Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Towns > Acton
The Metropolitan Railway and the Fleet Ditch, 1862. Creator: JM Williams
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Heritage Images
The Metropolitan Railway and the Fleet Ditch, 1862. Creator: JM Williams
The Metropolitan Railway and the Fleet Ditch, [London], 1862. In a few months Paddington will be joined to the City by a new thoroughfare...This line has a width of nearly thirty feet, and its tunnelled arch along the line of what is known as the New-road forms a graceful curve, the majestic sweep of which can be seen at any point, as the whole is well lighted with gas...That portion of the tunnel...from Euston-square to King's-cross, of which Mr. Jay is the contractor, is completed, and the open cutting is being rapidly proceeded with. Fleet Ditch is turned and its bed laid bare, a tunnel having been made under it for the rapid removal of the rubbish which comes from the destruction of the houses cityward. Our View...was sketched at the foot of Frederick-street, Gray's-inn-road, at its junction with Bagnigge-wells-road...Looking towards King's-cross, the streets through which the Metropolitan Railroad has breached its way are - Britannia-street, Swinton-street, Acton-street and Frederick-street...at this point the Fleet Ditch is temporarily diverted from its course, previously to its being boxed up...in an iron tube; and hence we catch what may possibly be a last glimpse of the Fleet, now a sewer, but once a crystal stream...'. From "Illustrated London News", 1862
Heritage Images features heritage image collections
Media ID 35120881
© The Print Collector/Heritage Images
Camden London England Civil Engineering Construction Industry Demolition Earthwork Earthworks Engineering Fleet Ditch Grays Inn Road Inner City Labourer Labourers Ladder Lumber Metropolitan Railway Navvies Navvy Public Transport Railways Thoroughfare Timber Tunnel Wheelbarrow Working Man Workman Workmen Illustrated London News Tunnelling Tunnels Wheelbarrows White And Black
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Animals
> Birds
> Passerines
> Crows And Jays
> Related Images
> Animals
> Mammals
> Cricetidae
> White-footed Mouse
> Architecture
> Tunnels
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Boroughs
> Camden
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Sights
> New River
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Towns
> Acton
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Towns
> New Cross
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Towns
> Paddington
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Towns
> Welling
EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph, titled "The Metropolitan Railway and the Fleet Ditch," was captured by JM Williams in 1862, showcasing a significant moment in London's transportation history. The image depicts the Metropolitan Railway, which was then under construction, as it intersects with the Fleet Ditch. At the time, the railway was expected to connect Paddington with the City in a matter of months. The railway line, with a width of nearly thirty feet, is shown here with its tunnelled arch, forming a graceful curve that can be seen from any vantage point. The portion of the tunnel from Euston-square to King's-cross, contracted by Mr. Jay, had already been completed, and the open cutting was being rapidly advanced. The Fleet Ditch, once a crystal clear stream, is now being diverted and its bed laid bare. A tunnel has been constructed under it for the swift removal of the rubble generated from the destruction of the houses cityward. The photograph was taken at the foot of Frederick-street, Gray's-inn-road, at its junction with Bagnigge-wells-road. Looking towards King's-cross, the streets that the Metropolitan Railroad had breached its way through are Britannia-street, Swinton-street, Acton-street, and Frederick-street. At this point, the Fleet Ditch is temporarily diverted from its course, awaiting its encasement in an iron tube. This photograph may represent one of the last glimpses of the Fleet Ditch as a natural watercourse before it was transformed into a sewer.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
FREE COLORIZATION SERVICE
You can choose advanced AI Colorization for this picture at no extra charge!
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
