- Blackheath railway station
London stations
name = Blackheath
manager = Southeastern
zone = 3
locale = Blackheath
borough = Lewisham
start = 30 July 1849
platforms = 2
latitude = 51.4658
longitude = 0.0089
railexits0405 = 1.980
railexits0506 = 2.005
railexits0607 = 2.740
railcode = BKHBlackheath
railway station is situated in the heart of Blackheath village inLondon at gbmapping|TQ39617600. The track passes through the village and is crossed by a road overbridge on which the station buildings stand.Much of the original station, dating back at track level to 1849 and at ticket office level to 1879, remains. It was built using London
Brick to a design by George Smith (who also builtGreenwich station ). At the "country" end of the platforms the lines separate to the North Kent andBexleyheath Line s. The former passes through the mile-long (1.6km) "Blackheath Tunnel" immediately after the junction; the latter through the shorter "Kidbrooke Tunnel" after a short cutting.Blackheath's station has two platforms which are partially covered with a weather canopy. The downside platform has a disused platform face (bay platform) facing towards London, used in earlier days by commuter trains terminating here. Unusually, the track in the bay remains "in situ", although it is now heavily overgrown and otherwise obstructed. The area to the north (now a car-park) was formerly an area of railway sidings, where commuter trains were stabled when not in use.
The bay platform used to come into its own when a circus was taking place on Blackheath. Many of the animals would arrive in train vans. The circus would then process through Blackheath Village on to the heath. There is a local legend that on one occasion an elephant took exception to a passing bus — and the bus lost!
The station cannot be relied upon as a way of reaching Blackheath during November's traditional free
firework show , as it normally closes early on that day for safety reasons. Contrastingly in April, on the Sunday of theLondon Marathon , it is crucial in enabling athletes and their supporters to reach the starting line, as on that day bus services across the heath are usually suspended as roads are closed.Blackheath Halls, run by
Trinity College of Music , are close to the station.Services
Services today are available to central London via Lewisham and to north
Kent via theWoolwich andBexleyheath lines. All passenger services are run by Southeastern, the successors ofSouth Eastern Trains , who in turn took over after the FrenchConnex South Eastern lost the franchise.Facilities
There is a car park directly behind the station and the other is situated across the road. Managed by the local authority, it has 205 spaces. Charges apply Monday to Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. [ [http://www.lewisham.gov.uk/TransportAndStreets/Parking/CouncilCarParks/ Lewisham Council] ]
Gallery
References
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