The Croydon and Epsom Railway was an early railway in southern England running between the two Surrey towns mentioned in its name. The company was formed March 1844 to operate a new line using the atmospheric principle. However, before its line was opened it was amalgamated with other companies to form the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway (LB&SCR) on 27 July 1846.

History

Plans

The early success of the London and Croydon Railway (LCR) encouraged its directors to form a new independent company to continue the line to Epsom. This was approved by shareholders at a Meeting 7 March 1844. The railway was then experimenting in the use of atmospheric propulsion and decided to use the Samuel Clegg and Jacob and Joseph Samuda system patented in 1838.[1] However, difficulties in acquiring suitable land meant that the line was not completed in 1846 as originally planned.[2]

Merger

The company was merged with others to form the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway (LB&SCR) on 27 July 1846 before the line was completed. The railway opened to the public 10 May 1847, but by that time atmospheric working had been abandoned by the new company.[3]

References

  1. ↑ Turner, John Howard (1977). The London Brighton and South Coast Railway 1 Origins and Formation. Batsford. ISBN 0-7134-0275-X. p.243-8.
  2. ↑ Turner, (1977), p.267.
  3. ↑ Turner, John Howard (1977). The London Brighton and South Coast Railway 2 Establishment and Growth. Batsford. ISBN 0-7134-1198-8. p.1-7.
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