Blackhorse Lane Tramlink stop

Image: © Marathon Taken: 25 Jul 2011

The railway line from Beckenham via Woodside to Addiscombe Road Croydon was opened on 1st April 1864. In 1885, a line opened from Woodside to South Croydon and after that Addiscombe (as it eventually became after 1955) was on the end of a branch from Woodside. The Woodside & South Croydon Line was closed in 1983, but the line from Elmers End via Woodside to Addiscombe remained open, although there was little demand with some off peak trains running empty. By 1993, Woodside station had become unstaffed and Addiscombe booking office was only open during the morning peak hours. Following the announcement that the line from Elmers End to Woodside was to be incorporated into the Croydon Tramlink scheme, it was clear that the line from Woodside to Addiscombe would close. The last day of service was Saturday 31st May 1997 and the Tramlink service through Woodside and on to Croydon began in 2000. Looking north from the walkway which leaves Blackhorse Lane Tramlink stop, the route of the old Addiscombe branch came in from the left of the walkway, towards the end of the curve ahead. The old branch has now been converted into a linear park and called Addiscombe Railway Park - see http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2524747 and http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2524755.

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