Sussex station marks connection with Sherlock creator Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

The Southeast Communities Rail Partnership has issued the following press release about a commemorative sign installed at Crowborough station to commemorate Sherlock Holmes creator Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Passengers passing through Crowborough station in East Sussex may notice some new signs up marking the town's connection to Sherlock Homes creator Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

The town council, South East Communities Rail Partnership and Southern have installed a commemorative sign at the station honouring Crowborough's connection to the British writer and physician best known for creating the iconic detective, and his work shaping the crime fiction genre.

Members of the Communities Rail Partnership have been delving into the railway's history, and the areas it served, to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the modern railway.

Their findings have been displayed at the station and at events, such as the sign unveiling on Thursday, October 30.

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

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.”

ENDS

Notes to Editor

You can find out more details of the work of the Southeast CRP at www.southeastcrp.org