PHOTOGRAPHER UNKNOWN

London Road Viaduct as seen in the mid 1840s

The London & Brighton Railway merged under an act of  Parliament of 27th July 1846, with the Brighton & Chichester Railway and the Brighton, Lewes & Hastings Railway to become the London Brighton & South Coast Railway. Over the coming years many other lines where built in and around the Sussex and Surrey area, with some lines being started but never being completed.  

The main line to London and the branches to Shoreham and Lewes were constructed by the 

London and Brighton Railway Company. Mainly owing to financial considerations, the 

London, Brighton and South Coast Railway Company was formed under an Act of Parliament of July 1846 by amalgamating the London and Brighton; London and Croydon; Croydon and Epsom; Brighton, Lewes and Hastings; and the Brighton and Chichester railway companies. 

The London, Brighton and South Coast had 457 miles of track, covering most of Sussex and 

much of south London and Surrey.

LONDON & CROYDON RAILWAY

Regulations for the First Appointment of an Engineman.

1 The candidate must not be under twenty-one years of age, and must produce a certificate of a sound constitution and steady habits.

2 He must be able to read and write, and if possible, understand the rudimental principles of 

mechanics. 

3 It will be a great recommendation if he has served his time to any mechanical art, 

especially as a Fitter of Locomotive Engines; and, if possible, he should produce testimonials stating his qualifications as such.

4 If the candidate has been a Fitter or a stationary Engine-man, he must, for several months 

at least, have been a Stoker on a Locomotive Engine, under the direction of a steady and 

competent Engine-man; and before his appointment, he should produce a testimonial from the Superintendent of Locomotives, or at least from an Engine-man under whom he has served, stating full confidence in his acquaintance with the construction of an Engine and the principles of its management.

5 If the candidate has not been a Fitter or a stationary Engine-man, he must have served as a 

Stoker for at least two years, and produce the testimonials named in the preceding rules.

6 If require by the Board of Directors, for greater security, the candidate must undergo an 

examination from their Engineer, Superintendent of Locomotive, or other competent person, 

as to his knowledge of an Engine and its management, and the general result of this 

examination must be committed to paper, signed by the examiner, and presented to the board.

7 The Engineer or Superintendent of Locomotives of the Railway to which the candidate is 

desirous of being appointed, shall sign a certificate stating that he has conversed with him, 

has seen him drive and has confidence in his steadiness and ability.

8 Before being allowed to take the entire charge of an Engine and train, the candidate must 

drive for several days under the direction of an experienced Engine-man, who must be on his Engine, and certify to ability.

9  All certificates and testimonials must be deposited with the Secretary of the Company, who will restore them to the owner on his leaving their service.

Framed by the then Mr C. H. Gregory, in his capacity as the Company’s Resident Engineer, 

and adopted by the Directors of the L&C Rly in 1840.

The London & Croydon Rly & 

the London & Brighton Rly

 amalgamated on the 

27th July 1846