Skimbleshanks the Railway Cat
The painting depicts Elham station in the 1930s with a Canterbury to Dover train leaving in the early afternoon. By this time the south-bound track was no longer in use and overgrown.
The Elham Valley line was proposed by the Elham Valley Light Railway Company in the mid-19th century but the project was cancelled due to financial difficulties.
It was the South Eastern Railway who were competing with the rival London, Chatham & Dover Railway who revived the scheme. The route of the Elham Valley meant significant earthworks and the construction of two tunnels, one at Bourne Park, the other at Etchinghill. The Cheriton to Barham section opened in 1887, with the link Canterbury opening in 1889.
Elham railway station no longer survives. More about the line’s history can be found at the Elham Valley Line Trust museum.
If you’d like a copy of this painting, prints are available here »»»