[Beeyar Wunby]

Hi Isabella, and welcome to the forum.

Even today, quite a lot of unmanned/unautomated crossing are operated by the user. There are quite a few categories, but UWC (User Worked Crossing) is the the most basic. It just relies on people keeping a good look out for trains.

Once you come away from cities and urban sprawl, it's quite common for farmers, walkers, etc to operate their own gated crossing. Particularly on rural lines.

As to gated crossings, I think in the early sixties there would have been a crossing keeper. On quiet lines they'd live in a house next to the line and come out when needed, and on busy lines there would be a box with a permanent signaller.

Some people on here are from the south east (I used to live in Tonbridge), so if you want to be more specific about the lines and locations we might be able to give a more specific answer.

Best wishes, BW.