Long Branch Mike

London’s First Highway: The Fall and Rise of River Buses

On 1 May 2016 By Long Branch Mike In River, TfL, Waterways

Over two millenia ago, at the furthest downstream location that a bridge could be built across the River Thames, London was born. In many ways the river is the very reason for London’s existence. The …

Diving Into The Fleet: A Look At London’s Lost Tube

On 4 September 2015 By Long Branch Mike In Bakerloo Line, History, Jubilee line, London Underground

A major river used by the Romans, the Fleet is the largest of London’s lost subterranean rivers. Flanked by great wharves, for centuries it was a gateway to the City. By the end of the …

London’s Lost Pneumatic Railway: The World’s 2nd Oldest Underground

On 12 April 2015 By Long Branch Mike In History, Long reads, Pneumatic railways, Post Office Railway

In the white heat of the Victorian age a number of motive powers seemed set to vie for the future. Steam power? Cable? Both were relatively new technologies whose potential seemed endless. Briefly in the …