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All too often we take this intricate network for granted, head down, endeavouring to get to our destination as quickly as possible. We take little time to consider who may have travelled through the same network of tunnels as ourselves, or whom may have stepped onto the same platform. Perhaps we don’t even think about who designed the rolling stock or maps we use, when or why the railway routes we travel on were chosen or even about who laboured to build the stations we use. Perhaps we care even less that other underground railways in other cities, even on other continents, that looked towards London for inspiration.
London’s Underground has seen much change since the mid 18th Century, not only economical, but also technological and social. London would be a very different place today if it were not for its underground railway that has grown and reached out, creating commuter towns. Consequently its important that we remember those who often devoted their working lives to London Underground and in particular those who sadly paid the ultimate price for its construction or development.
There are numerous books that tell the story of how the Underground came into being, of its growth and even about its potential future. What is important though, is that we have the opportunity to experience and learn more about London’s Underground for ourselves.
This section glimpses into the past, courtesy of London’s Transport Museum as well as other museums and collectors that have saved memories for us to savour.
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