Lines to Midhurst, via Petworth, Petersfield & Chichester

The major part of the evening will be a presentation entitled “Rails to Midhurst” which is an illustrated talk given by former Assistant County Archivist Bill Gage of West Sussex Record Office. The presentation is not a technical one and can be enjoyed by both railway enthusiasts and those interest in social history .

The opening of a railway is always a significant event but for Midhurst this was unusual as the residents witnessed three such occasions, namely September 1864, October 1866 & July 1881. The sleepy town of Midhurst not only had three railway lines but also two railway stations which resulted in a number of interesting tales. The presentation will include the funeral train to Midhurst of a major national figure, the runaway engine at Petworth, Royal Trains at Singelton & Midhurst, Sir Edward Elgar at Fittleworth, and bombs and washout on the Chichester- Midhurst line. Film footage of the last train over the Pulborough- Petersfield line will also be shown.