This was the first entirely steam powered passenger service in Britain.
The railway could also boast the FIRST passenger tunnel, OLDEST railway bridge, FIRST harbour, FIRST season ticket and the FIRST combined rail/sea ticket
Stunning Anniversary Cover - A Landmark
"What I like most about this cover is that, even though the working railway sadly is long gone, it is still remembered and celebrated by the community and is very much a part of the local history. Hopefully it will remain that way as more generations are introduced to the Crab and Winkle line."
Isobel Fraser Underhill, designer, Canterbury & Whitstable railway cover
This is the FIRST time a Buckingham Railway cover has featured the artwork of David Weston, an artist of outstanding reputation, which makes it a landmark in our railway series.
The painting on the front of our 180th cover is Mr Weston's “Invicta at Whitstable”.
Each cover features a:
- Canterbury Cathedral stamp from 1969
This genuine 1969 stamp is over 40 years old and takes some sourcing! It is cancelled with a Crab and Winkle cachet. The Crab and Winkle Line Trust is a charity formed to bring the route of the Canterbury to Whitstable Railway back into public use.
- Stephenson's Rocket stamp from 1974
This genuine Stephenson stamp from 1974 features the famous Stephenson loco, Rocket. Robert Stephenson built Invicta, the locomotive shown on our cover that pulled the train into Whitstable.
Each cover is postmarked on the anniversary day at Canterbury with a special Anniversary postmark.
As always, the picture above just can't do justice to the gold blocking on the cover. The words and the Canterbury & Whitstable logo are picked out in gold blocking on the real covers, which makes them shiny and very striking in the finished cover.
It pays to book Buckingham Railway covers pre-release because prices rise after issue and they often sell out.
This cover was automatically reserved for members of our Railway Cover Club.
Are YOU a member yet?
Visit our Railway Club information page to find out more about Britain's best Railway Cover Club!
Invicta 180FEST - A Railway Extravaganza!
1st to 3rd May 2010. SPREAD THE WORD!
There are massive celebrations planned for the 180th anniversary of the Canterbury & Whitstable Railway over the 2010 May Bank Holiday weekend at The Horsebridge, Whitstable.
Saturday: Archive steam railway films, some of which have NEVER previously been shown in public.
Sunday: Fascinating presentations by experts about Canterbury & Whitstable railway.
Bank Holiday Monday: exhibition of model railway layouts & big display of artefacts, photos, drawings & plans.
It's sponsored by British Railway Modelling. Shepherd Neame are even producing a special ale for the occasion! We are producing THE official souvenir cover. Pre-book yours now!
Find out more about Invicta 180FEST here
Canterbury & Whitstable Railway - A History
Built by Robert Stephenson, the six mile line encountered steep gradients. Tyler Hill tunnel and brick bridges were needed to reach Whitstable. Ropes attached to steam powered winding engines hauled the carriages up steep inclines. Invicta, a locomotive built by Robert Stephenson, then pulled the train into Whitstable.
Whitstable Harbour, engineered by Thomas Telford, imported coal and exported agricultural produce, but passenger trains ran from the very first day.
At 11 o'clock on Monday 3rd May 1830, to the sound of cannon fire and Cathedral bells, the first train left Canterbury for Whitstable.
For some very interesting and informative DVDs about the Canterbury & Whitstable Railway, make sure you check out Harbour Heights website. We worked with Harbour Heights to create this cover and they are the official organisers of the Canterbury & Whitstable 180th Anniversary celebrations. The DVDs they produce are meticulously researched and feature archive film, photos and enlightening narrative.
You can find out more and see more of Mr Weston’s work at www.davidweston.co.uk
You can find out more and see more about the Crab and Winkle Line Trust at www.crabandwinkle.org
Quick Facts: Canterbury & Whitstable Railway: 180th is a Commemorative Cover Issue date (2010-05-03): 03 May 2010
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Buckingham Covers Limited, registered in England No. 03877048 is part of Internet Stamps Group Limited, registered in England No. 03497867. Registered office for both: Warren House, Shearway Rd, Folkestone, Kent CT19 4BF, UK.
Tel. (+44)01303 278 137. Email. betty@buckinghamcovers.com
