Routemasters of the Universe

The last Routemaster to ply a proper London bus route retired to the garage back in 2005. But over 15 years later, this indestructible bus still pops up everywhere! It's just that nowadays, merely in London, Routemasters are wedding buses, ghost buses, afternoon tea buses, mobile yogurt stalls on the South Bank... And elsewhere, all over the world, they have found new homes and been put to the most unlikely but serendipitous uses.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 17 November 2021
Publisher: Safe Haven Books

The last London Routemaster to operate a regular bus route bid farewell to the garage in 2005. However, more than 15 years later, this resilient bus continues to pop up in various locations. It's just that nowadays, in London, Routemasters have transformed into wedding buses, ghost buses, afternoon tea buses, and mobile yogurt stalls along the South Bank. And beyond, these iconic buses have found new homes and been repurposed for unexpected but serendipitous purposes worldwide.

So, Harry Rosehill has embarked on a mission to document the diverse range of uses for a Routemaster bus. From a tea room in Essex to promoting a circus in Russia, from offering bra-fitting facilities to a history of the potato, and even serving as a Human Shield in Baghdad during the Iraq War, these buses have found new life in unexpected ways.

Throughout his journey, Rosehill delves into the engineering marvels that made Routemasters renowned for their longevity. He explains why these buses have become so cherished by Londoners and enthusiasts alike. Additionally, he sheds light on the scarcity of footbrake valves, a unique feature that adds to their charm.

Routemasters of the Universe is not just a history of a beloved London icon; it is a celebration of ingenuity, determination, and the diverse tapestry of human life. It offers a funny, surprising, and touching perspective on these iconic buses, reminding us of the remarkable ways in which people can repurpose and reinvent objects to create something new and meaningful.

Weight: 262g
Dimension: 161 x 161 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781838405144