The Railways of London Docklands

A comprehensive history of the planning, development and redesign of the railway system of London Docklands.

The Railways of London Docklands provides a comprehensive study of the planning and building of railways in London’s Docklands, reflecting on the past 180 years of railway development. Beginning with the creation of the enclosed working docks at the start of the 19th Century, author Jonathan Willis then explores the introduction of railways in the middle of the century.

By the 1970’s the decline of the working docks led to a plethora of plans to regenerate the area, but with little agreement on what should be done. The setting up of the London Docklands Development Corporation by the former Secretary of State for the Environment Lord Heseltine was a significant landmark, expediting the Canary Wharf development. Willis describes in detail the modern railway projects, created to support the subsequent growing employment and population of the area, including the Docklands Light Railway with its multiple extensions, the Jubilee Line extension and Crossrail/Elizabeth Line. The book appeals to a wide audience, from railway enthusiasts who want to understand the how and why projects were approved, to transport and planning professionals who wish to understand more about the decision making processes within changing political, economic and employment scenarios. Readers will get a complete picture of the comprehensive hierarchy of quality transport services at Docklands, a railway system to match any in the world.