Underground mail train

The underground mail train! That's a fascinating topic.

The underground mail train, also known as the "Mail Train" or "Underground Railway," was a network of hidden tunnels and tracks beneath the streets of London, built in the 19th century to transport mail and packages quickly and efficiently. The system was designed to bypass the congested streets and reduce the time it took for mail to be delivered.

Here are some interesting facts about the underground mail train:

  1. Construction: The underground mail train was built between 1855 and 1863, with the first section opening in 1855. The tunnels were constructed using the "cut-and-cover" method, where a trench was dug and then covered with a brick arch.
  2. Length: The underground mail train network stretched for approximately 12 miles (19 kilometers) beneath the streets of London, with 12 stations and 20 miles (32 kilometers) of track.
  3. Purpose: The primary purpose of the underground mail train was to transport mail and packages between the General Post Office in London and the surrounding postal districts. It was designed to reduce the time it took for mail to be delivered, which was crucial for businesses and individuals relying on timely communication.
  4. Operations: The underground mail train was operated by the General Post Office, with a fleet of steam-powered locomotives and carriages designed specifically for the task. The trains ran on a regular schedule, with multiple trips per day.
  5. Abandonment: The underground mail train was gradually phased out in the mid-20th century, as the demand for mail delivery decreased and the cost of maintaining the system became too high. The last train ran in 1970, and the tunnels were eventually abandoned and left to decay.
  6. Legacy: Although the underground mail train is no longer in operation, its legacy lives on in the modern-day London Underground (Tube) network, which was built on top of some of the original tunnels. The abandoned tunnels have also been repurposed as storage facilities, data centers, and even a film set for movies and TV shows.

The underground mail train is a fascinating piece of London's history, and its legacy continues to captivate the imagination of historians, urban explorers, and enthusiasts alike.