Into the Jaws of Death: Portsmouth's railway pasts

This public lecture explores Portsmouth’s railway past through the experiences of the people who kept Britain’s railways running. Dr Mike Esbester draws on research from the Railway Work, Life & Death project to show the risks railway workers faced, the lives they led and the role they played in shaping the city.

The talk looks beyond the familiar romantic image of steam railways to the more dangerous reality of railway work. It includes stories of workers whose lives were changed by accidents, as well as the support some received when returning to work after serious injury.

The lecture also highlights overlooked individuals such as Charlie Cornell, Alice and Ethel Allaway, and other forgotten railway workers from Portsmouth.

Before the talk, attendees can visit the South coast’s forgotten railway workers exhibition. Afterwards, Dr Esbester will be joined by collaborators from the local history group and heritage railways for an interactive panel discussion.

The event is open to anyone with an interest in history and does not require prior knowledge of the topic.