The station was opened by the South Eastern Railway (SER) on 6 February 1846,[1] as the first part of their line towards Thanet, which opened as far as Canterbury West on this date.[2][3]
There are level crossings near both ends of the station, since the SER were unsure about the levels of traffic on the line and decided to cross several roads at-grade instead of bridges. Trains that delayed cars at the crossings for more than five minutes would be fined.[3]
The station attracted attention from other railway companies. A proposal was put forward for a branch line from Chilham to Faversham, but rejected by the SER. In retrospect, this turned out to be a mistake as the East Kent Railway, later to become the London, Chatham & Dover Railway (LCDR), built their own line to Faversham, competing with the SER for London - Thanet traffic.[3] In response, the SER proposed building a line from its station at Strood to Chilham across the River Medway and the North Downs, in order to cut demand for the LCDR. This plan was withdrawn after the SER realised such a scheme would probably involve also constructing a line from Canterbury to Dover.[4]
Goods services were withdrawn from the station on 15 August 1966.[2]
Accidents and incidents
On 20 October 1848, a fish and luggage train was derailed near Chilham when a bridge over the River Stour was washed away under it. All three crew were uninjured.[5]
On 11 August 1858, an excursion train was derailed near Chilham. Three people were killed.[6][7]
On 15 July 1970, an electric multiple unit was in collision with a lorry on an occupation crossing between Chartham and Chilham due to an error by the crossing keeper. The driver of the lorry and the guard of the train were killed.[8]
On 26 July 2015, electric multiple unit 375703 was in collision with a herd of cattle on the line between Wye and Chilham. Two carriages were derailed. There were no injuries amongst the 70 passengers.[9][10]
