Network Rail and South Western Railway (SWR) engineers have discovered tunnels and rooms from a bygone era underneath Salisbury station.
The discovery of this secret world beneath the station came about as part of the ongoing £5.3 million station forecourt upgrades which will see the front of the station significantly transformed.
When doing drainage checks, an old phone box to the right immediately outside the station entrance was moved revealing sleepers, that once lifted, uncovered a dark and hidden tunnel leading underneath the station.
Intrigued, engineers ventured underground and found a labyrinth of tunnels and rooms, and are now hoping to uncover its origins and purpose as part of a larger effort to delve into the historical infrastructure beneath the railway station.
The tunnel leads beneath Platform 4, opening into a curious area with a side room on the right. The primary chamber beneath the platform features a striking architectural detail, with sections of rail repurposed as structural supports for the ceiling, reflecting the ingenuity of railway engineers from a bygone era.
Remnants of old signal equipment have also been uncovered, crafted from timber and showing the passage of time. These artefacts provide a glimpse into the station’s operational past.
Steve Kelly, Network Rail asset engineer, said: “This was one of the most interesting discoveries during my career on the railway. It just goes to show that no two days are the same in this industry. The tunnel’s origins and purpose have become a topic of fascination, linking modern development with historical exploration. The tunnel offered a rare look into the hidden layers of the railway’s history, preserving a snapshot of the site’s legacy.”
Further studies have uncovered that the tunnel once played a role in the station’s logistical operations. When trains were equipped with guard’s vans, barrels of beer and cider were transported to other stations and unofficial trade, such as the collection of eggs from stations like Whitchurch, took place.
Beer and cider were also sold and served at the station, although referred to as ‘refreshments’ rather than a bar. In earlier times, green hatch doors were used at the tunnel entrance, and planks were installed along the steps, allowing beer barrels to be rolled down with ropes. Eventually, these hatch doors were replaced entirely by planks and sleepers, which remain today.
Occasionally, Christmas trees were gathered from the line side near Grateley for sale to the public. These were collected using tools originally intended for removing minor track obstructions. Additionally, the twin rollers found stored on site were part of an old signalling system, designed to guide the points that allow the trains to switch tracks.
Salisbury station occupied a much larger footprint in the city than it does today with the old Great Western Railway platforms still in place behind the South Western Railway depot. The old GWR station building is now a social club for members.
Platform 1 contains a building that is no longer in passenger use and features a map from the pre-Beeching era. A room leading to a ladder that goes under the station has also been discovered, with this room yet to be explored, leading to more questions about the station’s history.
Anna Jipps, Company Secretary for the Railway Heritage Trust, said: “Discoveries like this prove that there is more to discover about our railway history and make it a fascinating industry to be involved in. We’re intrigued by the tunnel, but on consulting with experts, we’re still no longer clearer to fully understanding where it leads to. It’s an exciting part of Salisbury’s railway heritage and we’re keen to learn more. If you feel you can help with this, be it from a historical perspective or an engineering one, please do get in touch.”
Image credit: Network Rail
