The station was opened in 1844 by the South East Railway, and it was to become one of the more eye catching stations on the line, being as it nestled right next to the river Medway.
It started life however as just a dropping off point with a basic wooden platform and no facilities. This changed quite quickly however, as an imposing yet beautiful two story red brick station building was erected on newly brick built platforms on the Strood bound side. Mock Tudor in design, it certainly stands out proudly overlooking the river. A similar style building would later be built at Aylesford, however this would be made from Kentish ragstone. A station masters house was built next door, of similar but smaller design.
Freight facilities were excellent here, with a double tracked goods shed, which frequently was used by the local brewery for transportation. The yard lasted until 1963; however the time of writing, the building is still used today by Network Rail for storage, ensuring this grand building still stands.
The fine signal box was installed in 1892, manual gates being provided, and these remained until automatic barriers were installed in the 2010’s.
Another thing of interest is that the station didn’t get a footbridge until the 1960’s, when the foot crossing was deemed unsafe after the line was electrified. Also it was one of the last stations on the line to retain semaphore signals, these being replaced in 2005, as part of a re-signalling scheme.
At time of writing, passenger traffic is provided by class 375 electric multiple units.
Wateringbury is a superb station to visit. The old signal box and goods shed alone would make it interesting, but couple that with the elaborate Grade 2 listed station building, and of course the fabulous views across the river Medway, make time here a pleasure. Sight lines for the enthusiast are excellent, whether at platform or bridge level, so photography and videography will gain you great results.
Here is a video of the station, filmed by myself in 2022 :
Thanks for reading, come back soon and remember:
“If you can, get out there, get on the railway, and see where it takes you” (c)
Rainham Rail Enthusiast 