The Iron Road: a talk by Christian Wolmar

From the early steam trains, to the construction of the main line terminuses, and of course the world’s first underground system designed specifically to allow the capital to expand into the green fields beyond, the iron road can truly be said to have created London as it is known today. London was a pioneer of the railways in several respects. The world’s first local suburban line was the London & Greenwich, which when completed in 1838 had a footpath alongside it for those who did not want to use the trains. Then London boasted the first Underground line, the Metropolitan Railway, which was built using the cut and cover method. It opened in 1863 and ran between Farringdon and Paddington. And as if that were not enough, London also had the first deep Tube line, a tunnel cut through the clay – the City and South London which opened in 1890. It is though, more than just about railways. Christian Wolmar, transport commentator and author, said: “The railways made London what it is today, and many people have forgotten that. Without the construction of rail and underground spreading from the centre, many of which were designed to serve the suburbs, London would not have been able to expand in the way it did in the 19th century. The history of the railways in London is in fact the history of London itself.” Mr Wolmar will be also signing copies of his new book The Iron Road on the day.

Suitable for
16-17
18+

Admission
Adult £10 Concession £8

Source: http://www.culture24.org.uk//se000033?id=EVENT504024