The London, Tilbury and Southend Railway (LTSR) was opened in 1854 as a joint enterprise between the London and Blackwall Railway and the Eastern Counties Railway (later the Great Eastern Railway). The line was completed between Forest Gate and Southend in sections between 1854 and 1856.

In 1862 the LTSR was made independent by act of parliament, though the board continued to be dominated by representatives from the original founding companies. Until 1875 the LTSR was worked under an uneasy and fractious leasing agreement between contractors Peto, Brassey & Betts, and the Eastern Counties Railway (later Great Eastern Railway), with stock hired from the latter. In 1875 the LTSR became more formally independent with Arthur Lewis Stride (1841-1922) as General Manager and Engineer.

The LTSR continued to prosper and expand along with the expansion of the suburbs around Greater London and into Essex. On its own the company was reaching the limits of its capabilities to meet demand, and debate ensued between the GER and the Midland Railway over a takeover. The LTSR was amalgamated with the Midland Railway in 1912.