The London and Southampton Railway was first proposed in 1831 and the bill approved by Parliament in 1834 at a cost of £900,000. The section between Basingstoke and Winchester opened on 11 May 1840 – and was the final part of the London and Southampton Railway to be completed. Prior to its construction, all of the traffic between London and Southampton was carried by eight stage coaches, four wagons per week, and one barge weekly on the Basingstoke Canal!
The London and Southampton Railway was first proposed in 1831 and the bill approved by Parliament in 1834 at a cost of £900,000. The section between Basingstoke and Winchester opened on 11 May 1840 – and was the final part of the London and Southampton Railway to be completed. Prior to its construction, all of the traffic between London and Southampton was carried by eight stage coaches, four wagons per week, and one barge weekly on the Basingstoke Canal!
The London and Southampton Railway was first proposed in 1831 and the bill approved by Parliament in 1834 at a cost of £900,000. The section between Basingstoke and Winchester opened on 11 May 1840 – and was the final part of the London and Southampton Railway to be completed. Prior to its construction, all of the traffic between London and Southampton was carried by eight stage coaches, four wagons per week, and one barge weekly on the Basingstoke Canal!
Whitear Family
Walter and Arthur’s father came to Micheldever from Curdridge in 1921. He was a thatcher as was Bill another brother of Arthur – a big family with several more brothers and sisters. Their mother came from Longparish.
Walter Frederick Whitear - married to Molly.
Molly ran the parish Poppy Appeal 1976-1988 including collections at all three churches and a whist drive.
Arthur Clarence Whitear.
Fred’s brother, Geoff’s uncle. He was an Ammunition Technician/Operative in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps. At West Moors Ammunition Depot, he was in an explosion 1941. He had exchanged duties with a friend who needed to go on Compassionate Leave.
See War Memorial and Supplementary Information
Fred and Molly Whitear's children:
1. Geoffrey - National Service Royal Army Service Corps – 1954-57.
Long distance driver for Southampton firm.
Cricketer. Footballer and North Hants football referee, Bell ringer
m. Jill Viney – see Mansbridge Family
Parish Councillor - see photo
WI President – See WI in History/Groups;
Church organist;
Pre-school Play Group Supervisor.
Daughter Laura
2. Robert (Bob)
3. Tony – son Martyn - keeps family archive and genealogy
Links –
War Memorial WWII - Arthur Clarence Whitear
Fred and Molly Whitear at the Grave of Arthur Clarence Whitear at Damerham 1986
Fred Whitear War Service Pioneer Corps
Visit of Mayor of Winchester (Mrs Shore) to Micheldever about 1976 Front – Jill (Parish Councillor); Mr Shore (husband of Mayor); Mrs Edith Bassett (old guest); Mrs Shore (Mayor) Mary Alcock (young guest); Queenie Withers (looking after Mrs B) Rear - Ron Durrant (Chairman of PC); Mrs Lonsdale; Fred Messenger (East Stratton).