Crowborough station marks Sir Arthur Conan Doyle connection

A new sign has been added at Crowborough railway station to mark the town's connection to Sherlock Homes creator Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

As part of the 200th anniversary of modern railway celebrations, members of the Communities Rail Partnership have been delving into the railway's history, with findings displayed at the station.

Crowborough town council, South East Communities Rail Partnership and Southern installed the commemorative sign with it unveiled at a ceremony on Thursday (30 October).

Sir Conan Doyle lived in nearby Windlesham Manor for the final 23 years of his life between 1903 and 1930.

The event was attended by Sir Arthur's great nephew Richard Doyle, Crowborough Town Mayor Councillor Natalie Whittle, Chair of the Uckfield and East Grinstead Community Rail Partnership, Paul Goddard and Southern Station Manager, Josh De Angelis Taylor along with members of local community organisations and those associated with Sir Arthur.

Crowborough station manager Josh De Angelis-Taylor said: "Our railway exists to serve the communities around it, to connect people and places, and this year we're celebrating 200 years of the modern railway.

"Like Sir Conan Doyle's iconic Sherlock Holmes, the railway is something which forms part of our British identity.

"I am really proud we have been able to commemorate this literary legend, and I hope that all of our passengers stop, think – and perhaps pick up one of his books from the station bookshelf."

Southeast Communities Rail Partnership has ten Community Rail lines across East and West Sussex as well as parts of Surrey, Kent and Berkshire. It works with five train operators, Network Rail, local authorities, community representatives and dedicated volunteers at 112 stations on its lines.

Cllr Whittle, Mayor of Crowborough Town Council said: "I hope that this board will spark curiosity and demonstrate that one person's commitment to a place and its voluntary organisations can make a lasting difference."