Marshlink Line - Tour 5 - Winchelsea Station
1st January 2005 to 31st December 2008

Winchelsea Station was opened on 13 February 1851, but was unfortunately located on Brede Level (close to the River Brede) north of the town. Signs at the station advise passengers that the town is half a mile to the south east.

The ancient town of Winchelsea is located on a small area of high ground and access to the town from the station involves a steep climb.

Despite extensive efforts by local people to make the station very welcoming the service has been run down to the degree that it can only be described as a disgrace, especially since trains are required to slow to 20 mph as they pass over the level crossing. It is hard to see why they cannot stop.

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Winchelsea Station platform looking east as Turbostar 171728 travels westbound. The sign says Winchelsea, Ancient Town, Cinque Port; Winchelsea town is half a mile south east from the station. Therein lies the problem at this station. Instead of providing a good service and a transport link such as a mini-bus to stimulate traffic the station has been written off. Despite efforts by local people (look at the beautiful displays of flowers on the platform) Southern only allows a tiny proportion of trains to call at the station. 27.09.2008
Winchelsea Station platform looking east as Turbostar 171728 travels westbound. The sign says Winchelsea, Ancient Town, Cinque Port; Winchelsea town is half a mile south east from the station. Therein lies the problem at this station. Instead of providing a good service and a transport link such as a mini-bus to stimulate traffic the station has been written off. Despite efforts by local people (look at the beautiful displays of flowers on the platform) Southern only allows a tiny proportion of trains to call at the station. 27.09.2008
 A relic of past times, Winchelsea Station house stands on what was the westbound platform. The canopy can still be seen as can the door on to the platform. Part of the platform length still survives, but is covered in weeds and cannot be seen. The house has been converted into flats and was for sale at the time of the visit. 20.09.2008
A relic of past times, Winchelsea Station house stands on what was the westbound platform. The canopy can still be seen as can the door on to the platform. Part of the platform length still survives, but is covered in weeds and cannot be seen. The house has been converted into flats and was for sale at the time of the visit. 20.09.2008
 Another shot of the excellent flower displays at Winchelsea Station, looking east, with the level crossing in the background. 20.09.2008
Another shot of the excellent flower displays at Winchelsea Station, looking east, with the level crossing in the background. 20.09.2008
 Turbostar 171729, travelling east towards Rye, enters Winchelsea Station. Note the station house in the background. In common with many stations on the line when double track was in situ the platforms were staggered. 27.09.2008
Turbostar 171729, travelling east towards Rye, enters Winchelsea Station. Note the station house in the background. In common with many stations on the line when double track was in situ the platforms were staggered. 27.09.2008
The level crossing east of Winchelsea Station, looking north. As usual a telephone box has been provided on the right; useful for calling a cab when you discover that there is no practicable train service. 20.09.2008
The level crossing east of Winchelsea Station, looking north. As usual a telephone box has been provided on the right; useful for calling a cab when you discover that there is no practicable train service. 20.09.2008
 Looking east towards Rye at Winchelsea level crossing. There are no barriers at this crossing and in consequence trains are restricted to 20mph. The lamp on the right illuminates with a white light to confirm to the driver that the red flashing lights at the crossing are operating. 20.09.2008
Looking east towards Rye at Winchelsea level crossing. There are no barriers at this crossing and in consequence trains are restricted to 20mph. The lamp on the right illuminates with a white light to confirm to the driver that the red flashing lights at the crossing are operating. 20.09.2008
 Changing angle slightly and looking north east, the wall and trees mark the position of the former crossing keeper's cottage, which has been demolished without trace. There is an acute angle between southbound traffic and westbound trains at this crossing and the presence of this wall (as opposed to a chain link fence) is crazy as it severely restricts sight lines. There has already been an accident between a train and a car at this crossing. 27.09.2008
Changing angle slightly and looking north east, the wall and trees mark the position of the former crossing keeper's cottage, which has been demolished without trace. There is an acute angle between southbound traffic and westbound trains at this crossing and the presence of this wall (as opposed to a chain link fence) is crazy as it severely restricts sight lines. There has already been an accident between a train and a car at this crossing. 27.09.2008
 Winchelsea level crossing looking south towards the town, which is on the ridge in the distance. The station entrance is on the right. 20.09.2008
Winchelsea level crossing looking south towards the town, which is on the ridge in the distance. The station entrance is on the right. 20.09.2008
Changing angle slightly and looking to the right this is the entrance to Winchelsea Station. Vertical boards prevent passengers taking a short cut on to the platform from the level crossing. Unusually the entrance is within the area covered by the flashing lights. An inattentive passenger could come off the platform and turn right into the path of the train. 20.09.2008
Changing angle slightly and looking to the right this is the entrance to Winchelsea Station. Vertical boards prevent passengers taking a short cut on to the platform from the level crossing. Unusually the entrance is within the area covered by the flashing lights. An inattentive passenger could come off the platform and turn right into the path of the train. 20.09.2008
 A second view of the entrance to Winchelsea Station, showing the slope up to the platform. 20.09.2008
A second view of the entrance to Winchelsea Station, showing the slope up to the platform. 20.09.2008
 Looking west along Winchelsea Station platform from the level crossing. 20.09.2008
Looking west along Winchelsea Station platform from the level crossing. 20.09.2008
 With red lights flashing to warn traffic, Turbostar 171728 approaches the level crossing with a westbound service. 27.09.2008
With red lights flashing to warn traffic, Turbostar 171728 approaches the level crossing with a westbound service. 27.09.2008

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© 1998-2009 Derek Hayward - All rights reserved - All copyrights rest with the Author
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