During the latter part of the 19th century the SER and LCDR were locked in bitter competition with each other which resulted in most Kentish towns being served by both railways. Gravesend was no exception, the SER having first opened its station in 1845 with the LCDR following in 1886.

The LCDR station, known on different occasions as both Gravesend West and Gravesend West Street, was served by a five-mile line from Fawkham Junction, half a mile west of Fawkham station (subsequently renamed Longfield) between Swanley and Rochester. A seven chain (154 yards) extension led on to West Street Pier.

An intermediate station was opened adjoining the Rosherville Gardens but these closed in 1910 with the station closing in 1933. The pier was used by steamer services across the Thames and beyond and, from 1916, by the Dutch Batavia Line ships to Rotterdam. The latter service ended at the outbreak of the Second World War and when it resumed it switched to Tilbury.

With most passengers choosing to use the former SER station at Gravesend Central, BR closed the line to passenger services from 3 August 1953. Freight services remained in use and the picture shows Gravesend West on Saturday 31 January 1959 with ex-SECR Class C 0-6-0 31691 on the 1.40pm freight to Farningham Road as part of Hither Green Duty 188.

The station had two facing platforms which formed a “V” shape with the left-hand track alongside the down platform (at which 31691 is standing) leading to the pier. Freight services ended from 25 March 1968. The station was demolished in 1991 although the platform canopy supports survive on the Spa Valley Railway at Groombridge.

The C class was designed by Harry Wainwright with 31691 being built by Neilson, Reid & Co. and delivered to the SECR in July 1900. It was withdrawn in October 1961 from Hither Green (73C) shed.

Photo credit: Colin Hogg [048546]