The Cab Road

The Cab Road
Tucked away behind the large timber doors on Trafalgar Street, just past the Brighton Toy Museum, lies a remarkable yet forgotten piece of the city’s history – the Cab Road. Opened in 1841, this underground passage was designed to allow horse-drawn cabs to reach Brighton Railway Station without climbing the steep hill. Today, this atmospheric space remains largely unseen, yet its echoes of the past continue to intrigue.

A Victorian Engineering Marvel
The Cab Road was an essential part of the station’s design, providing a gradual ascent for cabs transporting passengers and goods. On one side, the original 1840s station walls stand as a reminder of Brighton’s railway heritage. On the other, a series of arched openings – once overlooking the goods yard – now house railway staff offices. Overhead, imposing cast iron columns and girders support the station’s expanded structure, a testament to its growth in 1882.

Images by Mike Anton – Left: coalstore on the Cab Road; Centre: detail of brake marks left by carriage wheels – the wall was used as a brake by cab drivers; Right: detail of cobblestone pavement on the Cab Road.

A Journey Through Time
Walking through the Cab Road, you can imagine the scene: the clatter of hooves on cobbles, the distant rumble of steam trains, and the bustle of drivers guiding their horses up the winding path. The tunnel narrows beneath platform eight, marking the point where cabs followed a one-way system towards the station entrance. Above, the sound of modern trains echoes through the passage, a reminder of the station’s continued evolution.

A Forgotten History Rediscovered
The Cab Road remained in use until motorised taxis became the norm, unable to navigate its tight turns. Over time, this historic route faded from public memory – until now. Thanks to the dedication of volunteer researchers, guided by historian Jackie Marsh-Hobbs, its stories are being brought to light once more. Through walking tours, workshops, and archival research, they have uncovered the people, construction, and evolution of Brighton’s railway underworld.

Watch a film of the Cab Road by Annis Joslin with narration by historian Jackie Marsh-Hobbs by clicking here.