Andy Garth: Loved the Tunnel

For those of you who read my column I am sure there are lots of Brightonians, and of course Hovarians (or Hovites) who like seeing pictures of things that have since disappeared. Well this week is no exception, as a couple of weeks ago I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to inspect the only accessible part of the railway tunnel that went from Kemp Town Station, which was approximately 970 metres(1,075 yards) long and exited at the side of Elm Grove School carrying on over the old Lewes Road Viaduct and in to Brighton.

This tour was arranged by my friend Carol, who founded the Brighton Past Facebook site which has nearly 37,000 members. Its interest in our fair city is unbelievable and I would advise anyone that loves their ;towns; to check it out.

Anyway, plug done and a short report on the visit.

It still smells of the steam and smoke and is coated in soot

There is only about 100m to look at but it still smells of the steam and smoke and is coated in soot. It was a single track tunnel, which was used mainly for goods, with the last train having passed through it in 1971.

The two pictures I have included are a view from the tunnel in the 1960s, which is the view I had, and the other picture shows the actual Kemp Town Station which is now the Freshfield Industrial Estate and probably answers the question: Why is there a train coming out of the Bingo Hall!!!?

If you want any more info I now know loads of people who can tell you all about this bygone bit of Brighton so email me at Brightonandhovestuff@gmail.com