Transport for London150 years
Key dates
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1854 | The London, Tilbury & Southend Railway (LTSR) opened between Tilbury and Fenchurch Street via Stratford and Barking. |
| 1858 | The line was extended eastwards, eventually reaching Southend and a more direct route from Barking to Fenchurch Street via Plaistow was opened (and the service via Stratford withdrawn). Three new stations were built on this new section of line - Bromley, East Ham and Plaistow. |
| 1877 | Additional station opened at Upton Park |
| 1901 | Additional station opened at West Ham |
| 1902 | The opening of the Whitechapel & Bow Railway led to the Metropolitan District Railway (now known as the District line) trains being run between Bow and Barking (and on to Upminster and Southend). |
| 1902-05 | Additional tracks were installed and all 3 stations rebuilt. |
| 1905-08 | The District line was converted onto electric tracks. |
| 1912 | The LTSR was incorporated into the Midland Railway. |
| 1923 | The LTSR was then incorporated into the London, Midland & Scottish Railway (LMS) |
| 1936 | Metropolitan (now Hammersmith & City) line trains used the tracks as far as Barking. |
| 1962 | The LTSR (now c2c) platforms ceased to be used. |
| 1969 | The stations changed ownership to London Transport/Underground (rather than LMS/British Rail). |
Key facts
Bromley-by-Bow
- Opened as 'Bromley' on 31 March 1858 but renamed name to Bromley-by Bow on 18 May 1967
- The station building was moved to the opposite side of the road in March 1894
- The main entrance was severely damaged by a fire on 20 February 1970 but a new permanent building opened on 11 June 1972
- Some of the ornate canopy support brackets can still be seen on the eastbound platform
East Ham
- East Ham is a well preserved example of an early Edwardian station with elements dating back to its original opening in 1858
- Although the station originally opened on 31 March 1858, the current station dates back to 2 June 1902 when the station's buildings were rebuilt to coincide with additional tracks and the extension of District line services from Whitechapel to Upminster
- The station served as a temporary terminus between 30 September 1905 and 1 April 1908
- The LTSR monogram can still be seen on the canopy brackets
- Remains of a stabling bay, added in 1902 and withdrawn from service in October 1958, are still visible as well as a fine collection of cast iron bench seats dating from the early 20th century
Plaistow
- The 1900s brown and white brickwork and their glazed, arcade-like roofs have been retained
- At platform level, this is probably the best preserved station on this stretch of the line with ornate brackets to canopy columns and metalwork to benches containing 'LTSR' monogram
- Reversing bay on eastbound platform brought into service in 1959
Improving your station
We are upgrading Bromley-by-Bow Underground station and will install a new CCTV system and improved lighting to make the station safer and brighter.
East Ham station has already been made step free to allow easier access to and from the station. We have recently completed refurbishment work at Plaistow station to install a new CCTV system, build a new waiting room area and improve station ambience.
For further information, please speak to a member of staff at your station.
How can I find out more?
Visit the London Transport Museum where you can find further information on the history of London Underground, buy the 150 year anniversary posters, and see admission details.
