150 Years of The Tube – The History of The London Underground

Joined by the Duchess of Cambridge and the Duke of Edinburgh, yesterday the Queen visited Baker Street Tube Station in Marylebone. This was to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the London Underground.

This article will briefly look over the London Undergrounds grand history. Looking at how it transformed from its opening in 1863 to carrying 1.171bn passengers in 2012.

The London Underground was commissioned by the Metropolitan Railway in 1854, after initially being proposed in the 1830s. The first line opened in 1863 between Paddington and Farringdon; it made use of steam-powered trains and gas lit carriages made of wood. It was hailed as a success as it carried 38,000 passengers on its opening day of operation. In 1968, the metropolitan district line was opened. The metro and district lines were linked to complete the (inner) circle line in 1884, 21 years after the initial opening.

In 1890, the world's first deep level electric tube line opened, running between Stockwell and King William Street. The station platform was only accessible by hydraulic lift. For the most part, this line is now a part of the Northern Line. It wasn't until 1905 that the district and circle lines began to become electrified.

In 1906, the Baker and Waterloo line opened between Elephant & Castle and Baker Street. This is now part of the modern day Bakerloo Line.

1908 saw the beginning of Co-ordinated marketing efforts from the separate railway companies. Distinct 'underground' lettering came into use along with, pocket maps, posters and signage. The first incarnation of the now world famous underground roundel logo was also introduced. The now renowned underground diagram by Harry Beck wasn't printed until 1933.

In 1935 and the subsequent years, the London Underground took somewhat of a transformation with major extensions and most lines becoming electrified.

The Underground even had an important part to during World War 2. Underground tube stations were used by thousands of Londoners to shelter from bombings. Underground stations and workshops were also seen somewhat as safe havens, with artwork and military control centres being located there. What's all the more impressive is that daytime service continued as normal on all underground lines.

In 1968, the world's first computer controlled underground railway was opened. The line ran between London Victoria and Walthamstow Central. This line is now part of the modern day Victoria Line.

In 1978, the first female underground driver began work; her name was Hannah Dadds. This moment represented an important milestone in the battle for equality for women in the workplace.

In 1980, partially to celebrate the history and success of the underground, the London Transport Museum was opened.

In 1987, there was a major fire at King's Cross Station that tragically killed 31 people. As a result of this, there was a shift in safety regulations and a range of major safety improvements.

2002 saw the introduction of the Oyster ticketing system.

In 2005, there was a terror attack on 3 London Underground trains and a bus. 52 people were killed and to this day, it remains London's worst terror incident.

In 2011, construction began on the Crossrail. This is scheduled to open in 2018.

2013 marks the 150th anniversary of the London Underground

The 2nd part of the article will state some fun facts about the London Underground

Property

The largest apartment block in London – Chiltern Court – Was opened over Baker Street in 1929. Nowadays, a 3 bedroom flat would set you back around 1.1m.

London Transport is responsible for a 2000 square mile area within a 30 mile radius of Charing Cross.

More information on London Property can be found in the Author Resource section.

Price

The cost per mile for one full price cash single between Lester Square and Covent Garden works out at 28 per mile.

Originally tickets would cost either 4, 5 or 6 pence for a single journey. A single journey in zone 1 now costs 4.50.

Miscellaneous

There are 426 escalators across the Underground Network. Waterloo has the most – 23. Angel has the longest – 60m. Stratford the shortest vertical incline at just 4.6 meters.

Baker Street has the most platforms – 10

Underground trains travel at anywhere from 30-60mph. This is dependent on the distance between stations.

Arguably, the most famous person to have been born in the tube network is US talk show host Jerry Springer.

There are two reportedly haunted tube stations – Farringdon and Covent Garden.

Around 500,000 mice live within the underground network

A unique species of Mosquito – Culex pipiens molestus – live in the underground.

The 'Mind The Gap' recording was created in 1968, it is still in use at most of the underground stations.

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