Photograph Collections:
Seashore Electric Railway remains
Magnus Volk had this mad idea to extend his existing railway to Rottingdean. However due to the steep climb up to the cliffs between Brighton and Rottingdean the only way Magnus Volk could extend the railway was to go through the sea. Totally bonkers!
So on the 28th November 1896 The Seashore Electric Railway was born, fondly known locally as the ‘Daddy Long Legs’. The car itself was called the Pioneer and could carry up to 160 passengers. I often wonder if any of my ancestors had the chance to travel on this, I’d like to think so.
What did this crazy invention look like?
Here is a photograph of the Daddy-Long-Legs at low tide. What an amazing sight that must have been. (not taken by me, obviously!)
Many thanks to Royal Pavilion & Museums, Brighton & Hove for allowing me to add this photograph .
Image: (c) Carol Homewood
Electric Railway Remains from the Cliff 2007
Electric Railway Remains from the Cliff 2007
Electric Railway Remains from the Cliff 2007
I think this was the first time I ever saw the remains of the tracks. A bit excited I was! Just visible along the waters edge.
Electric Railway Remains from the Cliff 2007
Image: (c) Carol Homewood
Electric Railway Remains 2009 – Tracks from Rottingdean
Electric Railway Remains 2009 – Tracks from Rottingdean
Electric Railway Remains 2009 – Tracks from Rottingdean
After a week of opening in 1896 a big storm hit Brighton and destroyed the Chain Pier, also damaging the Pioneer. It broke free from its moorings at the pier in Rottingdean and fell on it's side.
After being repaired and fitted with even longer legs, the Pioneer opened again in July 1897.
Electric Railway Remains 2009 – Tracks from Rottingdean
Image: (c) Carol Homewood
Electric Railway Remains – A Surviving Wooden Pylon
Electric Railway Remains – A Surviving Wooden Pylon
Electric Railway Remains – A Surviving Wooden Pylon
Electric Railway Remains – A Surviving Wooden Pylon
Image: (c) Carol Homewood
More Electric Railway Remains near Rottingdean 2009
More Electric Railway Remains near Rottingdean 2009
More Electric Railway Remains near Rottingdean 2009
More Electric Railway Remains near Rottingdean 2009
Image: (c) Carol Homewood
Electric Railway Remains – Landing Pier at Rottingdean
Electric Railway Remains – Landing Pier at Rottingdean
Electric Railway Remains – Landing Pier at Rottingdean
Electric Railway Remains – Landing Pier at Rottingdean
Image: (c) Carol Homewood
Electric Railway Remains – Trackbed at Rottingdean
Electric Railway Remains – Trackbed at Rottingdean
Electric Railway Remains – Trackbed at Rottingdean
Electric Railway Remains – Trackbed at Rottingdean
Image: (c) Carol Homewood
Electric Railway Remains Near Brighton Marina – 2011
Electric Railway Remains Near Brighton Marina – 2011
Electric Railway Remains Near Brighton Marina – 2011
The second photograph was taken looking east.
Electric Railway Remains Near Brighton Marina – 2011
Image: (c) Carol Homewood
Electric Railway Remains Near The Marina – 2011
Electric Railway Remains Near The Marina – 2011
Electric Railway Remains Near The Marina – 2011
Electric Railway Remains Near The Marina – 2011
Image: (c) Carol Homewood
Two Beautiful Views of the Electric Railway Remains from 2011
Two Beautiful Views of the Electric Railway Remains from 2011
Two Beautiful Views of the Electric Railway Remains from 2011
The trackbeds were clearly visible on this lovely April evening.
