WHEN engineers carried out checks of Salisbury Station ahead of an upgrade to the forecourt, they most likely expected to have a straightforward job on their hands.

Instead, workers uncovered an intricate labyrinth of tunnels and secret rooms which has opened up a world of questions.

As part of a £5.3 million upgrade of the station forecourt, engineers from Network Rail and South Western Railway made the shock discovery when they moved an old phone box which revealed sleepers that, once lifted, uncovered a dark and hidden tunnel leading underneath the station.

These naturally intrigued engineers are now hoping to uncover its origins and purpose as part of a larger effort to delve into the historical infrastructure beneath the railway station.

The tunnels and rooms are believed to be involved in the day-to-day operations of the station.

Experts are looking forward to the second stage of the investigation, where a wall will be exposed to explore its possible link to the psychiatric hospital, The Old Manor.

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Salisbury Station is used by two million people a year, but this latest discovery reveals that much of the station had been left unused and forgotten about for decades.

The station occupied a much larger footprint in the city than it does today, with the old Great Western Railway (GWR) platforms still in place behind the South Western Railway depot.

The secret tunnel runs beneath platform four, and its primary chamber features a striking architectural detail, with sections of rail repurposed as structural supports for the ceiling, reflecting the ingenuity of railway engineers from a bygone era.

Remnants of old signal equipment have also been uncovered, crafted from timber and showing the passage of time. These artefacts provide a glimpse into the station’s operational past.

Engineers investigating the tunnel underneath Salisbury station Picture: South Western Railway

Studies have revealed 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, referred to as ‘refreshments’ when sold at the station, were transported to other stations and unofficial trade, such as the collection of eggs from stations like Whitchurch, took place.

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.

Platform 1 contains a building that is no longer in passenger use and features a map from the pre-Beeching era.

A room leading to a ladder that goes under the station has also been discovered, with this room yet to be explored, leading to more questions about the station’s history.

The railway celebrates its 200th birthday this year, and throughout these two centuries, it has been a spearhead for technological advancements.

Steve Kelly, Network Rail asset engineer, said this was one of the most interesting discoveries during his career on the railway.

“It just goes to show that no two days are the same in this industry,” he said.

“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.”

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.”