Volk’s Seagoing Tramway Explored

Description

Everyone knows about Volk’s Railway that runs along Brighton seafront, but far less well known is the extraordinary tramway that ran through the sea from Banjo groyne, just west of Brighton Marina to Rottingdean. Completed in 1897 and closed in 1902, it was a shortlived piece of genius that was beset by bad luck and a terrible storm. The footings of the track and the bases of the telegraph poles that ran alongside on the seabed can only be discerned at very low tide.

The very low tides of September 2006 and exceptionally fair weather offered the ideal opportunity to film this. Includes shots from the clifftops and detailed close ups down on the seabed and a slideshow of stills from when the line was still in operation.

Newly added in 2007 is additional low tide footage showing views of the remaining architecture on the seabed close to the Marina. Shots are taken from east side of the Marina, but also from the west side where there are visible remains looking towards the site of the terminus at Banjo groyne. The course of the line between the Marina and Banjo is clear to see.  A more detailed look at the remains of the base of Ovingdean intermediate station are included too and further footage of the pier base at Rottingdean features too.

Includes constant running commentary.