Pre-1973 closure by British Rail

British Rail closed the line between Winchester (Winchester Junction) and Alton on 3 February 1973. Part of the route, from Alresford to Alton, was subsequently purchased from British Railways by the Mid-Hants Railway and, through the hard work of volunteers, steam trains ran again from Alresford to Ropley from 30 April 1977.

Alresford Railway Station mid to late 60's

Alresford Signal Box

Alresford Station 1972

Alresford Station c1940s

Alresford Station early 20th Century

Alresford Station from Sun Lane Bridge 1973.jpg

Alresford Station late 1960s

Alresford Station late 1960s

This image is post 1965 as that is when British Rail changed the uniform to the one shown in the picture

Alresford Station

Class 700 on local goods train.

Alton early 70s

Alton train at Winchester Station

The Headcode 43 denotes an Alton bound train which probably originated in Southampton. There was no through working of trains beyond Alton

Approaching Alresford

Last day of running under British Rail - 3rd February 1973

Approaching Ropley

Last day of running under British Rail - 3rd February 1973

Approaching Winchester Junction

Last day of running under British Rail - 3rd February 1973

Butt’s Junction signal box - 1905

This signal box controlled the junction where the line to Basingstoke once left the Watercress Line

Butt’s Junction signal box - 1905

This signal box controlled the junction where the line to Basingstoke once left the Watercress Line

Butt’s Junction signal box - 1905

This signal box controlled the junction where the line to Basingstoke once left the Watercress Line

Butts Junction signalmen

This signal box controlled the junction where the line to Basingstoke once left the Watercress Line

Dennis Ford 1972

It is believed that Dennis Ford was the last signalman at the Alresford box

Departing Medstead and Four Marks