This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: vanessamarshall Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.britisles.england.dor.general/110.1037.1.2.1.1.1.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Hello Penny, Just to let you know that the railway from Wareham (the Southampton to Dorchester Railway - famously known as Castleman's Corkscrew) only went as far as Southampton and one would need to change lines (as you still do today on the newer South Western line) to get to Portsea / Portsmouth. However, there was a lot of maritimee & trading connections along the South Coast from Wareham via Poole to Portsea, so they may have travelled by sea or gone across what was then Bourne Heath via Poole & Christchurch and then over the New Forest to Southampton and on to Portsea (probably on foot or by horse & cart). Where were the children born / baptised? - it might give a clue as to the route they took, (if they didn't go straight there), but I suspect they were offered work in the area & took it up and you are correct with your push / pull theory. Regards Vanessa Dorset Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.