Disused Stations: East Grinstead High Level Station

One of two views over the station complex taken in 1954, this one facing west north west. By the 1950s there were plenty of motor vehicles on the roads yet in both 1954 aerial views very few can be seen; this and the lay of shadows suggests the photographs were taken on a evening. Some pedestrians can be seen but in those days, while some people went out to, say, a cinema during an evening especially on Saturdays, most people went home at the end of the working day and remained at home until the following morning. Crossing Station Approach bridge is the connection link between the Low and High Level yards. To the right of the bridge are stacks of sleepers and it would appear track lifting is ongoing, which would leave just a single track crossing the bridge. In due course the bridge itself would be reduced to single track span. Photographs of the East signal box are not common, although it can be seen in the background of some photographs taken from the High Level platforms. This view does at least show its front elevation which makes clear it was the largest of all the 'boxes at East Grinstead. With its 43-lever Saxby & Farmer frame, it remained in use until the line closed. To the north of the signal box is a timber yard which was served by a siding visible here running behind the 'box. Facing the 'box. i.e. on the south side of the railway is another timber yard. Both were still in operation at the time the railway closed but no longer exist. The clutter of buildings at bottom left was the East Grinstead Union Workhouse, dating from 1859. The 'T' shaped building in the centre of the complex was the main block while the building to its south was a hospital of sorts for people with infectious diseases. The complex also had a chapel and a school. The site of the workhouse at East Grinstead is acknowledged by a path named 'Institute Walk' which serves a modern housing development and various commercial premises.
Photo from Britain From Above, reproduced with permission

[Source:Nick Catford]

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Station Name: EAST GRINSTEAD HIGH LEVEL