Metropolitan Line

This is the Metropolitan line and train

When the idea for this project started forming shapes in my head, I didn’t quite realise how big it was going to be.

I knew from the beginning that I wanted to start with the Metropolitan Line, although I didn’t have a solid reason why. I just went with my gut feeling. Then I chose the alphabetical order, and Aldgate Station became the first step on this adventure. So, enthusiastic to finally get going, I made my way to central London, or, as Londoners would put it, Zone 1.

Soon after I started my adventure, I realized, that it wasn’t a coincidence for me to start with the Metropolitan Line.

Why?

After doing some research, I found that the first of London’s underground railways was constructed in the 19th century. It’s the oldest underground railway in the world. The first section of the Metropolitan Railway was opened on January 10, 1863, and served only seven stations between Paddington and Farringdon, using wooden carriages and steam locomotives.

Boom!!! It was the first urban underground railway in the world!

It was a nice surprise to find that the first tunnel was excavated unsuccessfully under the Thames in 1843. but the real moment in railway tunneling through London came later. This, however, is a story for another time.

However, by the 1850s, London had reached a crisis point caused by the congestion. Despite a variety of proposed solutions, the Parliament rejected them. The underground railway solution proved to be acceptable, thankfully due to the dedication of social reformer and city solicitor Charles Pearson.

Back to the Metropolitan Line

Metropolitan Line’s name comes from its predecessor, the Metropolitan Railway.

It is locally known as the Met Line, and most will recognise it by the magenta colour on the Tube Map. It serves 34 stations and connects Aldgate in the City of London with four branches outside of London:

• zone 9 (Amersham and Chesham in Buckinghamshire)
• zone 7 (Watford in Hertfordshire)
• zone 6 (Uxbridge in Hillingdon)

I can’t wait to visit them all!

Follow my journey, like, and share. By doing so, you’ll help other people who would love to be able to discover London through my adventure.

Thank you for following my project UndergroundAndStations.  Enjoy!