Railway Viaduct Between Deptford Creek And North Kent Junction

The railway viaduct between Deptford Creek and North Kent Junction is a significant structure for the London and Greenwich Railway. Construction was authorized by an Act of Parliament in 1833, with the section from North Kent Junction to Deptford opening in February 1836, and the extension to Deptford Creek following in December 1836. The total length of the viaduct is 5,150 metres. It is built of grey brick, featuring arches that are 20 feet apart and 22 feet high. The railbed, which is 28 feet wide, is enclosed by parapets that are approximately four and a half feet high.

The viaduct consists of several sections: 32 arches from Deptford Creek to Deptford Church Street, where most arches remain open and are considered the most attractive part of the line; 30 arches from Deptford Church Street to Deptford High Street, where the southern parapet has been rebuilt and modern construction exists within the arches; 52 arches from Deptford High Street to Edward Street, where the platform buildings of Deptford Station have been rebuilt and lack special interest; a skew bridge that spans the west branch of Edward Street, noted for its graceful design; 36 arches from Edward Street to Abinger Grove, with the south face obscured by adjacent buildings but the north face presenting a strong composition; 33 arches from Abinger Grove to Rolt Street, where the arches have been infilled with workshops of no special interest; a particularly handsome skew bridge over Rolt Street, showcasing an attractive use of brick; and finally, 13 arches from Rolt Street to North Kent Junction.

This viaduct is historically significant as it carried the first passenger railway in London and represents one of the early major achievements in railway engineering in Britain.