Kingston loop line of the LSWR opens

Background. The London and South Western Railway (LSWR) operated in England from 1838 to 1922. The Kingston loop line was built by the LSWR in South West London. Prior to the loop's construction, parts of Kingston were three miles from Surbiton station. The line was built in two stages, with the first stage opening in 1863 to connect Twickenham to Kingston.

Opening Details. The first stage of the Kingston loop line opened on 1 July 1863. It ran from Twickenham to Kingston, forming the first part of the loop. Stations served included Teddington for Bushy Park, Hampton Wick, and the terminus at New Kingston. Kingston station opened as a terminus on this date.

Early Operations. When Kingston station first opened in 1863, there were 15 up and 13 down trains on the Twickenham and Waterloo route. Additionally, nine trains each way ran to and from Fenchurch Street, most involving a change at Camden Road. Separately, a connection was made from the Windsor and Richmond lines at Clapham Junction, a station that had opened on 2 March 1863, distinct from the loop line's 1 July 1863 opening.