The Thanet Belle was a named train run by the Southern Region of British Railways from 1948 until it was withdrawn in 1958 due to the electrification of the route. It ran from Londonn Victoria to Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate.
The train, composed of Pullman stock, had its origins in the "Thanet Pullman Limited", introduced by the South Eastern and Chatham Railway in July 1921, but which was withdrawn in 1928.[1] The train was usually hauled by West Country and Battle of Britain class locomotives.
In 1951 three coaches were detached at Faversham and ran through to Canterbury East and the name was changed to "Kentish Belle". This service was withdrawn after one year but the new name remained.
The Kentish Belle was withdrawn after 1958 as a result of the completion of the first phase of the "Kent Coast Electrification" in 1959.[2]
List of named passenger trains of the United Kingdom