Exploring Kent's Past

It should not be assumed that this site is publicly accessible and it may be on private property. Do not trespass.

Monument details

Summary

Former site of tramway linking multiple chalk and gravel quarries together. These were constructed in the 1920s linking Craylands Pit to Barnfield Pit and further chalk pits to the south. A linear ravine, known as Craylands Groge now follows the former line of the tramway (location accurate to the nearest 10m based on available information)

Monument Types

• TRAMWAY (Modern - 1920 AD? to 1950 AD?)

Full description

If you do not understand anything on this page please contact us.

During the 1920s two tramlines were constructed along the western edge of Barnfields pit. These trams eventually linked Barnfield Pit to further chalk quarries to the south west via a pair of tunnels extending below first, the southernly footpath crossing the pit and Alkerden Road. The backfilling of Barnfield Pit in the 1950s and 1960s essentially created the Craylands Gorge, a linear ravine following the course of the western tramway, kept open to enable access between the southern quarry sites and the works to the north. The bed of the tramway can be recognised along most of the length of the gorge. The three tunnels which interconnect the quarries all survive. The rails of the tramline were presumable removed when the gorge fell into redundancy and now only its route can be recognised. However, evidence of the former tramway does remain in a scattering of railway sleepers lying in the undergrowth and a single section of track. The track no longer remains in situ and has been moved to the western side of the tram bed (now pathway). The rails were fixed to concrete sleepers and therefore must belong to a later final phase of use and repair. (1-2) the full length of the tramline is visible on the fourth editon OS map of the area. (3)

<1> Essex County Council, 2003, Aggregates Levy Survey Industrial Sites (Unpublished document). SKE12009.

<2> Wessex Archaeology, March 2004, Swanscombe Heritage Park and Craylands Gorge, Swanscombe, Kent. Archaeological and Geological Desk Based Assessment (Unpublished document). SWX12883.

<3> Ordnance Survey, 1928-1947, Ordnance Survey 1:2500 4th edition 1928-1947 (Map). SKE12644.

Sources and further reading

Related records