Story of Wandsworth
The railway revolution
In 1838, the London to Southampton railway opened, with a terminus at Nine Elms. This was soon followed by other lines which cut across the commons, farms and market gardens, transforming the local landscape.
The River Thames at Nine Elms, c. 1840, with the railway terminus to the left
Entrance to Clapham Junction
Station, c. 1906
The railways attracted many people to move to the area by providing both employment and swift transport to London. Battersea, in particular, was affected as Nine Elms became covered with sidings, workshops, depots and new housing for railway workers.
As the suburbs developed, demand grew for transport between local towns as well as to London. Horse-drawn trams and buses were introduced and soon rivalled the railways in popularity
by providing a cheap, door-to-door service.
