DOCUMENT ARCHIVE
The Archive has an extensive Document Archive containing in excess of 10,000 items relating to the railways of southern England. Providing valuable reference sources for researchers.
- Over 500 public timetables dating from 1842 to the present day
- Over 3,000 working timetables and updates, ranging from pre-grouping companies to Eurostar
- Over 4,000 Special Traffic Notices detailing weekly changes
- Over 500 Staff Manuals, Rule Books and related publications
- Over 500 Engine Workings Notices
- 700 Carriage Workings Notices
- A large collection of publicity material and handbills
- Over 1,000 Signalling Notices, including numerous Signal Box Diagrams
A highlight of the unique material we hold is a set of diaries kept by driver Harland, recording duties, destinations and daily mileage for the period 1869–1876. Another notable item is a detailed staff census survey, listing roles across stations, offices and depots, completed in 1931 by the Southern Railway. Wartime challenges are recorded in logbooks and notices from the Second World War, documenting day-to-day working under air raids, including operational instructions and emergency arrangements.
The Document Archive can be viewed on site by appointment.
Selected material is being digitised and added to the Document Store, starting with a selection of Engine Working Notices.
