There are a few times in history when a society can look back and say that, after a particular moment or event, things were different – life had been forever altered, and progress had been made. Never has this been truer than on 27th September 1825, when the Stockton and Darlington Railway opened and the first passengers embarked on a pioneering journey that would change the face of Britain forever. On this historic occasion, not only was there a massive leap forward for science and engineering, but the way we travel was totally revolutionised… and the modern railway was born.
Today, we take for granted the impact this event, and railway travel more broadly, has had on our daily lives. Not only has it become crucial to the economy, allowing us to transport goods quickly and easily over long distances, but it has also transformed daily life by shepherding people to work, school, and their loved ones safely and efficiently. Our access to leisure activities has improved too, enabling people to explore new places or follow their favourite sports teams to away games in far-flung corners of the country.
Did you know that in 2022–23 the UK railway network carried 1.4 billion passengers along 9,864 miles of route, between 2,578 stations? A phenomenal achievement with minimal environmental impact, and something we rarely stop to consider as we’re jostling to catch our train. And let’s not forget the heritage railways: there are 211 of them, covering 600 miles and served by 460 stations. Each one has a unique history and story to tell, and this is something very close to our hearts here at Leslie J Thorpe Ltd.
As 27th September 2025 marks the 200th anniversary of the modern railway, Railway 200 has been busy organising events and celebrations across the country. We at LJT also wanted to contribute to this remarkable milestone by giving something back and collaborating on a unique heritage project. In the true spirit of connection, synonymous with railway travel, we have teamed up with our friends at Hackwood Building Services Ltd, Jacksons Fencing, and Transport Signs to donate our time and materials to create something truly beautiful in the form of a Reflective Garden at Brookwood Railway Station.
Brookwood Station, along with the cemetery behind it, is one of the most historically significant stations on the South Western Railway. It was once part of the London Necropolis Railway, which transported the dead from Waterloo to Brookwood for burial—the first taking place in 1854. At the cemetery site, you can still trace the original line of the track, and many railway workers have their final resting place there.
As you exit the station from the up platform, you walk along a path that leads directly into the cemetery and an area of open land. As part of the Railway 200 celebrations, SWR wanted this space transformed into a commemorative garden—welcoming visitors from the station to Brookwood and informing them of the rich history the railway played in the Victorian era.
As part of the Brookwood Reflective Garden project, it was essential to create a relaxing atmosphere—allowing visitors not only to learn about the historical significance of the site, but also to sit and enjoy a moment of calm and tranquillity while soaking in the history of the place. Raised planters were installed at the heart of the garden using reclaimed railway sleepers, along with a seating area where visitors can pause and reflect or grab a moment on the way through. A striking curved pathway was laid through the garden, echoing the circular flower beds, so people can stroll through and look at the plaques—provided free of charge by the lovely people at Transport Signs—explaining the railway connection and the site’s rich and interesting history.
The original track, once hidden in the undergrowth and part of the original Victorian line, has been carefully restored as a feature to showcase the station’s unique history. It now stands proudly amid the new grass as a nod to all those who worked on the lines, some of whom are buried in the adjacent cemetery. Surrounding this peaceful place is smart low fencing, courtesy of Jacksons Fencing, which lends the space an air of quiet dignity.
As projects go, this one was very special and a real pleasure to be involved with. At LJT, we are passionate about our heritage work, and it was a true honour to be part of something so historically important and meaningful, and to be given the opportunity to create something so beautiful.
Many congratulations to all working on the Railway 200 project and South Western Railway for all your hard work—and here’s to another 200 years of railway travel!
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