Redgate Mill Junction Traditional Cache
golden_wonder: Bridge in which this cache is hidden is being knocked down
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(micro)
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This cache is located on an abutment to a bridge that used to serve
the old British Railways line between Polegate and Eridge,
affectionately known as "The Cuckoo Line". The cache is a small
35mm container featuring a log book, pencil/pen required.
Constructed by the London Brighton and South Coast Railway (LBSCR),
Redgate Mill Junction opened to traffic in September 1880 and
closed, along with the rest of the Cuckoo Line (Eridge to Polegate)
in 1965. The method of construction is quite different from that of
the current railway bridge a few yards away carrying the
Uckfield-Oxted line between Crowborough and Eridge. Made of stone
construction with steel girder deck, it differs as a cheaper
alternative to the brick arch of the aforementioned structure. A
map of the area in 1910 is shown below
The Cuckoo Line was built by the London Brighton and South Coast
Railway (LBSC&R) in two sections, starting with the branch from
Polegate to Hailsham which opened to traffic on 14 May 1849. The
remainder of the line to Eridge opened to traffic in September
1880. The line from Three Bridges to Tunbridge Wells (via East
Grinstead High Level and Groombridge) opened on 1 October 1866,
with the connecting line from Uckfield via Eridge opening on 3
August 1868. The final part of the route opened on 1 February 1876:
a connection between the LBSCR station at Tunbridge Wells West and
Tunbridge Wells Central, the station operated by the South Eastern
Railway (SER). This single-line section passed through the short
Grove Tunnel to Grove Junction, sited a little south of the SER
station on their Hastings Line. In 1881 a new track alignment was
built between Polegate and Hailsham allowing trains to run into
Polegate at the west end of the station and direct to Eastbourne.
At the 'Grouping' in 1923, the railway passed into the control of
the Southern Railway. When the Southern Railway was nationalised in
1948, the line became part of the Southern Region of British
Railways. Following the Beeching Report in 1963, the line was
recommended for closure. The section from Eridge to Hailsham was
closed to passenger traffic in 1965 (the section between Heathfield
and Hailsham remaining open for freight until 1968), whilst the
short branch from Polegate to Hailsham remained open until 8
September 1968. The closure of this section was hotly disputed[5]
– even British Railways themselves agreeing that Hailsham was
a growing town and that buses would be unable to cope with the
demands of the increasing population. The line between Eridge and
Tunbridge Wells West remained open until 1985. Despite having
survived 'Beeching', no money was spent on the line and British
Rail regarded a track and signalling upgrade to be unviable.
Closure was announced in February 1985, and the last passenger
trains ran on 6 July 1985. Grove Junction was removed the day after
closure, but the depot at Tunbridge Wells West remained in use for
another month.
The
Cuckoo Line bridge is in plain sight and can be easily explored,
however I would advise against it as the bridge decking has long
since been removed, though the fencing up to the embankment is
easily breachable. Nothing to see up there though! (Having explored
the area in my youth). Parking is available for a very short period
of time in a lay-by between the two bridges, or on the edge of the
entrance to the Water plant next to the bridge. Take care as there
is no pavement on this road, though it is little used by
traffic.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
RUC 3840
Treasures
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