Underworld is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to deliver a programme of research, workshops and conservation leading to the content of this website and an exhibition.
Underworld uncovers the rich history of the underground spaces beneath Brighton Railway Station, including the Cab Road and the Goods Tunnel.
Built in 1841 as a passageway for horse-drawn cabs, the Cab Road has since fallen into disuse but continues to intrigue visitors when it is accessible. This project brings to light the hidden stories of this Victorian marvel and its surroundings.
The Cab Road and the Goods Tunnel have fascinated locals and visitors alike. However, their history remains largely inaccessible. Underworld seeks to preserve and share these hidden stories, connecting the community with Brighton’s unique heritage.
In October 2023, the Cab Road was opened for Dreamy Place Festival, with 10,000 visitors coming to see the light and sound installation. Many of them expressed curiosity about the history of the Cab Road, which prompted the development of this project.
Between October 2024 and January 2025, volunteer researchers participated in walking tours, workshops, and archival visits, guided by Brighton historian Jackie Marsh-Hobbs. Volunteers undertook in depth research into the station’s history, culminating in the creation of a digital archive and this exhibition. Revealing the stories and history of the station’s underground spaces.
Volunteers focused on three research themes, which are the themes of the website:
– Who – explores the society and people who worked in, used and built the railway station and its underworld.
– How – reveals some of the methods used to design and create the station.
– Why – shows why the tunnels and underground areas were created and the new uses they have had over the years.
Credits and thank yous
The project was made possible by the valuable contribution of all the volunteers who participated – thank you to: Alex Epps, Carly Jupp, Carol Homewood, Daniel Fagg, Eileen Campbell, Geraldine Booth, Heather Holford, Jean Blemings, Michael Prendergast, Michael Sherred, Mike Anton, Stanislas Sauvage, Simon Cooper.
Many thanks to everyone in the Underworld project team – Jackie Marsh-Hobbs, Annis Joslin and Zoë Montgomery for their support in making the project happen.
Thank you to Phoenix Community Centre and Phoenix Art Space for supporting the project, including helping to engage volunteers, providing space for meetings, and for being so enthusiastic about the project.
Govia Thameslink’s Rob Whitehead was key in giving us access to the station’s underworld. Thank you for being so generous.
Brighton Railway Rifle Club provided us with a private tour of the rifle range and their clubhouse, and let us take images of maps and plans they have archived – thank you to Phil Hamerton and Ambre France for sharing your knowledge and for your time and assistance.
Many thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund for supporting the project.
Underworld has been curated and produced by videoclub and This is Wyld as part of Dreamy Place.
About the National Lottery Heritage Fund
The National Lottery Heritage Fund is the largest funder for the UK’s heritage. Using money raised by National Lottery players we support projects that connect people and communities to heritage. Our vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future. From historic buildings, our industrial legacy and the natural environment, to collections, traditions, stories and more.
Heritage can be anything from the past that people value and want to pass on to future generations. We believe in the power of heritage to ignite the imagination, offer joy and inspiration, and to build pride in place and connection to the past.
