The ‘Folkestone Rail Viaduct’ display at the Heritage Hub Image: Ray Duff
All aboard! Kent’s libraries are celebrating 200 years of Britain’s railways, the very first in the world, with a series of county-wide exhibitions running throughout October.
The Eurtunnel display with books Image Ray Duff
From the Stockton and Darlington line opening on September 27, 1825, the initial puff of steam quickly turned into a railway boom that transformed Britain and the globe. Now, to mark this historic bicentenary, libraries across Kent have transformed into temporary train depots, displaying exhibitions of all sizes alongside relevant books and materials. Each library is taking a local approach, tailoring its displays to show how the railways arrived in their specific area and the lasting effects they’ve had on the community. Visitors can expect a range of exhibits, some of which are interactive.
The Folkestone & District Libraries Rail200 poster Image Ray Duff
The ‘Rail Trail Challenge’
Children aged 7 and up can join in the fun with the ‘Rail Trail Challenge’. This engaging activity encourages young explorers to get their special ‘ticket’ clipped during their visit, with the chance to collect a prize once their exploration is complete. The celebration is highlighted in places like the Folkestone Heritage Hub, where multi-level displays delve into the town’s rich railway history, beginning with its arrival in 1843. Exhibits detail the stations, the famed viaduct built by Cubitt (still thought to be the highest brick-built one in Britain), the harbour branch line, the more modern Eurotunnel, and the other lines that fanned out across the district in the 19th century. Similar in-depth explorations can be found at other Folkestone & District Libraries.
Part of the RJ Fynmore papers regarding the railways on display Image Ray Duff
The exhibitions will be running during the normal opening days and hours of Kent Libraries throughout the month of October, offering plenty of time to learn about the revolution that changed travel forever.
Check each branch for their details.
https://www.kent.gov.uk/leisure-and-community/libraries
Further info and some forthcoming rail anniversaries:-
- Rail200Southeastern trains: https://railway200.southeasternrailway.co.uk/
- The Romney, Hythe & District Railway marks its centenary in 2027:- https://www.rhdr.org.uk
- The Canterbury & Whitstable a.k.a ‘Crab & Winkle Line’ in north Kent, marks its own 200th anniversary in 2030. It was the first scheduled passenger train service in Britain in 1830. https://www.canterbury-archaeology.org.uk/crab-and-winkle-railway