27 March 2024 Eastleigh from Railway Junction to Railway Centre

Presenter: Gordon Adams

Eastleigh has been very much a focal point in the South of England for those interested in railways. However, this presentation focused on the history of the area.

The railway came to Eastleigh in 1839, originally called Bishopstoke, renamed Eastleigh and Bishopstoke in 1899 and finally simply Eastleigh in 1923. A small village the town developed rapidly upon arrival of the railway, widespread house building followed to accommodate workers in the railway carriage works opened in 1890 and the locomotive works in 1910.

Gordon’s presentation followed the development supported by many fascinating archive images. Early views of the rail connected County Cheese Market opened in 1852 and a rather strange picture of a group of railwaymen with a horse standing between the tracks on what we now know as the main line, set the scene. From early views of the Junction Hotel adjacent to the station, we were treated to many views of the interior of both the carriage and locomotive works. Splendid examples of the workmanship and variety of locomotives and rolling stock built and maintained at Eastleigh.

The later years of the Hampshire DEMUs and the Eastleigh Works open days, when the public could even clamber aboard the cab of a steam engine, brought back personal memories to many in the audience. Finally, up to date images of the locomotive works still a busy hub maintaining and modifying a range of vehicles still operating on the main line network.