£8.99
Peter L. Clarke
Publication Date: 2020
Format & Edition: Paperback, First Edition
Pagination: 41 Pages, Illustrated
Condition: New
Genre: Southern Railway (SR)
Status: In Stock
Synopsis
Parsons and Prawns by Peter Clarke. This fascinating book marks the 180th anniversary of the opening of the railway station at Micheldever in Hampshire, and the start of train services between London and Southampton on 11th May 1840. The book includes photographs, illustrations by artist Jonathan Chapman and maps.
One early opponent of the railway suggested it would only be used to convey parsons and prawns, the one from Winchester, the other from Southampton – hence the title of the book. Of particular interest is the history of Micheldever during the military campaigns of the Boer War, First and Second World Wars, especially the preparation for D-Day. Highly recommended.
Chapters
The Origins of the Railway Line
Building the Line
Opening the Line
The Initial Train Service
Royal Mail and Electric Telegraph
Growth of Railway Traffic
Safety on the Line
Increasing the Capacity of the Line
First World War
Post-war Grouping
Expansion of Southampton
Competition from Road Transport
Second World War
Post-war Nationalization and Beeching
Electrification
Privatisation
Micheldever Station Today
The Future