Josias Jessop

[1] The company failed to raise the full capital required to build the line, and so the Jessops revised the plans to cover the 9 miles (14 km) from Croydon to Merstham.

The contract for the construction of the line was awarded to the Butterley Company, which was at the time directed by Benjamin Outram, who managed the project himself.

Josias was responsible for setting out the line, and its levels were checked by George Leather as the trackwork proceeded.

Although the project was not completed until July 1805, Jessop left in February 1804, to work on the construction of the floating harbour at Bristol.

Jessop continued to work for Bristol Harbour until late 1810, overseeing various jobs, including the purchase of a steam dredger.

At the end, the Directors expressed their complete confidence in his abilities, stating that he had "acquitted himself in the important trust reposed in him with the most unsullied reputation and honour".

All of the main structures, including aqueducts, bridges, locks and lock-keepers' cottages were designed by Jessop, and construction was managed by May Upton, the resident engineer.

The existing section became known as the Eastern Branch, and Jessop surveyed a 7.5-mile (12.1 km) extension with 6 locks, which ran from Garthmyl to Newtown.

A local newspaper report described it as "the beautiful five-arch bridge, constructed under the direction of Mr. Jessop, the engineer.

[7] Some idea of the stature of Jessop as an engineer can be gained from events concerning the proposed Liverpool and Manchester Railway.

The original bill had been withdrawn from Parliament in 1825, as George Stephenson's survey was flawed, and his ability to present evidence incompetent.