This walk will examine the historical and social role of canals, railways, underground, taxis and buses including Paddington and Marylebone stations.
Paddington, at a far corner of Westminster borough, was a favoured choice for the terminus of early canals and the Great Western Railway, because of easy gradients. There was however a problem – it was distant from central London, especially the City. When the railway opened it was said that you could get more quickly from Bristol to Paddington, than from Paddington to the City.
Solutions to this were a major force for the development of transport throughout London. This walk will look at the Regent’s Canal, one of London’s busiest taxi ranks , the terminus of London’s first (horse drawn) bus terminus, the world’s first underground railway, the Westway urban motorway, and most recently, the development of the Elizabeth Line.
It will then proceed to Marylebone station to hear about two larger than life characters, Charles Yerkes who (with dubious financing) developed most of London’s deep level underground lines, and Sir Edward Watkin, promoter of Britain’s last main line, the Great Central.
This tour focusses on the history and social impact of the transport modes, and thus should be of general interest, not just for transport enthusiasts. It will be followed by an optional lunchtime visit to the former Metropolitan Railway dining rooms, now a Wetherspoons pub by Baker Street station.
