Horton Kirby Viaduct
Many of the earliest railway viaducts, regardless of their size, were originally constructed from timber, which, comparatively speaking, was economical and quick to erect. Naturally, as rolling stock weights increased and the timber rotted, imposing arched brick structures were brought into use, and it is likely that the towering example at Horton Kirby was brick from the outset. The viaduct saw its first trains in July 1858 when the East Kent Railway extended its line from Strood to Bromley, and comprises ten arches sandwiched within an overall length of approximately 390 foot. Located one third of a mile east of the station at Farningham Road, the viaduct became a key strategic target for the Luftwaffe during 1941 air raids, the ''Chatham'' route being instrumental in conveying troops and supplies to Dover. One bombing mission during that year did set out to destroy the mass of arches, but the explosives were, thankfully, unsuccessful in reaching their target.
Fire on the Viaduct: 1975
By Ian Dudley
In
1975, I was Assistant Station Manager at Strood, and we looked after the “bank
stations” from Rochester to Farningham Road. One Sunday that summer, I was
on-call, and my wife’s father and lady friend were visiting (we lived in Strood).
Control rang to say there was a small fire on the viaduct at Farningham Road,
and would I like to do something about it, please? Thanks!
So we drove to the site, and I – who doesn’t “do” heights very well! – walked
out onto the viaduct and extinguished several smouldering sleepers, trying hard
not to look down on to the pub where my wife and her family were supping pints!
I am not sure what had caused the fire on the viaduct – sleepers take a bit of
igniting, but I expect rubbish and cigarette ends, allied to dry weather had
been effective, so just a chance mishap. I used earth and sand to smother the
embers, and heard no more, so it must have been effective!
Twenty or more years later, one Friday night on my way home – now working at BRB
HQ – I purchased the Evening Standard at Charing Cross. Idly looking through the
comic bit while waiting on the concourse, I found a colour picture of Horton
Kirby Viaduct. Hardly had I noticed this when a chap said ''hello'' – the Railtrack Duty Manager at Charing Cross, who had been Leading Railman at
Farningham Road at that time!
13th September 2005
The former paper mill chimney rises up above the viaduct as a line of 4 Vep units cross the arches
on 13th September 2005 as part of a scrap train hauled by Class 66 No. 66708. David Glasspool
28th April 2006
In September 2005, a restoration programme on the viaduct began, which involved strengthening
of the structure and brick replacement. Scheduled for completion by Summer 2006, it is seen still
covered with scaffolding on 28th April of that year. David Glasspool
14th December 2006
The scaffolding is down and the viaduct is seen in its restored glory on 14th December 2006.
Later patch-up repairs with alternate-coloured brick is evident under the arches. David Glasspool
9th April 2007
On 9th April 2007, a London-bound Eurostar makes an impressive spectacle, as it cruises over
the viaduct, complete with the former paper mill chimney in the background. Continental trains
along this section of the ex-LC&DR main line seemed to out-number domestic services on this day.
David Glasspool
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