Shakespeare Cliff - oddities on the cliff top edge

[CommanderChuff]

Thank you both for this excellent information on the Cliff Edge Oddity, very interesting. 

David.

[NickH]

This detailed report makes references to the bridge over the South Lines https://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/archiveDS/archiveDownload?t=arch-1893-1/dissemination/pdf/englishh2-370782_1.pdf the first few pages refer to both north and south entrances and include a plan of the south bridge, I can't see reference to a swing bridge but I haven't read all of it.   

[CAT]

Though a little fanciful, this is meant to represent that crossing of the South Lines during its construction (see the builder on the supported overhanging scaffold)

[CAT]

I have the memory when working on the South Lines when the modern M20 extension was being built of a reference that the Old Folkestone Road was carried over the 'Lines' with the use of a swing bridge similar to those giving access into the Citadel and Drop Redoubt. Could this be the bridge swung in its open position?

[NickH]

I think I have found the OS map you refer to published 1898 showing the ropewalk? As OS didn't show defence works its possible that gantry feature is associated with Archcliff(e) Fort, there's an image of the fort plan here  https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/photos/item/MP/AFC0011 which shows South Lines Ditch which looks to be in right area and to have some form of structure overhanging the cliff. I managed to get the small image on that site to show at full screen which was easier to look at but I can't now seem to repeat that process but I am attaching a photo of the area I'm referring to. What do you think? 

Nick

[CommanderChuff]

Evening All,

This image was published in the Journal of the South Eastern & Chatham Railway Society with the request to identify two objects.  The railway is clearly entering the eastern portal of the Shakespeare Cliff tunnel. There is a small building to the left of the entrance which I believe to be a Coastguard watchhouse from a map of the area.

The other oddity is a large metal structure on the cliff top edge. This appears to be similar to a crane gantry, and it overhangs the railway below.  On the cliff top near to this location is a ropewalk (manufacturer), a road to the Citadel, and further to the east the Archcliffe Fort. Perhaps this crane was used to hoist goods and material directly from railway trucks on the tracks below.

Any thoughts?

David.