6th July 1985

 

We now fast forward to the final day of service. From left to right, ''Thumpers'' Nos. 1302 and 1306 are in attendance, the latter packed full of enthusiasts. By this time, the island platform canopy had gone, and that extending from the station building had been severely truncated. The latter had also seen the attractive ''spikes'' of its valance sawn off. © David Glasspool Collection

 

March 1989

 

The impressive station building is seen from the entrance road in March 1989, after closure, with most of the lower windows boarded up. The façade canopy had also gone, but the small add-on appendices to the left of the tower remained. © Mike Glasspool

 

March 1989

 

By March 1989, virtually all the track on the Tunbridge Wells West site had been lifted and stacked in various piles. The buildings and platforms remained intact, but the majority of canopy coverage had disappeared long ago. In the background can be seen the signal gantry - still very much in one piece - to the left is the goods shed and, on the right, is the LB&SCR station building. Fortunately, the station building gained listed status and was destined for preservation, but the majority of the site was not so lucky. It is hard to believe that this extensive site, which lasted into the 1990s, was subsequently bulldozed to accommodate a supermarket. © Mike Glasspool