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