The London Underground network began 161 years ago, on 10 January 1863 with the opening of the Metropolitan Railway, which carried an astonishing 38,000 passengers on its first day. This was the first underground railway to be constructed in the world and from the success of the Metropolitan Railway there was a series of underground railways proposed.
The history of the railways that make up the London Underground network, have individual and unique characteristics. Please see my sections to find out more.
Tube lines
A comprehensive look at the railways or lines that make up the London Underground network today. The network began with the construction of the Metropolitan Railway a whole 161 years and 9 months ago and spanned a mere 6km (3.75 miles), today the network is made up of 11 railways or lines and spans an astonishing 402km (249 miles).
- Bakerloo line
- Central line
- Circle line
- District line
- Hammersmith and City line
- Jubilee line
- Metropolitan line
- Northern line
- Piccadilly line
- Victoria line
- Waterloo and City line
Rolling stock
The network began with the opening of the Metropolitan Railway, in the days when steam was extremely popular, however with various technological advancements the network is entirely electric today. A comprehensive look at the advancements in rolling stock though the years up to the rolling stock we enjoy today.
Tube maps
A collection of maps though time showing the advancement of the London underground network. The first map to show all of the railways that make up the London Underground network was not published until 1926, however, the map we all know today was not developed until 1931 and is based on an electrical circuitry diagram.
