Engineers find secret tunnels and rooms underneath train station

By Filipa Gaspar

Engineers have found a "labyrinth" of historic tunnels and rooms underneath a 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 ventured underground and found a labyrinth of tunnels and rooms.

They are hoping to uncover its origins and purpose as part of a larger effort to delve into the historical infrastructure beneath the railway station.

Salisbury station is used today 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 about for decades.

It 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 depot.

The secret tunnel leads beneath platform 4, opening into a curious area with a side room on the right.

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 have also been uncovered, crafted from timber and showing the passage of time.

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

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

In earlier times, green hatch doors were used at the tunnel entrance, and planks were installed along the steps, allowing beer barrels to be rolled down with ropes. Eventually, these hatch doors were replaced entirely by planks and sleepers, which remain today.

Occasionally, Christmas trees were gathered from the line side near Grateley for sale to the public. These were collected using tools originally intended for removing minor track obstructions.

Additionally, the twin rollers found stored on site were part of an old signaling system, designed to guide the points that allow the trains to switch tracks.

Steve Kelly, Network Rail asset engineer, said: “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.

"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, said: “Discoveries like this prove that there is more to discover about our railway history and make it a fascinating industry to be involved in.

"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, said: “This is a beautiful building with a lot of heritage and history. For me, it’s hugely important we get everyone involved.

"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.”

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.”