Tilmanstone Colliery, located near Dover, was one of the four main collieries developed in the Kent Coalfield during the early 20th century. It was established after the Shakespeare Colliery and began operations when workers were first paid on July 7, 1906. By March 12, 1913, coal seams were discovered. The colliery faced financial difficulties but was revitalized under Richard Tilden Smith, who built a strong community around it, leading to the construction of 230 houses for miners in Elvington in 1927.
Richard Tilden Smith, who had a background in mining and engineering, envisioned significant expansion for Tilmanstone Colliery. He aimed to develop an ‘Industrial Eden’ in East Kent. His plans included increasing the workforce and expanding local industries that would rely on coal. He initiated the construction of a briquette plant to support this vision. However, transporting coal to Dover Harbour became costly with high railway fees. To tackle this, Tilden Smith proposed an aerial ropeway as a more efficient transportation method.
The construction of the aerial ropeway faced opposition from railway companies, resulting in lengthy legal battles and substantial costs. Despite this, the Railway and Canal Commission eventually approved the project. By February 1927, the estimated cost of the ropeway construction rose significantly, but funds were raised in part through contributions from the Dover Harbour company. The first section of the ropeway opened on October 12, 1929, followed by the second section on February 14, 1930, shortly before Tilden Smith’s death.
Originally, the ropeway was to descend directly to the Eastern Arm at Dover Harbour. However, plans changed to include tunnels through the cliffs, allowing for a more efficient descent. The tunnels were completed by June 1929, and progress was made despite earlier plans being abandoned. The ropeway showcased the transportation of bucket loads of coal to the harbour, culminating in a ninety-degree turn for smooth operation.
The ropeway operated for only nine years, from 1930 to 1939. It frequently broke down, leading to operational delays. Designed by Ropeways Limited, it had the capacity to carry substantial amounts of coal. Tilden Smith envisioned it serving a network of local industries, but its operation was halted during World War II due to military activities in the area.
The ropeway was operational until the start of World War II in September 1939, after which it was shut down and used by the military. Post-war, a document listed repairs needed for the ropeway tunnels damaged during the war. The estimated cost for necessary repairs included cleaning the tunnels for £100, leveling blockages for £250, removing a bricked-up wall for £150, and renewing telephone lines and lighting for £350. Other costs included clearing dumped refuse, moving a machine gun emplacement, cleaning a removed wooden platform, and renewing support pillars, with a total estimated cost of £6,375. However, these repairs were never completed, and the ropeway remained unused.
On March 10, 1950, a local newspaper reported that the ropeway was unlikely to operate again for many years due to severe war damage, with an intention to reconstruct the bunker at a cost of £60,000. By November 7, 1952, it was suggested that the aerial ropeway, originally built for £130,000, was likely to be dismantled and possibly re-built in India. On July 15, 1955, a report confirmed the demolition of the ropeway began, along with challenges due to the strong concrete.
Today, remnants of the ropeway include the divide station, concrete bases by Langdon Bay, and bricked-up tunnel entrances. More historical information is available in Colin Varrall’s publication ‘Tilmanstone Colliery to Dover Harbour Aerial Ropeway’.
Colin Varrall
Virtual flyover of the ropeway in 1940 (showing the pylons as shadows along the route) : –
