Passengers using Clapham Junction station were treated to a number of commemorative celebrations this week as South West Trains teamed up with Wandsworth Council to celebrate the 150th anniversary of this world-famous station.
A hundred and fifty years ago Clapham Junction, that is located within the heart of Battersea, opened its doors to its first rail passengers.
Since then, the famous station has become the busiest interchange station in Europe serving 40 million people a year, with over 20 million using the station to attach in with other services.
Today, passengers on the station were invited to return in time and think about many of the history of this famous station. Copies of The days newspaper from 2 March 1963, the outlet day of the station, got away to passengers by newspaper agents wearing traditional Victorian costume. Members of staff also gave away complimentary vintage Oyster card wallets created in partnership with Wandsworth Council.
An exhibition of archive images provided by Wandsworth Council exploring the historical significance of trains and train travel at Clapham Junction, from station to railway was unveiled to the general public on the Brighton Yard entrance.
Members of purchaser service staff from the station – with over 150 years of combined service to the railway – took part in a photocall next to massive ‘150’ figures in recognition of the station reaching this grand age.
Jake Kelly, Customer support Director for the South West Trains – Network Rail Alliance, said: “It’s problematic to last 150 years; Clapham Junction has needed to constantly reinvent itself to fulfill the wishes of recent passengers. Lately, we’ve got all for key improvements to make the station accessible to all, and feature opened a brand new entrance to ease the flow of passengers and make it easier for passengers to head across the station.”
Leader of Wandsworth Council Ravi Govindia said: “As the railway network has grown over the past 150 years Clapham Junction has benefitted from an increasing number of connections, with new routes fanning out across London and the south of britain. At Wandsworth Council we believe the station has even greater potential and we’re working with the rail authorities to peer that it’s achieved.”
From a rural feel with lavender fields nearby in 1863, the station quickly took its place because the major local transport hub it has become today. In recent years, the station have been transformed and gained a 3rd entrance and further staffed ticket offices, cycle parking and a taxi rank. All platforms had been equipped with lifts, making it easier for all passengers to access the station.