On our recent trip to Steyning, we discovered a lane called Dog Lane. It’s named after ‘post dogs’ but we’re still not totally sure what they were, only that they had something to do with the postal service. While I was trying to find out more, I stumbled across an article about Railway Jack. What a character!

What follows are some quotes from that article:

Railway Jack was a fox-terrier who entertained and amused passengers and staff on the London and Brighton Railway. He was described as ‘white, black and brown, big of bone and not overly well-bred’

He was based at Lewes living originally with Mr Robert Skinner of 6, Eastport Lane but would spend his days hopping on and off trains across the whole of the south-east railway network. He would often accompany the guards of trains who would no doubt ensure that he was fed and watered. Remarkably he often seemed to get back to Brighton in time to catch the last train to Lewes where his bed was. He would invariably be up early to catch an early train.

In January 1882 poor Jack suffered an accident at Norwood Junction, he was crossing the lines when he was struck by a mail train and one of his legs was crushed. It had to be amputated by a local vet whilst poor Jack was knocked out with chloroform. This event was reported in many newspapers across the U.K., one railway manager saying that there was a vast amount of concern for the poor animal and there would be no less sympathy than if the accident had occurred to one of his staff. Jack was returned to Lewes where he was looked after by the station master Mr Moore, who received over 50 telegrams and letters wishing the dog a quick recovery

Although it seems to have been a strange venue, a dog-show was held at Brighton Aquarium in November 1882. 143 dogs were entered from all over Sussex but the most popular dog was Jack who hobbled around on his three legs. Although he was not entered into the competition he was still awarded a silver medal!

When Mr Moore the Lewes Station master retired he moved to Mayfield and Jack spent his final years in rural quietude. He died on 27th October 1890 aged 13 years. His death was reported in the Daily Telegraph.