London Underground Live Cam

History

The London Underground, often referred to as "the Tube," is the world’s oldest and one of the most iconic rapid transit systems. Its inception dates back to January 10, 1863, when the first line, the Metropolitan Railway, opened to the public. This groundbreaking achievement marked the beginning of subterranean urban transportation and set the stage for the development of metro systems worldwide.

The idea for an underground railway emerged in response to London’s growing population and the resulting congestion on the streets. Engineers and city planners envisioned a network of tunnels beneath the city to alleviate traffic and improve connectivity. The early lines were constructed using the cut-and-cover method, which involved digging trenches, laying tracks, and then covering the tunnels. Steam locomotives initially powered the trains, leading to challenges with ventilation and smoke within the confined spaces.