Change at Robertsbridge: The Rother Valley (Light) Railway Company (1897 – 1904): its directors, promoters and investors - Softcover

David W Penn

Softcover

ISBN 13: 9798597409917

Synopsis

The difficulty of providing cost effective public transport in rural areas is a problem that has been recognised since at least the 1880s. Following the 1896 Light Railway Act a large number of light railway schemes were promoted. That only a scattering of lines were actually built was due almost entirely to lack of capital funding. The study examines the Rother Valley (Light) Railway Company’s unusual and risky decision, in 1896, to overcome this problem by contracting with a professional company promoter to finance, construct and equip the line. The causes of the near collapse of the company and the breakdown of its relationship with the promoter are explored. The company’s survival depended upon the exceptional personal and professional connections of its directors. The study combines historical narrative with biographical information about the key figures involved in establishing and managing the company and investing in its debenture stock. Principal sources include the company’s minute books, ledgers and debenture stock register, census and probate records, local histories and newspaper reports. The line, better known today as the Kent and East Sussex is now a much loved and thriving preserved railway.

Edition details

• Language: English
• ISBN 13: 9798597409917
• Binding: Paperback