Gillingham railway station facts for kids
Gillingham railway station is a name that can be a bit confusing because there are actually two different railway stations in England called Gillingham! When you see this name, it's important to know which one people are talking about.
This happens when different places or things have the same name. To help people find the right information, we use something called a "disambiguation" page. It's like a helpful guide that points you to the correct article.
What are the Gillingham Stations?
There are two main railway stations that share the name Gillingham:
Gillingham (Kent) Railway Station
This station is located in the town of Gillingham in the county of Kent, England. It's a busy station that serves the local community and connects to larger cities like London.
History of Gillingham (Kent) Station
The Gillingham (Kent) railway station first opened its doors on January 29, 1858. It was built by the London, Chatham and Dover Railway company. Over the years, the station has been an important part of the town, helping people travel for work, school, and fun. It has seen many changes and upgrades to keep up with modern train travel.
Services at Gillingham (Kent) Station
Today, Gillingham (Kent) station offers train services run by Southeastern. These trains connect Gillingham to various destinations, including:
- London Victoria
- London Charing Cross
- Dover Priory
- Ramsgate
The station has several platforms and facilities to make travel easier for passengers.
Gillingham (Dorset) Railway Station
The other Gillingham station is found in the town of Gillingham in the county of Dorset, England. This station serves a different part of the country and has its own unique history.
History of Gillingham (Dorset) Station
Gillingham (Dorset) railway station opened earlier than its Kent counterpart, on September 1, 1859. It was built by the Salisbury and Yeovil Railway company. This station played a key role in connecting rural Dorset to the wider railway network, helping local businesses and residents.
Services at Gillingham (Dorset) Station
Train services at Gillingham (Dorset) station are operated by South Western Railway. These services link Gillingham to important locations such as:
- London Waterloo
- Exeter St Davids
- Salisbury
The station is an important transport hub for the local area, making it easy for people to travel to and from Dorset.
Why are there two stations with the same name?
It's quite common for towns in different parts of a country to have the same name. When railways were first built, they often named stations after the town they served. Since there are two towns named Gillingham in England, it naturally led to two stations sharing the same name. This is why disambiguation pages are so useful!
