▲The first Tube tunnel opens to the public. It ran from the Tower of London to Bermondsey.

▲Brunel’s Thames Tunnel has its first run as a steam train travels along its tracks.

▲In early 1863, the Metropolitan Railway opens the first underground railway in the world. The track ran between Paddington and Farringdon Street.

▲It all began with Sir Marc Brunel. The French-born engineer worked with his son Isambard to open the Thames Tunnel in 1843.

▲The Central London Railway is opened by Edward VII, the Prince of Wales. It is now a part of the Central line.

▲Work is completed on the iconic Circle line.

▲A world first, the deep-level electric railway is opened. The track ran from King William Street to Stockwell, passing under the River Thames.

▲In 1905, the District and Circle lines successfully become electrified.

▲Also in 1906, the Great Northern, Piccadilly and Brompton Railway opens.

▲The Underground Electric Railway Company of London (also known as the Underground Group) is formed.

▲The world famous ‘Underground’ logo begins to be used at stations. Other developments include the introduction of electric ticket machines.

▲The Baker Street & Waterloo Railway opens to the public.

▲The Metropolitan District Railway opens its first section, running from South Kensington to Westminster.

▲The first London Underground map is produced by Harry Beck.

▲During World War II, most Tube stations are used as shelters during air raids. Some items from the British Museum were stored down there.

▲The first escalators in London are installed at Earl's Court underground station.

▲The London Passenger Transport Board becomes nationalized. It became known as the London Transport Executive

▲The Victoria line is opened to the public by the Queen.

▲In 1961, steam trains stopped being used.

▲No more freeloading! Penalty fares are introduced in 1994.

▲Another terrible accident shakes London. The King’s Cross fire began from a wooden escalator. The incident claimed 31 lives.

▲Steam shunting trains are pulled from the London Underground and freight locomotive is withdrawn from service.

▲Also in 1971, the Victoria line is extended to reach Brixton.

▲2003 is also a great year for street musicians. Busking was made legal in the Underground with a permit.

▲The Jubilee line is opened by the Prince of Wales.

▲Making life easier for everyone, the Oyster card is introduced in 2003. By June 2012, over 43 million cards had been issued.

▲In 2005, a terrorist attack strikes London. On July 7, three bombs were detonated aboard trains in the Underground. In total, 56 people died in the tragic incident.

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In 2009, the London Underground was named the Best Metro in Europe.

▲In 1975, the Moorgate tube crash shakes London. A driver accidentally crashed a train into the end wall of Moorgate station. In total, 43 people were killed, and new safety measures were introduced.

▲In 2007, the Tube reached a record one billion passengers over the course of a year.

▲The London Underground has transported people around the capital for just under 200 years. Stretching over 11 lines, 249 miles (over 400 km) of track and 270 stations, the Tube is a marvel of modern engineering. With updates and reconstruction revamping the network for a new generation, take a look back at the lively history of the London Underground.

Mind the gap: the story of the London Underground in pictures

A visual history of the iconic London Underground network

01/02/21 por StarsInsider

LIFESTYLE The tube

The London Underground has transported people around the capital for just under 200 years. Stretching over 11 lines, 249 miles (over 400 km) of track and 270 stations, the Tube is a marvel of modern engineering. With updates and reconstruction revamping the network for a new generation, take a look back at the lively history of the London Underground.