Dorset on Rail Conference

On Saturday 26 July we will be hosting a conference to celebrate the 200th Anniversary of the first railway line in the UK.  Join us at Dorset History Centre for a free day of talks celebrating Dorset's history on rail.

We have four speakers with fascinating talks on the history of railways in Dorset and the south. Our speakers and topics for the day are:

Colin Edwards, "Dorset and Dr Beeching: Railway Closures of the 1960s"

Jenny Vince, "The Railway Is Not A Natural Place For A Woman"

Valerie Brenton, "Following in the Family Tracks - Migration and Transferable Skills"

Richard Heacock, "The First Railway in Dorset – Fayle’s Tramway"

Plus get a chance to explore original railway plans, photographs and other documents from Dorset History Centre's collection.

Saturday 26 July 2025, 10am - 4.30pm (with an hour break for lunch not included)

Tickets are free but booking is essential, to book a ticket visit the ticketsource website.  If you would like to make a donation to Dorset Archives Trust visit our donation page.