A hundred and seventy-five years ago, in October 1849, the arrival of the railway in Farnham marked a significant moment in the town's history, ushering in an era of transformation and connectivity.

As a small Surrey market town, Farnham's development was dramatically shaped by this new link to the outside world. This week’s Peeps into the Past traces the station's origins, its impact on Farnham, and its lasting legacy.

The arrival of the railway

In the mid-19th century, the expansion of the British railway network was transforming towns across the country.

The railway that eventually reached Farnham was part of a broader scheme to extend the London and South Western Railway (LSWR) line from Guildford to Alton.

The LSWR, eager to expand its network westwards and tap into the thriving markets of Hampshire and Surrey, identified Farnham as a key stop along its route.

For Farnham, the opening of the station on October 8, 1849, provided a new route for goods and passengers, connecting the town to Guildford, and later to Alton and beyond.

Initially, the route included stops at Ash Green Halt and Tongham, though services on this section ceased with electrification in 1937.

Farnham's railway station may have begun modestly, but its role quickly grew. The line was extended to Alton in 1852, with further expansion westward towards Winchester in 1865, creating new connections to the south coast.

These developments played a crucial role in making Farnham a transport hub for the region, particularly after the present-day Brookwood to Farnham line opened in 1870, increasing access from London and other parts of Surrey.

A changing landscape

The planning and construction of the line were not without challenges. Securing the necessary permissions from landowners, particularly the influential Farnham estates, took time, as many were initially resistant to the idea of the railway cutting through their land.

The railway brought significant changes to the local economy too. Before the trains, Farnham was primarily known for its agriculture, particularly hop-growing, and its market. The ability to transport goods quickly and efficiently to London revolutionised local trade.

Goods such as yellow bricks and slates, brought in by rail, began to appear as building materials in the town, reflecting the wider range of mass-produced goods now accessible to local people.

Though the railway contributed to the decline of stagecoach travel, it also created new opportunities for local carriers who flourished by providing transport services between the station and the town.

As the station expanded, sidings covered the current car park and the southern area of Farnham Station, now known as Southern Way, became a bustling hub for goods transport.

The station soon grew to accommodate the increased demand, and Farnham's commercial landscape shifted alongside it.

South Street and the impact of Aldershot Camp

One of the most tangible changes brought by the railway was the construction of South Street in 1870. Prior to this, passengers and goods had to travel via a more convoluted route through Downing Street, Longbridge, and Abbey Street to reach the station.

As traffic to Farnham increased, particularly with the establishment of Aldershot Camp, a direct route was needed. South Street became a vital link between the town centre and the station, while the addition of Union Road further modernised Farnham’s medieval street pattern.

The influx of soldiers from nearby Aldershot boosted traffic at Farnham station and contributed to the town’s vibrancy. Though often attributed to the hop trade, Farnham’s numerous pubs were, in part, a response to the growing number of military personnel passing through the area.

Legacy of the railway

The opening of the railway had long-term effects on Farnham’s social fabric. The town became an attractive location for Londoners seeking a rural lifestyle while maintaining the convenience of commuting to the Big Smoke.

As new housing developments sprang up around the station, Farnham's population began to grow, and the town gradually evolved from an agricultural centre into the aspirational commuter town it is today.