Railway

The Railway Arrives

The railway first reached Dover in 1844 when the South Eastern Railway Company built a trainline from London through Folkestone to Dover, where their channel steamers were situated.

In 1861 the London, Chatham and Dover Railway Company built a direct line from London to Dover where they had their own steamers.

These two rival companies entered into fierce competition which lasted for the remainder of the nineteenth century. In 1899, however, these two companies merged to become the South Eastern and Chatham Railway Company.

A large part of the coastline between Dover and Folkestone, called Roundown Cliff, had to be removed in order to allow the railway to enter Dover via the coast.

Trams in Dover

Dover Corporation's electric trams were installed in 1897. Dover's trams were the first tram system in southern England. There were two main routes: the first was from the Pier to Buckland Bridge and the second  from Biggin Street to Maxton.

In 1905 the Tramway was extended to Crabble and River. Fares were a 'popular penny' with half penny fares in the early morning for workmen.

The trams were removed in 1936 when the motor bus took over.