Southsea Railway

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Railways in the Portsmouth area
Legend
Portsmouth Direct Line
to London Waterloo via Guildford
West Coastway Line
to Southampton
West Coastway Line
to Brighton & London Victoria
Portchester
Havant
M27
Bedhampton
Cosham
A3(M)
A27
Portsbridge Creek
Hilsea
Fratton
Southsea Railway1885-1914
Jessie Road Bridge Halt
Albert Road Bridge Halt
Portsmouth & Southsea
East Southsea
Admiralty Line
to HMNB Portsmouth
Portsmouth Harbour
FastCat
to Ryde Pier Head
Gosport Ferry
to Gosport
A 1910 Railway Clearing House map of lines around Portsmouth, showing the Southsea Railway

The Southsea Railway was a branch of the Portsmouth Direct Line. It was opened in 1885 from Fratton Station, terminating at East Southsea Station (near to a road junction called The Strand). It was 1.25 miles long[1] and almost completely level. Two unstaffed halts were added in 1904 at Albert Road and Jessie Road/Devonshire Avenue.[2]

Tram competition

The line was not able to compete with the Portsmouth Corporation tram services, despite the introduction of cheaper autocars.[3] It was closed in August 1914 and never re-opened.

The route today

The line itself and the stations have since been demolished and replaced with houses and roads; however, it is possible to walk the approximate route, which is clearly visible on street maps of the area.[4]

Alternative stations

Southsea is now served by stations at Fratton, Portsmouth & Southsea, and Portsmouth Harbour (also called The Hard), with regular trains to London Waterloo and coastway services.[5]

Gallery

  • The train departed from the left platform

  • before curving round behind Francis Avenue.

  • until it approached the terminus just north of Granada Road.

References

  1. ↑ Portsmouth Guide – the Southsea Railway
  2. ↑ "The Southsea Railway" Robertson,K: Southampton, Kingfisher, 1985 ISBN 0-946184-16-X
  3. ↑ History of GWR railmotors and autocoaches – Notes how the Southsea railmotor was borrowed for trials by the GWR
  4. ↑ Robertson(Ibid)
  5. ↑ ”Woking to Portsmouth” Mitchell,V/Smith,K: Midhurst, Middleton Press,1984 ISBN 1-873793-38-1
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