
also uses the Brighton Mainline, with non-stop services running between London Victoria and Gatwick Airport
Gatwick Airport railway station
Gatwick Airport station is the railway station at London Gatwick Airport that provides a direct rail connection to London 43 km away. The station platforms are located directly below the airport’s South Terminal, and the ticket office is adjacent to that terminal’s concourse...
. A train departs in both directions every 15 minutes, with a journey time of 30 minutes. Six weekday peak-hour Gatwick Express trains are extended to or from Brighton, up to London in the morning (calling at up to five other stations along the way) and down to Brighton in the evening.
Contingency options
From Balcombe TunnelBalcombe tunnel
Balcombe tunnel is a railway tunnel on the Brighton Main Line through the Sussex Weald between Three Bridges and Balcombe. It is 1141 yards long.-History:The tunnel was constructed by the London and Brighton Railway during 1840-41...
junction southwards to Preston Park station
Preston Park railway station
Preston Park railway station serves the northern suburban areas of Brighton in East Sussex, England. It is on the Brighton Main Line and Thameslink 2 km north of Brighton railway station, and train services are provided by Southern and First Capital Connect...
the tracks reduce from two pairs of running lines to one pair. Any train which failed in this section would cause major disruption, so two provisions are in place to keep the service running.
Bi-directional signalling
The line is divided into three sections of bi-directional signalling, which allows trains to cross over to the opposite line and run in the "wrong direction". These are:- Balcombe Tunnel junction to Copyhold Junction (just north of Haywards Heath station).
- Haywards Heath to Keymer junction (just south of Wivelsfield station).
- Keymer junction to Preston Park station.
Diversionary route
The section from Wivelsfield to Preston Park can be bypassed by turning eastwards on to the Lewes line at Keymer Junction. Once at , a reversing move is made and the train returns westwards to Brighton via the East Branch lineEast Coastway Line
East Coastway is the name used by the train operating company, Southern , for the routes it operates along the south coast of Sussex and Kent to the east of Brighton, England. Those to the West of Brighton are named the West Coastway Line...
, rejoining the main line at Montpelier Junction. This prevents the train from calling at Burgess Hill, Hassocks, and Preston Park.
Branching routes
- at Battersea ParkBattersea Park railway stationBattersea Park is a suburban railway station in the London Borough of Wandsworth, formerly known as York Road. It is situated at the junction of the South London Line and the Brighton Main Line between Victoria and...
, the South London LineSouth London LineSouth London Line may refer to one of two semicircular railway lines which both run between London Victoria and London Bridge stations through the southern suburbs of London, UK:*Inner South London Line - running via Denmark Hill and Peckham Rye...
to London Bridge - at Balham, where the line via Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace, LondonCrystal Palace is a residential area in south London, England named from the former local landmark, The Crystal Palace, which occupied the area from 1854 to 1936. The area is located approximately 8 miles south east of Charing Cross, and offers impressive views over the capital...
diverges - at South CroydonSouth Croydon railway stationSouth Croydon railway station is in the London Borough of Croydon in south London, in Travelcard Zone 5. It is on the Brighton Line at its junction with the Oxted Line. The station and all trains serving it are operated by Southern.-History:...
, the Oxted LineOxted LineThe Oxted Line is a railway line in southern England. It was originally operated jointly by the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway and the South Eastern Railway. It is now part of the Southern franchise.... - at PurleyPurley railway stationPurley railway station is at Purley in the London Borough of Croydon, on the main London to Brighton line, in Travelcard Zone 6. It is a junction, with branches to Caterham and Tattenham Corner. There are sidings used by the Day and Son gravel company, part of whose installation has been given a...
, the Caterham and Tattenham Corner LineTattenham Corner LineThe Tattenham Corner Line is a railway line in Southern England. It was opened in two parts: from Purley to Tadworth as the Chipstead Valley Railway in 1893, and to Tattenham Corner as the Epsom Downs Extension Railway in 1894. Both companies were then acquired by the South Eastern Railway...
s - at RedhillRedhill railway stationRedhill railway station serves the town of Redhill, Surrey, England. The station is a major interchange point on the Brighton Main Line 21 miles south of London Victoria...
, the branch to ReigateReigate railway stationReigate railway station is in Surrey, England. On the North Downs Line, the station is managed by Southern, which provides an hourly service to London Bridge via Redhill...
and the North Downs LineNorth Downs LineThe North Downs Line is the name of the passenger train service connecting Reading, on the Great Western Main Line, to Gatwick Airport, on the Brighton Main Line...
to the west; and the TonbridgeTonbridge railway stationTonbridge railway station is a station serving the town of Tonbridge in Kent, England. It is a junction between two important commuter routes; the South Eastern Main Line serving Ashford, Ramsgate and Dover and the Hastings Main Line serving Tunbridge Wells and Hastings, as well as a branch to...
line to the east - at Three BridgesThree Bridges railway stationThree Bridges railway station is located in and named after the village of Three Bridges, which is now a district of Crawley, West Sussex, England...
, the Arun Valley LineArun Valley LineThe Arun Valley Line, also known as the Mid Sussex Line, is part of the Southern-operated railway services. For the initial part of the route trains follow the Brighton Main Line, and at a junction south of Three Bridges the route turns westwards...
services to PortsmouthPortsmouthPortsmouth is the second largest city in the ceremonial county of Hampshire on the south coast of England. Portsmouth is notable for being the United Kingdom's only island city; it is located mainly on Portsea Island...
and HorshamHorshamHorsham is a market town with a population of 55,657 on the upper reaches of the River Arun in the centre of the Weald, West Sussex, in the historic County of Sussex, England. The town is south south-west of London, north-west of Brighton and north-east of the county town of Chichester...
; here was also a line to East GrinsteadEast Grinstead railway stationEast Grinstead railway station serves the town of East Grinstead in West Sussex. The station was formerly divided into two levels: the higher level platforms serving the Three Bridges to Tunbridge Wells Central Line, whilst the lower level platforms received services from the Oxted Line 49 km ...
, closed in 1967 - at Haywards HeathHaywards Heath railway stationHaywards Heath railway station serves Haywards Heath in West Sussex, England. It is on the Brighton Main Line and Thameslink north of Brighton, and train services are primarily provided by Southern and First Capital Connect...
, the line via ArdinglyArdinglyArdingly is a village and civil parish in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty about north of Haywards Heath in the Mid Sussex district of West Sussex, England. The village is about south of London, south-south-west of East Grinstead, southeast of Crawley, north of Brighton and ...
and Horsted KeynesHorsted KeynesHorsted Keynes is a village and civil parish in the Mid Sussex District of West Sussex, England. The village is located about eight kilometres north east of Haywards Heath, in the Weald...
, closed in 1963: Currently Network RailNetwork RailNetwork Rail is the government-created owner and operator of most of the rail infrastructure in Great Britain .; it is not responsible for railway infrastructure in Northern Ireland...
Sidings to ArdinglyArdinglyArdingly is a village and civil parish in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty about north of Haywards Heath in the Mid Sussex district of West Sussex, England. The village is about south of London, south-south-west of East Grinstead, southeast of Crawley, north of Brighton and ...
only; Horsted KeynesHorsted KeynesHorsted Keynes is a village and civil parish in the Mid Sussex District of West Sussex, England. The village is located about eight kilometres north east of Haywards Heath, in the Weald...
section is now part of the Bluebell RailwayBluebell RailwayThe Bluebell Railway is a heritage line running for nine miles along the border between East and West Sussex, England. Steam trains are operated between and , with an intermediate station at .The railway is managed and run largely by volunteers... - at WivelsfieldWivelsfield railway stationWivelsfield railway station serves World's End and other northern parts of Burgess Hill in West Sussex. It is approximately 2 miles from the village of Wivelsfield, which lies northeast of the town of Burgess Hill. The station is also north of...
(Keymer Junction), the East Coastway LineEast Coastway LineEast Coastway is the name used by the train operating company, Southern , for the routes it operates along the south coast of Sussex and Kent to the east of Brighton, England. Those to the West of Brighton are named the West Coastway Line...
to EastbourneEastbourne railway stationEastbourne railway station serves Eastbourne in East Sussex, England. It is on the East Coastway Line, and train services are provided by Southern. It is one of two railway stations in the town, the other being Hampden Park Station...
and HastingsHastings railway stationHastings railway station is in Hastings in East Sussex, England. It is situated on the Hastings Line to Tunbridge Wells, the East Coastway Line to Brighton and the Marshlink Line to Ashford International....
via LewesLewes railway stationLewes railway station serves the town of Lewes in East Sussex, England. It has five platforms and is on the East Coastway Line. Train services are provided by Southern.The station has a café and a newsagent, and there is a taxi office on the main forecourt... - at Preston ParkPreston Park railway stationPreston Park railway station serves the northern suburban areas of Brighton in East Sussex, England. It is on the Brighton Main Line and Thameslink 2 km north of Brighton railway station, and train services are provided by Southern and First Capital Connect...
, the West Coastway LineWest Coastway LineThe West Coastway Line is a railway line in England, along the south coast of West Sussex and Hampshire, between Brighton and Southampton, plus the short branches to Littlehampton and Bognor Regis....
service to LittlehamptonLittlehampton railway stationLittlehampton railway station is in Littlehampton in the county of West Sussex. The station and the trains serving it are operated by Southern....
, avoiding BrightonBrightonBrighton is the major part of the city of Brighton and Hove in East Sussex, England on the south coast of Great Britain... - at BrightonBrighton railway stationBrighton railway station is the principal railway station in the city of Brighton and Hove, on the south coast of England. The station master is Mark Epsom...
, the West Coastway LineWest Coastway LineThe West Coastway Line is a railway line in England, along the south coast of West Sussex and Hampshire, between Brighton and Southampton, plus the short branches to Littlehampton and Bognor Regis....
; and the East Coastway LineEast Coastway LineEast Coastway is the name used by the train operating company, Southern , for the routes it operates along the south coast of Sussex and Kent to the east of Brighton, England. Those to the West of Brighton are named the West Coastway Line...
to EastbourneEastbourne railway stationEastbourne railway station serves Eastbourne in East Sussex, England. It is on the East Coastway Line, and train services are provided by Southern. It is one of two railway stations in the town, the other being Hampden Park Station...
and HastingsHastings railway stationHastings railway station is in Hastings in East Sussex, England. It is situated on the Hastings Line to Tunbridge Wells, the East Coastway Line to Brighton and the Marshlink Line to Ashford International....
and also to SeafordSeaford railway stationSeaford Railway Station is in Seaford in East Sussex, England. Seaford is the terminus of the Seaford Branch Line of the East Coastway Line. The station has been reduced to single track and only one platform remains in use...
all via FalmerFalmer railway stationFalmer Railway Station is operated by Southern and lies on the East Coastway Line.The station serves the village of Falmer as well as the University of Sussex campus and the University of Brighton Falmer Campus. It also serves Falmer Stadium, the new home of Brighton & Hove Albion F.C....
External links
- London to Brighton in two minutes - time-lapse video.
- Brighton Main Line 2 website
Sources
- Bonavia, Michael R. (1987). The history of the Southern Railway London:Unwin Hyman. ISBN 0-04-385107-X.
- Dawson, Philip, (1921) Report by Sir Philip Dawsopn on proposed sustitution of electric for steam operation for suburban, local and mainline passenger and freight services, London Brighton and South Coast Railway.