BLOG #42 – HAMILTON HALL, LIVERPOOL ST. STATION CONCOURSE, LONDON EC2

The iconic red Routemaster ‘bus is set to return to London’s streets next year. The front-engined ‘buses had rear open-platforms that you could hop on and off when stationery at traffic lights or in a traffic jam. Many the times I’ve ended up in a crumpled heap after misjudging the platform step following an afternoon in a watering hole somewhere in the Moorgate, Bishopsgate or Aldgate area of the City. Such fun! Nothing dignified, of course. The open platform, exposed to the elements, allowed boarding and alighting away from stops; the presence of a conductor usually meant minimal boarding time.

The ‘bus service numbers come back to me now – #8 (Bank to Old Ford), #41 (Tottenham Hale - West Green - Wood Green Turnpike Lane - Crouch End – Archway – this was the ‘bus home) and the #214 – (Highgate - Parliament Hill - Camden Town - St. Pancras - King's Cross - Islington – Moorgate).

The ‘bus was phased out eventually in 2005, much to the disappointment of many Londoners.

The new Routemasters have kept faith in the rear open-platform concept. Can’t wait to give them a go! I think they're painted red to specifically hide the blood from boarding accidents. Well they can have my claret for what its worth!






Hamilton Hall
Unit 32, The Concourse
Liverpool Street Station
CITY of LONDON,
EC2M 7PY
Tel: 020 7247 3579