The South Eastern and Chatham Railway Company started building the railway in 1884. It is because it ran through this beautiful valley that it became known as the Elham Valley Line. The old image (below) is the front cover of an invitation card to the ceremonies of 28^th August 1884. A silver mounted ceremonial oak wheelbarrow and spade with which the ‘first sod’ was dug has been very kindly donated to the trust by a member, and grandson of Sir George Russell, who was the first Chairman of the Elham Valley Railway Company.  This wonderful and popular exhibit is proudly on display in the museum.

However, in 1947 the decision was taken to close the railway and by 1953 the rails were ripped up and many of the glorious buildings that adorned the railway properties were torn down. Yet to this day you can still see a reminder of years gone by. The track bed is still in evidence over a large majority of its length, and two of the original stations still stand. The one at Lyminge is now a library, while the former Bishopsbourne station is now a private house.

The railway museum is a journey back in time. It was built in the style of a South Eastern Clapperboard station and platform. Look around and you will see advertisements from the 1930’s, old level crossing gates and the original restored 1924 Roader Shed from Lyminge station. The museum’s centrepiece (below left) is a model depicting the route of the line as it was in 1930. It is made up in N gauge and it gives a bird’s eye view of the line complete with stations, sidings, level crossings... nothing is missed. Such is the detail; there is even ballast between the rails.