The London Underground, 1968-1985: The Greater London Council Years

The London Underground was a very different place in the 1960s and 1970s than it is today. Much of its rolling stock dated from before World War Two, and trains were all two-person operated. Transport photographer Jim Blake recorded most of the system on film before it changed forever. The Thatcher regime snatched away the control of Londons buses and Underground system in 1984, and things quickly went downhill. This book covers the years of GLC control, including rare and unusual scenes of the uncompleted Northern Line extension between Drayton Park and Highgate.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2023
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

The iconic Underground railway system in London underwent a significant transformation between 1968 and 1985, evolving into a vastly different landscape compared to its current state in the 2020s. During this period, a significant portion of the rolling stock dated back to before World War Two, and with the exception of the newly introduced Victoria Line and the isolated Woodford to Hainault shuttle, trains were predominantly operated by two individuals. Transport photographer Jim Blake meticulously captured the essence of the system on film, focusing on the older rolling stock and other items that were due for replacement or modernization. Regrettably, London Transport often faced financial constraints, particularly during the Thatcher regime in 1984, which led to a decline in the system's condition.

This book delves into the years of Greater London Council (GLC) control, encompassing the period leading up to their assumption of authority. It includes rare and unusual scenes, particularly of the incomplete Northern Line extension between Drayton Park and Highgate, which had been on the verge of completion before the war but was abandoned in the early 1950s, resulting in significant waste of resources. For anyone with a deep fascination for London's Underground, this book is an indispensable resource, offering a wealth of previously unpublished photographs that provide a unique insight into the system's history.

Weight: 712g
Dimension: 180 x 255 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399055635