
In 1936 the Southern Railway built a new station
on the other side of the line reflecting the
rapid growth of the area.
At this time electric trains began to call.
Quadrupling of the line in 1959 caused the
changes that give the station it's present
appearance.
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Opening
in 1860 as part of the London, Chatham and
Dover Railway (LCDR) extension from Rochester
to Bickley, the original station was on the
site of the current car park.
Initially built in the standard LCDR style
as pictured here, the area remained rural
until after the opening of the Sevenoaks Way
in 1926.
For many years one of the main activities
was the unloading of London stable manure.
This was used in the many nearby market gardens
and orchards. Paper from the valley mills
would go in the other direction.
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