NOSTALGIA: Hampshire's long lost branch lines

We've all done it. Sat fuming in the latest snarl-up on the roads around south-east Hampshire wondering why on earth we vandalised our railways.
By The Newsroom
Published 6th Dec 2017, 19:09 BST
Updated 12th Dec 2017, 10:10 BST
A steam car at Bishops Waltham station about 1910. It was the terminus of the 4.5-mile branch line that connected it to the main line at Botley. It closed to passengers in January 1933.A steam car at Bishops Waltham station about 1910. It was the terminus of the 4.5-mile branch line that connected it to the main line at Botley. It closed to passengers in January 1933.
A steam car at Bishops Waltham station about 1910. It was the terminus of the 4.5-mile branch line that connected it to the main line at Botley. It closed to passengers in January 1933.

If only someone had had the foresight to realise that traffic levels would reach such a height that our old branch lines would one day become vital links once again.

Imagine if the Hayling Billy line was still operating, or the one through the Meon Valley, and certainly the link from Fareham to Gosport?

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And what about the lines which ran from Petersfield across West Sussex to Pulborough via Midhurst and Petworth?

Brockenhurst station in the New Forest, about 1910, showing the branch line to Lymington.Brockenhurst station in the New Forest, about 1910, showing the branch line to Lymington.
Brockenhurst station in the New Forest, about 1910, showing the branch line to Lymington.

It’s too late now of course. They’re gone forever, but a new DVD by railway historian and author Colin Maggs takes us back to those halcyon days.

In the 109-minute Branch Lines of Hampshire film he explores every corner of the county to see what remains of the once-numerous branch lines, some of which were closed even before the Second World War.

To buy the DVD, click here.

Related topics:HampshireNostalgiaFarehamGosportWest SussexPetworth