Central London Railway

Central London Railway

The Central London Railway (CLR), also known as the "Twopenny Tube," was a historic underground railway line in London, England. It was the first deep-level underground railway in the city and played a significant role in shaping London's transportation system. The CLR was later incorporated into the London Underground's Central line.

History

The Central London Railway was authorized by an Act of Parliament in 1891 and construction began in 1896. The line was designed to alleviate congestion on the surface and provide a faster and more efficient mode of transportation for Londoners. It was opened to the public on July 30, 1900, with a total of six stations.

The original route of the CLR ran from Shepherd's Bush in the west to Bank in the east, passing through central London. The line was approximately 4 miles long and featured innovative engineering techniques, including the use of a deep-level tunneling shield. This shield allowed for the construction of the line without disrupting the existing infrastructure above.

Stations

The Central London Railway initially had six stations along its route:

1. Shepherd's Bush: Located in West London, this station served as the western terminus of the line.

2. Notting Hill Gate: Situated in the vibrant neighborhood of Notting Hill, this station provided access to the popular Portobello Road Market.

3. High Street Kensington: Located near Kensington Gardens, this station served as a convenient stop for visitors to the Royal Albert Hall and the Natural History Museum.

4. Tottenham Court Road: Situated in the heart of London's West End, this station provided access to popular shopping destinations such as Oxford Street and Covent Garden.

5. British Museum: This station, now known as Holborn, was located near the British Museum and provided easy access to the cultural hub of Bloomsbury.

6. Bank: The eastern terminus of the line, Bank station was a major transportation hub, connecting the CLR with other underground lines and providing access to the financial district of the City of London.

Legacy

The Central London Railway was a pioneering project that set the stage for the development of the London Underground. Its success paved the way for the expansion of the underground network, which now spans the entire city.

The CLR was later incorporated into the Central line of the London Underground in 1933. Today, the Central line remains one of the busiest and most important lines in the London Underground network, connecting Central London with the suburbs.