The tunnels beneath Salisbury Station in Wiltshire, England, were closed off decades ago and forgotten until recent renovation work led to their rediscovery.
Network RailThe tunnels and rooms beneath Salisbury Station were found by complete chance.
Workers at Salisbury Station in Wiltshire, England, were in the midst of a massive renovation project when they stumbled across something unexpected: a tunnel. In fact, they had unearthed a network of forgotten tunnels and rooms beneath the busy train station, a veritable subterranean labyrinth that had been boarded up — and all but forgotten.
Filled with artifacts and architectural details, the tunnels and rooms offer a look back in time at the “hidden layers of the railway’s history.”
Discovering The Tunnels Beneath Salisbury Station In Wiltshire
According to a press release from Network Rail, the network of tunnels at Salisbury Station was discovered entirely by accident. Engineers involved in renovations at the station were doing drainage checks when they had to move an old phone box near the building’s entrance. In doing so, they encountered wooden support beams placed over a tunnel.
The tunnel led underneath the station. The engineers, “naturally intrigued,” decided to explore and see where it led.
They discovered that the passageway snaked beneath Platform 4. The “primary chamber” under the platform had a “striking architectural detail” — a ceiling supported by sections of repurposed rail — and included a side room to the right.
Network RailEngineers decided to explore the tunnels beneath Salisbury Station soon after discovering them.
In addition, the engineers also found old signal equipment. Made from wood, Network Rail noted that these railway artifacts show “the passage of time” and offer a “glimpse into the station’s operational past.”
That wasn’t all the engineers found. There’s also a ladder that leads further beneath the station, but this area has yet to be explored.
“Discoveries like this prove that there is more to discover about our railway history and make it a fascinating industry to be involved in,” Anna Jipps, Company Secretary for the Railway Heritage Trust, remarked in the press release. “We are intrigued by the tunnel, but despite consulting with experts, we are still not clear where it leads to. It is an exciting part of Salisbury’s railway heritage, and we are keen to learn more.”
Though questions remain, railway experts think they know how the spaces beneath Platform 4 were used.
How The Long-Forgotten Tunnels Were Once Used
As Network Rail explained, the tunnels beneath Salisbury Station were seemingly utilized for “logistical operations.” They stored barrels of beer and cider, which were transported to other stations. In addition, the “unofficial trade” of items like eggs also took place.
The station also once sold beer and cider as “refreshments.” Green hatch doors then covered the tunnel entrance, and planks were laid atop the steps so the barrels could be rolled down with rope. These hatch doors were eventually replaced and covered up with the wooden beams.
Network RailOld train signs were found in the tunnels underneath Salisbury Station.
All in all, the discovery of the tunnel is a reminder of Salisbury Station’s long and fascinating history. The station turned 200 years old this year, and, as Network Rail notes, it’s long been “a spearhead for technological advancements.” Though it’s used by two million people every year, the tunnels show that there are parts of the station that the public never sees.
“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,” Steve Kelly, Network Rail asset engineer, exclaimed. “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.”
After reading about the network of secret tunnels found beneath a train station in England, look through these stunning photos of mid-century Streamliner trains. Or, enjoy these vintage photos that capture the lost glory of public transit in New York.
