Some railway history

After a morning perusing old newspapers on microfilm at Worthing Library some interesting snippets about the construction of the Brighton to Shoreham branch line of the London and Brighton Railway. This was the first railway in Sussex to open, on 12th May 1840.

From The Sussex Agricultural Express April 20 1839
Page 4
Local Intelligence
Brighton
The Railroad.-The Shoreham Branch is approaching towards completion. the cuttings at Brighton end have been vigourously prosecuted, and on the arrival of a new engine the tunnel and the cutting at New England will be speedily completed. Hundreds of persons continue to visit the works daily, and as many as can embrace the opportunity take a trip to Southwick on the engine. At the beginning of the week the workmen at the Brighton end struck, on account of some dispute.

Another inquest was held at the White Lion, on Thursday evening, before F.H.Gell, Esq., on the body of an infant whose father is a labourer on the railroad. The child was found dead in bed that morning by its mother's side. The jury returned a verdict to the effect that the infant dies from natural causes.

page 5

Shoreham

THE RAILWAY.-The Shoreham Branch of the Railroad progresses rapidly; a new engine named the "Shoreham," arrived on Wednesday, and will commence working in a day or two. There are now two engines here and they will work night and day.

Editorial note: My calculations make the Wednesday to be 17/04/1839.