150th Anniversary of the London Underground

[whole diary]

[JayMac]

On the 9th January 1863 the world's first Underground Railway opened in London. The line ran from Paddington (Bishop's Road) to Farringdon Street. That day the first train ran from Paddington carrying the great and the good to Farringdon Street Station where a banquet for 600 people was held. The line didn't open to fare paying passengers until the following day 10th January. 

Today this section of line is still in use as part of the Hammersmith and City, Circle and Metropolitan lines.

Happy birthday London Underground! 

There are many news items and web pages devoted to this anniversary. Below is just a small selection:

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/corporate/projectsandschemes/25979.aspx with further links to a Facebook timeline, a feature on art on the Underground and details of anniversary gifts and souvenirs.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-20916568 BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page) London feature on the Underground 'brand'.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-20837356 another BBC item, this time about the people whose family history is intertwined with the Underground.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2013/jan/09/london-underground-150-years-birthday an article from the guardian.



Edited to fix incorrect link. 

[bobm]

There is also a set of 10 stamps issued by Royal Mail out today to mark the occasion.

[anthony215]

Royal mint are also supposed to be doing some new coins to celebrate this

[Chris from Nailsea]

The BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page) have also published an article covering the construction methods used 150 years ago, compared with today's Crossrail tunnelling:

Tube 150th anniversary: How navvies paved way for Crossrail


The shield offered workers some protection but conditions underground were still extremely dangerous

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-20854680

[Chris from Nailsea]

There is also a set of 10 stamps issued by Royal Mail out today to mark the occasion.

From the BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page):

Stamps celebrate London Underground 150th anniversary


Among the scenes are a steam locomotive, builders at work and a carriage of Edwardian passengers

[bobm]

There are another 4 in the set. But they are the best ones in my opinion.

[basset44]

Hi All,

Video on BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page) of Train

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-20968919

Would lobe to have done this

Basset

[johoare]

I'd have love to have done that too.. I like the fact it says Paddington to Farringdon should have been 17 minutes... I don't think that is possible these days.. I was also slightly perturbed to see Earls Court in the video since that isn't between the two 

[JayMac]

This was, I believe the final test run/press run between Kensington (Olympia) and Moorgate ahead of the official 150th Anniversary journeys on 13th and 20th January.

Kensington (Olympia) and Moorgate are being used due to the availability of platform space to stable the steam loco and carriages before and after the special runs without affecting the normal operation of the Underground.

Tickets for the specials on 13th and 20th January have sold out, but details of the timings can be found at the following link:

http://www.ltmuseum.co.uk/assets/downloads/pdfs/LU150_timetablesandprices.pdf

Passengers with normal tickets/Oyster^▸ (Smartcard system used by passengers on Transport for London services) will be able to see the special trains at stations en route on the 13th and 20th. However, if there are concerns about safety and/or overcrowding then access to stations may be limited. Normal rules regarding photography on the Underground apply. Personal use only and no tripods or flash.

Further events celebrating 150 years of the London Underground are being held throughout the year. Details can be found on the London Transport Museum website:

http://www.ltmuseum.co.uk/whats-on/tube150/calendar#steam

[broadgage]

I am amazed that the elfansafety have allowed a real steam locomotive to be used on a tube line.
Most impressive.

A fair number of people dont seem to believe this, believing it to be in some way faked or done with theatrical special effects.

[grahame]

I am amazed that the elfansafety have allowed a real steam locomotive to be used on a tube line.

Great great great grandfather rights, isn't it 

[SandTEngineer]

I am amazed that the elfansafety have allowed a real steam locomotive to be used on a tube line.
Most impressive.

...its not a Tube Line its a Sub-Surface Line.....

[JayMac]

Currently on BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page) iPlayer there is a welcome repeat of the London Transport episode of architectural series 'Art Deco Icons' from 2009.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00npm4g/Art_Deco_Icons_London_Transport/  (available until 4am 24/01/2013)

David Heathcote explores the dramatic 1930s London Transport HQ^▸ (Headquarters) in St James's, London. When it was built in the1930s, it was the highest skyscraper in London. Heathcote goes behind the scenes and uncovers the story of a building so controversial that Frank Pick, who commissioned it, offered to resign from the London Underground Company, because there were so many complaints about its ambitious design.

The HQ became the nerve centre for an Art Deco transformation of the underground which remains today. David Heathcote ventures out on the Piccadilly Line to Southgate to investigate. For many, it is just the scene of a crowded journey to work, but Heathcote discovers a perfect example of a co-ordinated Deco look. The sleek tube station uses streamlined features, soft uplighting and chrome to create a glamorous overall effect. It may be lost on the commuters on their way to work, but for Heathcote it is a moment to stand back and enjoy the marvel that was Art Deco.

The art and architecture of London Transport has long fascinated me and I'm a particular fan of the effortless, timeless style that is Art Deco. A perfect balance of classicism and modernism.

When I win big on the lottery I'll be building myself a home in the Art Deco style, perhaps with a touch of Bauhaus. If funds allow then an apartment in Du Cane Court, Balham as well. 

[didcotdean]

Also being shown on BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page) Four Thursday morning, 3:30am (it has been on twice already this week). The whole Art Deco Icons series is being repeated.

[anthony215]

The BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page) are screening a new 150th anniversery special episode of the Tube on thursday on BBC2:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01sjtzw

The second series is expected soon along with buses documentary series (That I wasnt expecting too be honest)