Secret tunnels discovered beneath railway station

Railway engineers have uncovered a "labyrinth" of historic tunnels and secret rooms hidden beneath an active railway station.

Network Rail and South Western Railway (SWR) staff have discovered the hidden network from a bygone era underneath Salisbury station in Wiltshire.

It came after an old phone box was removed as part of the ongoing £5.3m station forecourt upgrades, revealing a dark tunnel with unknown origins.

Engineers are now hoping to learn more about its purpose as part of a larger effort to delve into the historical legacy and infrastructure of the railway station.

Salisbury station is used by two million people each year, but this discovery provides a small glimpse into part of the station that has been left unused and forgotten for decades.

It once 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 (SWR) depot.

The secret tunnel, concealed beneath sleepers immediately outside the station entrance, runs beneath Platform 4.

The primary chamber beneath the platform features a striking architectural detail, with sections of rail repurposed as structural supports for the ceiling.

Remnants of old signal equipment crafted from timber have also been uncovered, showing the passage of time.

Further studies have uncovered 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 where unofficial trade took place, such as the collection of eggs from stations like Whitchurch.

Beer and cider were also sold and served at the station, although referred to as refreshments rather than as a bar.

Steve Kelly, Network Rail asset engineer, said: "This was one of the most interesting discoveries during my career on the railway.

"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."

Dan Sherwood, site manager at Octavius Infrastructure, said: "We're thrilled that our survey works led to the incredible discovery of a hidden tunnel beneath the SWR car park redevelopment construction works.

"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."

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