Haslemere Society
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Commemoration of the Railway coming to Haslemere in 1859

For the full story please download the Brochure below.
Haslemere Station Leaflet
It can be seen from the map, by 1851 the region had an extensive but strategically incoherent railway network.  Portsmouth, the country’s principal naval port, had two routes from London: Waterloo to Gosport via Basingstoke, and London Bridge to Portsmouth via Brighton. The planned route via Chichester now terminated at Godalming, with no funds to continue. As the forthcoming Crimean War (1853-56) was to prove, a more direct route was critical to the national interest.
 
Against this background and renewed investor appetite, the Portsmouth Railway was authorised on 8 July 1853 to build from just north of the Godalming terminus to Havant via Witley, Haslemere and Petersfield; it would be 32 miles long and the capital was to be £400,000.
 
Work got underway fairly quickly, proceeding at a slower than planned rate due to regular funding challenges. By 1855 around 200 “navvies” were lodging in Haslemere, swelling the population by 40 per cent. 
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Haslemere Station opening c.1903
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Location

 Haslemere 

Haslemere is a historic town of great charm. Its setting in wonderful countryside in the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and its good transport links make it a much sought after place in which to live. The town is vibrant and cherished and the Society does not resist change, but seeks high standards of appropriate development and the careful planning of amenities and facilities, which are as much a concern for the Society as is conservation. The Haslemere Society has a substantial membership whose influence is widely respected.  The committee appreciates its active involvement and support.  New members are very welcome.  You can help to shape Haslemere's future by joining the Society. "

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  • HOME
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