The Southern Railway Victoria Station - A Unique Perspective

For seventy years a legal battle raged between the Southern Railway and the various London authorities the details of which have only recently come to light.

It was also very much a behind the scenes dispute, and yet one which would have far reaching consequences as the results may nowadays be seen both at Victoria and nearly every other main railway station throughout the UK.

Simply put, it revolved around the right of the railway to rent space at their termini to outside business, newsagents, refreshment stalls and the like and without the lessee having to pay rates for a site the dues on which had already been paid for by the railway.The dispute continued for some time, in the course of which what can only be described as a sensational collection of photographs were taken depicting the commerce of a Victoria at the time. (After the case reached the House of Lords the railway company were eventually successful, the legacy of which are the numerous retail outlets seen on station platforms and concourses today).

The photographs used are pin sharp, whilst to maximise detail sections have been enlarged to full advantage. The text has also been kept to a minimum - these views need no explanation.