Kent Guides (1 results)

8vo. 4.5 X 7.5 inches. xii + 191 pp. Bound in original embossed boards, gilt, decorated with blind stamped border. Extremities a little worn and ink stained and library label with stamp at foot and on verso of title; otherwise a very good copy. 1885 inscription at foot of last free endpaper. Illustrated by six steel engraved plates, including frontispiece and by wood engravings, including vignettes in text. This was probably published to mark the opening of the South-Eastern Railway Company's line to Dover, indeed the guide is dedicated to the Chairman and directors of the company. The first London - Dover train ran on the 6th February 1844 and the unknown author states he was on this train, describing the newly completed coast line from Folkestone. At this time the South-Eastern's main line, from Redhill via Tonbridge and Ashford (1842) and Folkestone (1843) was the only railway in Kent other than the short stretches to Greenwich and from Canterbury to Whitstable, with a branch to Maidstone being constructed in 1844. The guide is organised by the stations on the line with a chapter on each place, starting with Croydon and Reigate (the London - Sevenoaks direct line from Tonbridge was not completed until 1868), and the attractions of the surrounding area. A chatty and interesting guide giving a vivid picture of the condition of these places in the mid-19th century. KENT RAILWAYS KENT - GUIDES RAILWAYS 19TH CENTURY ILLUSTRATED KENT. …