Great lost railway stations of Hampshire and what remains

Throughout history, railway stations have been vibrant centres of activity, bustling with the sounds of busy travellers and clattering luggage. These stations have stood witness to countless stories and events over the centuries.

Let's take a step onto the platform and venture on the second leg of a multi-part expedition delving into the forgotten railway stations of Hampshire.

Read more: The great lost railway stations of Southampton - part 1 >>>

From magnificent Victorian edifices to charming rural stops, we will unveil the tales behind these architectural wonders and the communities they once connected.

Our journey into the past continues with an exploration of some of the former railway stations in Southampton, as well as those spanning east towards Portsmouth and north towards Winchester and beyond.

Bishop's Waltham

At first, Bishop's Waltham Station operated with a schedule of six daily trains in both directions during the week, which decreased to three trains on Sundays. 

Catering mainly to schoolchildren and a few daily commuters heading to Botley for connections to London or Southampton, the station struggled with low passenger numbers. 

The disappointing traffic was attributed to multiple reasons, such as the prevailing economic downturn, prompting a decrease in train services by 1866.

Despite attempts to negotiate an extension of the railway line to attract more commuters, the efforts were in vain, leading to a persistent decrease in the number of passengers. 

This downward trend ultimately led to the closure of the station for passenger services in 1933 and a complete shutdown in 1962. 

The station premises were later razed in 1965 to make way for road enhancements.

Bordon

Built in 1896, the railway line leading to Bordon was established with the primary aim of facilitating the transportation of troops to Bordon Camp and ensuring the efficient delivery of supplies to the camp. 

Predominantly serving military traffic, the line played a crucial role during both world wars. 

However, with the conclusion of the Second World War, passenger usage of the line rapidly declined, leading to its closure to passengers in 1957 and to goods in 1966. 

Subsequently, the area has undergone a significant transformation, with the former site now obscured beneath an expansive industrial estate.

Browndown Halt

In its early stages, the Lee-on-the-Solent Railway line was conceived as a tramroad, utilizing American-style carriages designed to seamlessly connect with low-level platforms at its terminal stops.

Despite the relatively low passenger traffic at the various halts along the route, Browndown emerged as the busiest stop, particularly popular with military personnel from the nearby Browndown Camp.

The station also experienced increased activity during the summer months, attracting hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Initially, the railway operated a schedule of eight trains per day in each direction, with a reduced service of three trains on Sundays.

However, the line faced challenges due to stiff competition from buses and trams, as well as the lack of direct train services to London. Efforts to reduce operating costs proved unsuccessful, ultimately leading to the closure of the station in 1930.

The site of the former station was subsequently demolished.

Durley Halt

Despite being named Durley Halt, the station was located a considerable distance from the village itself, falling within the parish of Curdridge.

The halt primarily served the small communities of Calcot and Frogmill.

Passengers using Durley Halt typically included shoppers heading to Botley or Bishop's Waltham, school children attending Prices School in Fareham, and workers from Durley Mill.

Passenger numbers declined in later years, particularly following the introduction of a new bus service between Durley and Bishop's Waltham in 1925.  

In a light-hearted competition organized by a railway magazine, Durley Halt even won the prize for being the least likely station in Britain for passengers to disembark.

The remnants of the platform and the concrete base of the waiting shelter remain as tangible evidence of the halt's former existence.

Elmore Halt

Despite being planned as one of the halts on the Lee-on-the-Solent line, Elmore did not open simultaneously with the others in 1984.

According to historical records, the halt was most likely established in opposition to the proposed extension of tram services to Lee-on-the-Solent.

The closure of the halts was attributed to financial challenges, but this did not improve the overall financial situation of the railway line.

Ultimately, a complete closure of the line was announced.

The site of Elmore Halt has since been demolished.

Fort Brockhurst

Originally opened as Brockhurst, the station was renamed Fort Brockhurst on November 17, 1893, to differentiate it from Brockenhurst station, located west of Southampton.

The railway and station experienced significant activity during the mid-19th century. However, following the conclusion of the war, passenger numbers began to decline.

While passenger services were discontinued in 1953, the line continued to handle freight traffic until 1969.

The platforms and the former stationmaster's house remain in place. The house is currently privately occupied, and the northern end of the two main platforms can be found in the garden of the property.

The overgrown southern end of the platforms, along with the branch platforms, are accessible to the public via the Fort Brockhurst cycleway.

Fort Gomer Halt

Fort Gomer Halt was initially planned to feature two low-level platforms, situated on either side of the level crossing. However, it remains uncertain whether these platforms were ever constructed.

The halt opened under the name Privett Halt but was subsequently renamed Fort Gomer in October 1909 to distinguish it from Privett Station on the newly inaugurated Meon Valley Line.

Early passenger figures were underwhelming, partly due to the absence of direct train services. As a result, the railway company found itself in financial difficulty.

Fort Gomer Halt was closed on May 1, 1930, and the site has since been demolished.

Gosport

From its inception, Gosport Station was a bustling hub, particularly for the transportation of coal and other freight.

It also served as a convenient stop for passengers traveling to Portsmouth, accessible via a short ferry crossing across the harbor.

The station played a significant role during both World Wars, handling military supplies, hospital trains, and trains carrying prisoners of war.

Following the conclusion of the war, Gosport Station's importance gradually diminished. Passenger services were discontinued on June 6, 1953.

While freight traffic continued until January 30, 1969, the station eventually closed to all operations.

After remaining derelict for 37 years, planning permission was granted in 2006 to convert the platforms and buildings into a small number of residential properties and offices.

Much of the original station structure has been preserved and has now been fully restored as a mixed-use residential and office development.

Hayling Island

The London, Brighton & South Coast Railway extended its line to Portsmouth in 1847, including a station at Havant.

While there were no initial plans for a branch line to Hayling Island, a four-and-a-half-mile line was authorized in 1860, connecting Havant to the island.

Despite facing challenges, the line remained moderately successful throughout its existence.

However, in the early 1960s, the condition of the bridge connecting Hayling Island to the mainland became unsafe.

Despite local opposition, the substantial cost of £400,000 required for bridge repairs could not be justified, leading to the closure of the line.

The goods shed has been preserved and repurposed as the Station Theatre, while the platform canopy remains as a historic relic.

Kingsley Halt

A station and goods yard were established at Kingsley three months after the opening of the Bordon line.

The facilities were intended to support the anticipated residential growth in the village but were ultimately closed over fifty years later in 1957.

The site of the former station and goods yard has since been demolished.

Knowle Halt

The station has been known by various names, including Knowle Asylum Halt and Knowle Platform. It was officially renamed Knowle Halt on October 5, 1942.

While it was initially closed on August 12, 1963, operations resumed the following day due to objections from trade unions.

The station was originally built to serve Knowle Asylum, later renamed Knowle Hospital.

The current status of the site is uncertain.

Lee-on-the-Solent

Lee-on-the-Solent Station was situated directly beside the beach. The station facilities were modest, consisting of a single-story brick building that housed a waiting room, booking office, porter's room, additional waiting room, and toilets.

While freight traffic remained relatively steady, passenger numbers were low. Efforts to improve the railway's performance did not result in increased profitability.

The closure of the line was announced in 1931, met with general indifference from the local community.

Goods services continued until 1935.

The main station building remains standing, although the interior has been completely remodelled to accommodate an amusement arcade.

The platform has been demolished, and the site is now occupied by a public car park.

Oakhanger Halt

Oakhanger Halt was initially constructed as the primary station for Bordon Garrison.

The line experienced peak activity during the Second World War.

Shortly after the closure of the Bordon Branch line, the Longmoor Military Railway (LMR) was shortened to Oakhanger, resulting in the closure of Bordon Station.

The remaining portion of the line was closed three years later, although there were some stock movements in 1970 related to the proposed Longmoor Steam Railway.

The current condition of Oakhanger Halt is unknown.

Northam Station

Northam Station, located in the bustling city of Southampton, England, played a significant role in the region's transportation infrastructure. 

Situated in the Northam area, the station served as a vital stop on the London & South Western Railway (LSWR) line. 

Its history dates back to the early 19th century when the LSWR's line reached Northam, leading to the establishment of a temporary terminus. 

In 1872, a permanent station was constructed on the south side of Northam Road bridge, catering to the growing demand for rail travel in the area.

The station closed in 1966.

Nursling Station

Nursling Station, located in the picturesque village of Nursling, Hampshire, England, has a rich history dating back to the 19th century. 

It was established in 1882 as part of the London & South Western Railway (LSWR) line.

Nursling Station served as a vital stop for passengers, commuters and visitors to the surrounding area. 

With the advent of motor vehicles and the expansion of road networks, passenger numbers began to decline, leading to the closure of the station in 1957.