History
The town's prosperity started after a plan to build a London-Portsmouth railway line through nearby Kingston was rejected by Kingston Council, who feared that it would be detrimental to the coaching trade. This resulted in the line being routed further south, through a cutting in the hill south of Surbiton. Surbiton railway station opened in 1838, and was originally named Kingston-upon-Railway. It was only renamed Surbiton to distinguish it from the new Kingston railway station on the Shepperton branch line, which opened on 1 January 1869. The present station has a fine art deco façade.
As a result, Kingston is now on a branch line, whereas passengers from Surbiton (smaller in comparison) can reach London Waterloo in about 15 minutes on a fast direct service; as well as places further afield, including Portsmouth and Southampton. This has made Surbiton a convenient and attractive location from which to commute into Central London, reflected in the size of its population. Surbiton station is located within Zone 6 of the London Transport Zones.
See the article on Thomas Pooley for his rôle in the establishment of the present-day town of Surbiton.
See also the article on the Municipal Borough of Surbiton for the period 1855 – 1965.
Read more about this topic: Surbiton
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