London and Croydon Railway

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The London and Croydon Railway (L&C) was incorporated in 1835, and the line to West Croydon opened on 5 June 1839. Much of the route follows the alignment of the former Croydon Canal, which was closed by Act of Parliament in 1836. West Croydon railway and bus stations stand on the site of the old canal basin.

In 1845 the L&C inaugurated the atmospheric system of propulsion; it worked for about a year but was not a success, so the pipes were removed,. The stationary engine-house still remains at Forest Hill railway station and the West Croydon pumping station was relocated to form part of the Surrey Street waterworks building, which still exists.

On 27 July 1846 the L&C amalgamated with the London & Brighton Railway to form the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway.