On 20th May, 1955, the last passenger train ran to Petworth station, ending a much loved service.
To commemorate this anniversary, as well as the better known date of 200 years of passenger rail in Britain, on 18th May, 2025, volunteers at Coultershaw Mill, Petworth, hosted a day of model railway layouts and informative slideshows.
The Mid Sussex Railway was formed to build a line from Pulborough to Petworth, with another company, the Mid Sussex and Midhurst planning to build the section to Midhurst.
The line opened to Petworth on 15th October 1859, providing connections to the main London to Brighton line through Horsham. It extended to Midhurst and Petersfield in 1866. The station is located ¼ mile south of Coultershaw. It is now bed and breakfast accommodation and serves excellent cream teas.
For more information about the history of Coultershaw Mill and how it was served by both canal and rail routes, visit History | Coultershaw Heritage Site and Beam Pump
Next year will mark 60 years since the last goods train visited Petworth and another event will be planned to commemorate this. Anyone with an interest or a story to share would be most welcome, either contact Rowena Tyler, Arun Valley Line Community Development Officer at SCRP, or Coultershaw Mill direct.
The Bognor Regis Model Railway Club has a membership of almost 100, including a thriving youth branch. New members are always welcome:
