Our history

about us

Origins

The earliest railway built at Crossness, ran from Plumstead station sidings to the new works of Sir. Joseph Bazalgette, carrying materials across the desolate Erith marshes and was standard gauge of 4 foot 8¼ inches.

Today

The two foot narrow gauge passenger railway under construction could be in full line operation by spring 2020, this follows the 1861 route of William Webster contractor’s railway. At present is being entirely constructed, managed and operated by volunteers.

 

This summer, ride the short railway line and watch the track building; we are over halfway to the front gate with a railway to welcome young and old alike.

Volunteers wanted

Come and help with our exciting new project the restoration of the original William Webster’s railway line of 1860’s A diverse range of work from track laying to rolling stock restoration and passenger operations.

 

Contact us for more information.

Crossness Beam Engines

company

The Cathedral on the Marsh

Come and visit "The Cathedral on the Marsh" a celebration of Victorian engineering and wrought iron splendour.

 

Bazalgette’s 1865 Pumping Station houses what are believed to be the largest restored rotative Steam pumping engines in the world, lifting some 1320 imperial gallons of London's detritus per stroke, the engine rotating at 11 rpm.

 

Find out more, together with open day dates at the Crossness Engine Trust web site