Colonel Stephens Railway Museum

Our museum is devoted to the life and work of Lt-Col Holman F Stephens (1868-1931), the builder and manager of the Kent & East Sussex Railway. The concept of light railways emerged in the late Victorian era as a way of bringing cheap transport to rural areas, and Holman Stephens became a leading proponent. Trained as an engineer, he came to Kent in his early 20s and went on to build or manage 16 different railways from his offices in Tonbridge. He was also involved with plans for at least another 30 lines that were never built. The K&ESR was the undoubted flagship of the Stephens empire, which ranged from the diminutive Rye & Camber Tramway on the Sussex coast to the Shropshire & Montgomeryshire Railway in the Welsh Marches and the fabled Festiniog Railway in North Wales. As well as presenting exhibits and memorabilia from all of Stephens' railways, and a recreation of his office, the museum explores his family background in the artistic Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and his military career with the Royal Engineers. Opened in 1998, the museum is housed in a historic ex-military 'Romney Hut' which played a key role in World War II. This is conveniently located beside the picnic area opposite the K&ESR's principal station, and just a few yards from Tenterden's pretty tree-lined High Street with its many amenities. We look forward to your visit.