James Gray: The Atlantic engine No. 38 leaving Brighton Station with the 8.45 train to London, in March 1919. jgc_ 31_048
2019: This image shows a red Gatwick Express at platform 3 of Brighton Station, its coaches projecting beyond the canopy. The green train at platform 4 could be bound for London or along the east coast. Brighton Station roof was renovated in 1999-2000. High up on the cliff are 31-33 Terminus Road (see jgc_31_058 on the Terminus Road page), with the chimney of 34 Terminus Road visible above the trees. (Photographer: Jane Southern)
James Gray: Three photographs of locomotives, at different places around the station area, at different unknown periods. I know very little of the history of LB and SCR locomotives, so I can say nothing about Nos. 360 and 681. jgc_31_060
James Gray: I am told that the photograph of the very famous Fenchurch shows it at the loco works, in 1872. jgc_31_061
James Gray: Riveters and other workmen in the Boiler House at the Railway Workshops, about 1912. jgc_31_080
James Gray: The engine Kemptown, No. 64, often used on the push-and-pull run to Kemp Town Station, seen in 1900. jgc_31_049
James Gray: A nostalgic look back to the heyday of the railway and the age of steam. Taken between 1900-1904. It shows a west bound train rounding the curve just before the New England Road bridge. jgc_ 31_050
2019: This image is taken from the railway bridge over the west coast line, just below the junction of New England Road and Howard Place.
James Gray: No explanation needed. The caption speaks for itself. “V A D Sussex 53 preparing stretchers at Brighton Station for a convoy of wounded soldiers in 1918.” jgc_31_051
2019: In this image platform 7 is on the right and platform 8 on the left. Although trains which depart from these platforms can be bound for London or the east coast route, trains from platform 8 are usually going to Lewes and beyond.
James Gray: A view across the railway line. jgc_31_071
2019: The 1900s image was taken from platform 7, which was numbered 8 at the time (see jgc_31_051), looking west. The buildings in the 2019 image are the West Hill Tavern, on the corner of Buckingham Place and Howard Place, together with the rear extensions of buildings in Buckingham Place and flats in Howard Place, all built in more recent years. The signal box in the earlier image was demolished in 1932 when colour light signalling was introduced at the same time as the main and west coast lines were electrified.
James Gray: Excursion locomotives in the station, on a Bank Holiday, about 1904. They are awaiting the signal to enter the locomotive yard. At their head was the D2 class locomotive 309, withdrawn in 1906. Note the ‘Double Diamond’ headcode (Specials) on the engine. jgc_ 31_073
2019: In the 1904 image the people are standing on platform 2, looking at a locomotive which has pulled up at platform 3. Behind it is another on platform 4. Following electrification of the main and west coast lines in 1932 the platforms were extended to accommodate twelve-carriage trains. The most recent restoration of the 1882/3 roof seen in both images was carried out in 1999/2000. (Photographer: Jane Southern)
James Gray: Excursionists thronging to and from the platforms in the summer of 1907. jgc_ 31_074
2019: The 1907 image must have been taken from the roof of the single storey rear extension to the main building, but the 2019 view is from a first-floor window (with the help of James from Brighton Station). This means that the two images do not match exactly. In the 1907 image there is a train at the original platform 4 and another at platform 5. The 2019 image shows the present-day platforms 3, 4 and 5.
James Gray: Photographs of “Hector” the collecting dog on the station platforms. Said to be for the Prince of Wales Fund, a National Fund, of which I have no information, nor do I know the year of the photographs. Probably taken during the First World War, and certainly before 1923 because the men are wearing the uniforms of the London, Brighton and South coast railway – LBSCR. jgc_31_076
James Gray: Hector begging at a potential customer at the open door of a carriage. jgc_31_077
James Gray: Territorials of the Royal Engineers mounting guard at Brighton Station, on the occasion of the visit of the Prince of Wales to unveil the Chattri at Patcham, 1 February 1921. jgc_31_079
2019: In 1921 the Royal Engineers were standing with their backs towards the northern end of platform 9. This is now platform 8, the rails to platform 10 have gone and platform 11 is under the drop-off area at the back of the station. (See jgc_31_051 for details of platform renumbering.) In the 2019 image the wooden walkway leading from the right toward the blue gate is what remains of platform 10.
James Gray: The L B & S C Railway Shed, 531 feet in length, decorated and lent for dining 7000 school children of Brighton on the occasion of the marriage of HRH Price of Wales with HRH Princess Alexandra of Denmark, 10 March 1863. Also a look at the venerable stewards in the severe clothes of the period. Additional Information: In March 1863, William Cornish junior of 109 Kings Road, Brighton was advertising a set of six stereoscopic photographs of a decorated railway shed. The 531ft. long railway shed was used to house 7,000 school children who had gathered for a meal to celebrate the marriage of Edward, Prince of Wales and Princess Alexandra of Denmark. Stereoscopic views of the decorated railway shed could be purchased singly for one shilling (10 pence) or the customer could buy a complete set for 6 shillings. jgc_ 31_081, 082, 083, 086 and 087
James Gray: More photographs of the decorated railway shed for the dinner to 7000 schoolchildren on the occasion of the Royal Wedding. Also a look at the venerable Stewards in the severe clothes of the period. jgc_ 31_084 and 085