Inside the tunnel underneath Salisbury station. (Image: National Rail / SWNS)
Underneath Salisbury station in Wiltshire lies a “labyrinth” of historic tunnels and rooms that were recently discovered by engineers from Network Rail and South Western Railway (SWR). The remarkable find was made when an old telephone box was removed amid the ongoing £5.3 million upgrades to the station’s forecourt, revealing a mysterious tunnel.
The engineers descended into the depths below and stumbled upon the warren of forgotten passageways and chambers. They are now eager to unravel its history and function as part of a wider exploration into the station’s past infrastructure.
Despite accommodating two million passengers annually, Salisbury station harbours this relic of its extensive historical footprint, with former Great Western Railway platforms still existing behind the depot of South Western Railway.
The secret tunnel stretches beneath platform 4, expanding into a notable space complete with an adjunct room on one side.
Remarkably, the main sub-platform area boasts architectural ingenuity with segments of railway track ingeniously modified to support the ceiling.
Remnants of old signal equipment have also been uncovered, crafted from timber and showing the passage of time.
Further investigation has revealed the tunnel’s significance in the operational logistics of the station.
Trains once bustled with guard’s vans, ferrying barrels of beer and cider to various stations, while engaging in a bit of unofficial commerce like egg collection from places such as Whitchurch.
At the station, these alcoholic beverages were discreetly sold under the guise of ‘refreshments’, avoiding the label of a bar.
An old window on platform 1 where staff would collect their pay. (Image: National Rail / SWNS)
In the past, green hatch doors marked the tunnel entrance, where planks allowed for the easy descent of beer barrels, guided by ropes. These hatches eventually gave way to a combination of planks and sleepers, which are still visible today.
The festive season saw Christmas trees plucked from the line side near Grateley, later sold to eager customers; they were retrieved using tools meant for clearing minor track blockages.
Moreover, a pair of old rollers stored at the site were remnants of an ancient signalling system, crucial for directing the points that switch train tracks.
An old map from the pre-Beeching era. (Image: National Rail / SWNS)
Network Rail asset engineer Steve Kelly expressed his amazement at the discovery: “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.”
He added, “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.”
Anna Jipps, Company Secretary for the Railway Heritage Trust, exclaimed: “Discoveries like this prove that there is more to discover about our railway history and make it a fascinating industry to be involved in.”
Going into the tunnel underneath Salisbury station. (Image: National Rail / SWNS)
She added, “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.”
Daniel Holmes, Salisbury flagship station manager for South Western Railway, commented: “This is a beautiful building with a lot of heritage and history. For me, it’s hugely important we get everyone involved.”
He stressed the importance of heritage awareness, saying, “I want to make sure everyone knows about the importance of Salisbury and the history around it, so it’s been great being able to do that and share it with so many different people.”
Old signage in Network SouthEast branding. (Image: National Rail / SWNS)
Dan Sherwood, Site Manager at Octavius Infrastructure, revealed: “We’re thrilled that our survey works led to the incredible discovery of a hidden tunnel beneath the SWR car park redevelopment construction works.”
He further shared his excitement: “It’s a reminder of the beauty of undiscovered historical infrastructure-hidden beneath our modern world, waiting to tell its story. We look forward to the second phase, to expose the wall and explore its possible link to the old hospital and uncovering where the staircase leads.”