Town's station celebrates 180 years of history

GUILDFORD’S railway has celebrated its 180th anniversary.

- By JOSEPH BICKLE

On May 5, 1845, the London & South Western Railway's (LSWR) line from the capital reached the Surrey’s county town’s tracks.

In a speech to crowds at Guildford railway station’s 180th anniversary event, held on Friday, May 2, accomplished Guildford historian and journalist, David Rose, explained the importance of the railway to the town and spoke of the importance of the London, Brighton & South Coast Railway, which opened a line from Horsham to Guildford in 1845. “Guildford goes back centuries but not much changed in the area until the railway came around, and then the town developed significantly,” he said.

“I would go as far as to say that (the opening of the Guildford to London line) is the most important date in Guildford’s history.”

The construction of the South of England's railway lines in the mid to late 1800s allowed for the mass transportation of people and goods across the region, and marked Guildford specifically as an important mid-way point between south coast ports and the capital.

The history of Guildford's railway line:

■1845, May 5 - The London & South Western Railway (LSWR) line from London reaches Guildford.