Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Happy Birthday London Underground!

Jon tells me that everyone in London is bored to tears by this now, but I'm going to share it anyway because some people might not be aware that we have a birthday to celebrate!


On January 9, 1863, the world's first underground train pulled out of Paddington towards Farringdon - and we haven't looked back since!  From 26,000 passengers a day in those early months to 4 million a day in 2012, over the past 150 years the Tube has become an integral part of London life.  There have been tons of articles commemorating the birthday, like this piece from the Guardian with a century and a half of photos, and the celebratory events included the revival of a 19th century steam train that carried passengers along the tracks two weekends ago.  (You can find really cool videos and photos from this on Twitter by searching #Tube150.)  I also read rumors that some of the old ghost stations will be reopened as tourist attractions at the end of the year!

Love or hate the Tube - and, frustrations aside, I know I couldn't have lived in London without it - it's just as iconic as Big Ben or Buckingham Palace.  Happy birthday, London Underground, and here's to the next 150!



7 comments:

  1. Good old tube. I love a good infographic too.

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  2. Betsy, have you ever visited the London Transport Museum? I have always wanted to go there! I believe they have a collection of the underground posters?

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  3. You always find the best infographics. I love them! ;) AND the tube. Love that tube. The metro just wants to be the tube! ;)


    http://likeordinarylife.com

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  4. haha I love them too - I guess we're visual learners!

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  5. no! Jon wants to go but I've always made excuses. I think I'll have to now though :)

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  6. did you watch that BBC documentary last year? it was fascinating!

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  7. Ooooh no I don't think I did - will have to find it!

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