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SAVING OUR SIGNAL BOX
With extensive and generous support from the railway industry, local tradespeople and many other volunteers, Haslemere signal box has been redeveloped as an educational visitor attraction, bringing railway history to life on the Portsmouth Direct Line. It is accompanied by a compact museum in the main station building and a soon-to-be-developed memorial garden.
The three projects – taking the community rail concept in Haslemere to a new high – bring new purpose to the existing Information Hub, which will provide a visitor centre in addition to its tourism information role.
The unique platform-level signal box has been a feature of Haslemere station since 1895, when it was built to replace an earlier 'ground frame'. The signal box is Grade II listed, retains classic levers and was staffed round the clock to control train movements in the station and beyond. However, its operational days are over, following completion of the Portsmouth Direct Line resignalling project, and the transfer of control to the Basingstoke Rail Operating Centre in November 2025.
Haslemere Signal Box Trust is preserving the signal box, spearheading Haslemere Community Station's heritage activities – and developing a new visitor attraction to mark the recent 200th anniversary of railways.
The three projects – taking the community rail concept in Haslemere to a new high – bring new purpose to the existing Information Hub, which will provide a visitor centre in addition to its tourism information role.
The unique platform-level signal box has been a feature of Haslemere station since 1895, when it was built to replace an earlier 'ground frame'. The signal box is Grade II listed, retains classic levers and was staffed round the clock to control train movements in the station and beyond. However, its operational days are over, following completion of the Portsmouth Direct Line resignalling project, and the transfer of control to the Basingstoke Rail Operating Centre in November 2025.
Haslemere Signal Box Trust is preserving the signal box, spearheading Haslemere Community Station's heritage activities – and developing a new visitor attraction to mark the recent 200th anniversary of railways.
Final steam train signalled by signal box – full report on NEWSLINE page
New constituency MP Greg Stafford (right) was an enthusiastic visitor to Haslemere Community Station and the Signal Box. He's pictured with HCS chair Ken Griffiths after meeting with the duty signallers.
Before the change of Government, Chancellor of the Exchequer and South West Surrey MP Jeremy Hunt visited the InfoHub and signed up as a Friend of Haslemere Signal Box. He's pictured – after visiting the signal box – with Mark Killick (centre), from Network Rail, Wessex, and HCS chair, Ken Griffiths. The event was also attended by representatives of the signal box preservation group and South Western Railway.
Background reading
The Haslemere Society website has a comprehensive review of the history and importance of the railway through Haslemere. Click here for the full story.
Thanks to Maggie Barlow who has donated a genuine BR clock for our Signal Box. It has been restored to full working order by Midhurst clockmaker Geoff Allnutt, who is keeping it safe in his shop until we take over the signal box.
It comes from the former College Lane signal box, Collingham, on the line between Newark and Lincoln.
It comes from the former College Lane signal box, Collingham, on the line between Newark and Lincoln.
We have also been donated a British Rail signalman’s bag – plus its necessary contents.
What happens inside the box?
The signaller checks the illuminated track diagram before setting the points.
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Each lever has a number and a clearly indicated function so there's no confusion.
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Big, heavy levers like these enabled signallers to control points and signals at considerable distances from their signal boxes.
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Mechanical interlocking system beneath the cabin ensures that trains cannot proceed until correct routes are set.
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Interior photography by special permission.
Not a lot has changed since this 1950s picture of Reginald Percy Heather "Darkie" who was a Haslemere signaller from the late 1940s to the early 1960s.
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Old pictures, railway
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Haslemere Station track plans – 1900 and 1938
Apart from the removal of the goods yard on both sides, the 1938 track plan should still be recognisable for today's rail passengers.
Can you help this project?
The trustees behind this preservation project so far combine expertise in rail, civic affairs, business, communication, marketing and volunteering. Further offers of interest and help are always welcome. To get involved please email Ken Griffiths.