Travel from London to Preston in 1900
In the early 20th century, rail travel was the preferred method of transportation for long distances in the UK. If you wanted to make the journey from London to Preston in 1900, you would have taken the train. This mode of transport was not only the fastest and most reliable, but also the most economical option available at the time.
Train Services Running Since 1863
The journey to Preston from London in 1900 would have started from the principal railway station in London, Euston. Trains have been running a regular service between Euston and Preston since 1863. This continuous operation has ensured that the journey remains a well-established part of the UK rail network for more than a century.
Euston Station and LNWR Services
From Euston station, one would have boarded a service provided by the London and North Western Railway (LNWR). These services ran on a direct line, meaning there was no need for changing between companies or trains. The LNWR offered various types of services, from standard express trains to local semi-fast services, catering to different needs and travel times.
For those looking to expedite their journey, there was the option of taking an express service to the Scottish cities of Glasgow or Edinburgh via Carlisle. Upon reaching Crewe, one could then switch to a lesser express or semi-fast service heading to Preston. This way, one could minimize travel time and still secure a seat on a consistently running train.
Train Travel as the Preferred Option
By 1900, rail travel had become the most convenient and reliable mode of transportation for long distances in the UK. While there were other alternatives such as sea or road travel, these would have required additional motivation and resources to make them a viable choice. The regularity and speed of train services made them the Gold Standard in travel.
One of the reasons for the popularity of train travel was the extensive railway network that had been developed. By 1900, there were far more places in the UK that could be reached by train than is possible today. Railways had connected communities and towns, facilitating smoother and more efficient journeys across the country.