Metro-Land: Revisited

Please SUBSCRIBE SHARE and COMMENT You can also FOLLOW on Instagram @rediscoveringlostrailways. Following in the footsteps of Sir John Betjeman to see what remains of the Metro-Land he explored in 1973. Might you consider supporting my channel even more? www.buymeacoffee.com/rediscov...
00:00 Prelude
00:31 Where is Metroland?
01:58 Baker Street
02:46 St John's Wood
03:17 12 Langford Place
03:35 Marlborough Road Tube Station
04:02 Thomas Hood's Home
04:19 Neasden
05:09 Gladstone Park
05:42 Wembley - A Brief History
08:18 Harrow on the Hill
10:12 Grimm's Dyke
10:47 Fairs in Metroland
11:04 Moor Park Estate
11:44 Moor Park Golf Course
12:05 Chorleywood
12:37 The Orchard (Charles Voysey)
13:24 Amersham
13:43 High & Over
14:42 Quainton Road
15:53 Forgotten Metroland (Drone Footage)
16:49 Granborough Road
17:07 Winslow Road
18:10 Verney Junction
19:06 Coda

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

I hope you enjoy this film - if you could *share* it far and wide, I'd be most grateful!

[@michaelpilling9659]

What an absolutley wonderful video. Travelling from Baker Street all the way to Verney Junction - changed dramatically since John Betjemann's time in 1972. Some things are better, some things are worse. Your film has caught the essence of JB's journey. Congratulations - a real winner in my book.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Very kind of you, quite outside of my usual territory with this one!

[@nigelwilliams7403]

Another gem , thank you !

[@ian6985]

Watching Metroland by accident 30 years ago started my facination for what railway routes have become today. This is a lovely reminder of the film and a great look at how it has changed in 50 years

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

So glad you enjoyed it!

[@Blitzwalker]

What an absolutely beautifully made homage to Sir John. Thanks so much.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Very welcome!

[@oldgoat5589]

I lived in and around Amersham in my childhood, and remember so well our jaunts on the train through Metroland. A masterful and nostalgic video - Betjeman would have been proud.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

That's very generous of you to say so, thank you

[@MichaelDembinski]

Thank you so much! Betjeman has been my favourite poet since coming across him in English O-level class, followed by the original airing of Metro-land in February 1973. I have the DVD, though it's now available to watch for free on Vimeo. After watching Metro-land on TV, I went out there many, many times - but bicycle, later by car, exploring all the places you visited (for which I am grateful)! I emigrated from the UK in the 1990s; not much sparks pangs of nostalgia for the Old Country, but your wonderful film most certainly has. Once again - thanks!

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you for your kind words and sharing your wonderful memories

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

@scooby2142 Well it certainly was until very recently

[@lamiaitaly2549]

Masterful. Our bluff was called by the new Oxford-Cambridge line as I have to confess I preferred Verney Junction with its old track to the revived version. I made the pilgrimage there a few years ago and stood on the old track, ignoring the no trespassing sign which was still there even though no train had been for 50 years. Thanks for the video

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

I too ignored similar warnings in my visits to Verney Junction over the years! Glad you enjoyed the film.

[@12crepello]

The Oxford - Bletchley section was used for some freight until the early nineties.

[@squarewheelsorguk]

You have a splendid mastery of your subject, and of its portrayal. I drive trains up and down Metro-Land every day, and know Edward Mirzoeff's film pretty well too. This is a fascinating 'then and now' study. You included every back-reference that I'd have wanted, including of course the final one (which still makes me cry). You absolutely nailed this - bravo!

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you so much. I'd have nagged you for driver's eye footage had I known!!

[@squarewheelsorguk]

@@RediscoveringLostRailways :-) Argh, I thought the same thing this morning on my way up the line.

[@christopheratkins2938]

A very lovely film and for me 50 years after watching Metroland a warming tribute to Betjeman's original. I believe I left the comment on your film of Verney Junction to Quainton Road with the haunting Elgar music that quoted his closing words that grass triumphs so I was especially pleased that you also mirrored him at the end of your film. Thank you so much for this for creating this.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

I'm so glad you enjoyed this and that it stirred happy memories!

[@malcolmrichardson3881]

A beautifully filmed and narrated trip in Betjeman's Metro-specs footsteps. While there is much he would recognise, I suspect, there is much more that he would lament. One cannot imagine him taking HS2 to Birmingham...

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Yes, just so!

[@ianperry9049]

JB would probably turn in his grave at the very thought!

[@PinPointHealth]

I'd just like to say thank you. It's been a challenging day, but watching any of your calming,, mindful documentary journeys are indescribable respite.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

You are so welcome!

[@PrinceJohn84]

Absolutely superb. Following in footsteps of John Betjeman with the same level of finesse as the great man himself. Highly enjoyable.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

That's a very great compliment, thank you!

[@johnsharp8632]

Thankyou for this excellent presentation. I watch my Metroland DVD at least once a year and have often visited places on the route to Amersham, trying to retrace JBs footsteps. Thanks in particular for revealing what still exists of the old formation beyond Quainton Road. As you say, fortunately it is mostly unspoilt countryside. On a side note, how I would have loved to ride the Brill Tram.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Glad you enjoyed it! And yes, me too!

[@geoffgeorge3685]

Fabulous. I still watch Betj doing his thing at least twice a year. This is a lovely telling of the latest thanks.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@douglasfleetney5031]

I well remember being allowed to stay up and watch the original Betjemann film. This does it more than justice. Thank you so much for evoking memories of a time sadly past, lost forever now in this incessant, modern throwaway World. Wonderful. Thank you and well worth the wait. So looking forward to your next production.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you for your incredibly generous remarks!

[@andrewfanner2245]

Great stuff, loved it. If you want another video and railway related with a Betjeman influence I can point no firther than: Attend the long express from Waterloo That takes us down to Cornwall. Tea-time shows The small fields waiting, every blackthorn hedge Straining inland before the south-west gale. The emptying train, wind in the ventilators, Puffs out of Egloskerry to Tresmeer Through minty meadows, under bearded trees. Can it really be that this same carriage came from Waterloo? On Wadebridge station what a breath of sea Scented the Camel valley! Cornish air, Soft Cornish rains, and silence after steam......

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Yes, I must get down that way!

[@paulfitzpatrick3090]

I've been waiting years for someone to make this...

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

I hope it was worth the wait!

[@Stipperstone]

Evocative of a departed age.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

many thanks indeed

[@robkeeleycomposer]

Lovely, touchingly elegiac documentary. Thank you.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@michaelgibson2156]

That was fantastic. Thank you for making a pleasant viewing experience.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

My pleasure 🙏

[@majorbloodnok6659]

Thank you for this lovely video; I remember being captivated by the original Betjeman film as a child 1973. Thanks again for the update.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

You're very welcome!

[@Railfandepot]

The video is well done, but what makes this program really excellent is the writing. Excellent writing. Thank you.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

That's very kind of you to say so!

[@johnwilliams-gz4ss]

Quite the best thing I've watched in months. Well Done !

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

I'm so glad this has broken the drought! Many thanks indeed 🙏

[@christopherdavies3468]

As always with Rediscovering Lost Railways this is an entrancing, well filmed video with an informed and delightful commentary. John Betjeman would have loved it. Thank you.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

You're very kind, thank you!

[@franceswood1939]

Another absolute winner!

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Many thanks indeed 🙏

[@robbringbackthe50s10]

Your videos are always spot on be it the accompanying music, the mix of old and new photography or the brilliant words you conjure up to place the watcher at the centre of the experience. Thank you and please if possible produce some more to enable our thirst for this bygone age to be quenched.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you for your very kind remarks...and I will try to do as you ask!

[@angelsone-five7912]

One of your best (again). I remember the Metro-Land programme kick started my interest in all things art-deco and 30s style. Unfortunately Len Rawle died earlier this week, a sad loss to the cinema organ world.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

I'm very sorry to hear that news - what a remarkable fellow he was.

[@johnrose-mh5mc]

Saw Metro-Land in1973,thanks for the memory

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

My pleasure 🙏

[@mikewoodman7700]

another great video, your production style and values far outshines a lot on TV these days.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Wow, thank you!

[@andrewtolley3706]

Each of your films is a miniature masterpiece, evoking a past only dimly recalled but very poignant. thank you for your remarkable work.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

My pleasure 🙏

[@Paggerd]

Love your videos, dripping in melancholic nostalgia.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@nicolek4076]

What a lovely film! A worthy revisiting of Betjeman's original.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you indeed!

[@paulhodge3832]

Nostalgia tugs at the heart.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

It certainly does!

[@billybobbassman]

Brilliant video, thank you. I love John Betjeman, his writings and documentaries. Metroland being one of his best. A lovely take on this historic line 👍

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you so much - and I feel the same about the great man's works!

[@ceanothus_bluemoon]

Another delightful video, retracing the steps of Betjeman. Great presentation and production as always. Thank you for putting in so much work to show what has been lost (and gained?!) along the way. Love getting lost in these then poking around on maps!

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Always grateful for your ongoing support!

[@1190SW]

Fantastic production quality, I loved this.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you! Do subscribe if you've not already done so and enjoy my other films in the series!

[@ianr]

As always a superb video! Thank you for all the hard work you put in to make these videos such a pleasure to watch.👍🙂

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you very much!

[@sackvillebag]

Absolutely brilliant. You have a way with words and bring the long and forgotten railway relics back to life. Look forward to your next video.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Many thanks indeed!

[@cmtwei9605]

Superb documentary. I used to visit people in St John's Wood and Wembley but wasn't aware of the rich history. Very interesting.😊

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@deborahmorgan6848]

Lovely film.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you so much!

[@bryan3550]

Despite living DownUnder, I've always been really taken by the Metroland concept, boosted by Betjeman's reverential telly-poem. Thank you for your further splendid insights!

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Many thanks indeed! Betjeman's reach is, indeed,far!

[@martinhall60]

What an excellent video, well done sir. To actually live in so called Metro land in, say, the 1930s you would have to be financially secure. But saying that, it must have been wonderful coming home by train after a long working day in the Capital. I have a friend and his wife who are fanatical about the 1920s / 30s period and have decorated their house with everything of that period of time, even down to the gas cooker of that period. The House is so beautiful, no TV, only a radio that has to warm up before it works because it has valves. It is truly a time capsule. But once again, thank you for a wonderful video which was very interesting and informative at the same time. 👍🇬🇧

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

I'm so glad you enjoyed the film - and I share the enthusiasm for such nostalgia!

[@peterturney9587]

An excellent in depth documentary as always. Living in steeple claydon for many years the landscape has changed so much with the advent of Hs2 and the resurrection of the varsity line ɓut its lovely to look back to bygone days

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Owenjedi5000]

It was nice to see you in Sir John Betjeman's foot steps revisited Metroland once again

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

So glad you enjoyed the film!

[@Owenjedi5000]

Have you heard about David Cameron returning to politics as the new Foreign Secretary in Rishi Sunak's cabinet

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

@@Owenjedi5000 yes

[@oldfart6318]

A cracking production, well done.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Many thanks indeed 🙏

[@davidbing4578]

Another excellent video. Many thanks.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@laurenceskinnerton73]

I saw this when it first came out!

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Great film!

[@danield9671]

Wow! That was excellent.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you. Do subscribe if you've not already done so and enjoy my other films in the series!

[@nigelhall1961]

What an amazing video I do think that this is your best one yet.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Very kind of you to say so!

[@kuldipbhanot1386]

Excellent. Video.made.thank.you

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

My pleasure 🙏

[@TransportGeekery]

Outstanding work

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you very much!

[@railwaychristina3192]

Fabulous ❤

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you!

[@davidwayman2954]

Very nicely done. Thank you.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you too!

[@michaelmiller641]

Thanks for that, wonderful video!

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@alanpatterson6413]

outstanding video thankyou very much !!

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

My pleasure 🙏

[@brianmicky7596]

Hi, As always fantastic , sad to see how life has changed, ( for the worst sad to say) All the best Brian 😭, very enjoyable 😊

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

My pleasure, thank you

[@garydoc]

!hola buenas tardes! Again, another superb insight to a lost but, hopefully, not forgotten era of railway history. Quite simply a joy to wander again along a famously unfinished and, therefore, non urban sprawl. Sir John, as most keen railway enthusiasts know, was a great voice in all things railway in his time. Your presentation here is also, I feel, a tribute to his name. Well deserved praise from others here. Looking forward to your next production.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

muchas gracias!

[@Crabster1000]

I love the way you write and present your films.. It reminded me of Betjeman when first watched your videos.. Keep it up bud.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thanks, will do!

[@badnervesbrown]

Utterly superb 🙂 Very poetic narration too, like all your output 🙂

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

So nice of you to say so, thank you

[@BlaiddLlwyd]

Not only a great video, as I expect from you, but also a great follow-up to Betjeman's own film. You narration echoes Sir John's so well, in delivery and your choice of words. With HS2 passing so close to Quainton Road I can't help but wonder what he would have made of this 21st century grand project and the 19th century grand project that sits abandoned.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Yes, I wonder what he'd make of this new line...thank you for your kind remarks about my film!

[@watsonwatt7984]

An excellent video and it was well worth the wait and thanks for all the effort you put in to this video i have brought you another coffee to to say thank you

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

That's really very kind of you, thank you!

[@RichardWells1]

Superb! A really engrossing and hauntingly reflective visit: a poetic meander through the product of visionaries of the last century. As always, excellently produced, edited and narrated with an accompanying soundtrack that works so well. Thank you!

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Many thanks!

[@xr6lad]

Great video as always.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thanks again!

[@davidhamm7909]

I not only remember the original film when it was first broadcast but own the DVD and regularly watch it. This is a fantastic companion piece bringing it up to date. Thank You.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you so much - I'm glad it matches up!

[@Pesmog]

A delight as always. Maybe I missed it, but I didn't hear your trademark "All gone now...all gone" 🙂

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you! You're right, don't know how I missed it!

[@shingerz]

Brilliant video very informative nice one 👍

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@AndrewG1989]

Jago Hazzard, RobsLondon, Geoff Marshall and others have done videos of the Metropolitan Railway when it expanded from London into rural Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. And passing through The Chilterns as well. Very interesting video.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you!

[@Shelfandtabletoplayouts00gauge]

Great work

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Danny-mv9qj]

Really enjoy your videos and once again you don't disappoint! A great watch and definitely boosted my knowledge on the tube! Onfe again very high quality video, you do so much research and i thank you for tha 😀

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Much appreciated!

[@ianperry9049]

There was my Metroland DVD wearing out (JOKE) for having been played so often when along comes this tribute/follow-up. A masterpiece. Congratulations & Many Thanks.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you indeed!

[@jaundicedoutlook7247]

Yet again, top notch. 20 minutes of excellence. thank you.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@RobbieMonahan-eb4ei]

I loved your documentaries for a while, but this touch me in a different way. Thanks for your right nice films. I loved knowing more about Metroland.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

My pleasure, thank you

[@andrewholloway231]

That was absolutely wonderful. It has caught the essence of JB's journey, yet bought up to date. Great job as always.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you, Andrew, ever so much

[@whyyoulidl]

You have surpassed yourself once again! What an absolutely wonderful piece, made even more poignant by the backing soundtrack. Thank you as always. How do you like yr ☕?

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

You are very generous in your remarks and your donations to support my work. Both are appreciated, enormously.

[@stuartscott7097]

A lovely film that catches the spirit of Betjeman. I was also pleased to see Highfort Court, Kingsbury in the film. My Grandfather used to live in Buck Lane, which runs down the hill from there. I remember him saying that he watched Sir John and the crew filming there.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you for your comment and sharing these memories!

[@alistairshaw3206]

Another brilliant, well researched video, just like the others. I don't know metroland but well done again.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Glad you enjoyed it - do see Betjeman's original, it is online and easily found!

[@jeantremlett174]

A delightful video, I really enjoyed the sounds as well as the sights. My only disappointment was no mention of Rickmansworth, but the I am bias as I was brought up there.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Alas, it's not mentioned in the original film, hence its absence in mine

[@historyinfo-bites]

This is a lovely homage to Metro-land and it's great to see an update on that wonderful documentary of 50 years ago. As a fan of Betjeman and Metro-land I spent a night at Grim's Dyke last summer and gazed into the pool where Mr W.S. Gilbert met his demise. On my channel there is a very short film that I made while I was there. Just my own little update on Metro-land.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you for your thoughts and comment!

[@johntyjp]

There used to be a station employee at Baker Street that took great pleasure at announcing all the stations the next train was calling at. He d walk round in a circle as passengers allowed him his parade! Unfortunately some of them he announced had been closed some years before! 😆🧐

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

What a fascinating tidbit!

[@article12]

Another outstanding video! I dunno if anyone else does. But I feel a sadness for something that no longer exists and what would of been. Had the beecham's axe never took place. I now ride tru these old routes on my bicycle. But feel the history tru what is left.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

I think many share your sentiments!

[@nwlondontimemachine9484]

Very nicely done. I like the way you brought some more detail to the end.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you very much!

[@someusername1]

Thank you for this video. It's a work of art. Betjeman would have approved.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Wow, thank you!

[@julianneweinberg-lessing9051]

As sad is in regard to the universal Beauty our present, when compared with the past - even not too distant - , so is this film of yours delightful in each and every element of its composition. This is what did lead me into contemplation, what particularly is it, what makes your films and this channel so different from numerous ones, dealing with similar themes, as well as with the same - closed, lost railways, and having followed this idea just a few steps further, with the world - or to point with finer resolution - the society of that time, which seems to have passed away, too. But only seems to, as you yourself are the clearest evidence for. A film, painting, sculpture, and other works, created by someone, could speak to us - besides the visual component - by emotions; solely by that very emotions, which had been put into the work by its creator. If there are none - either because of the author's lack of them, or even their absence, or unwillingness to give some - well, in such a case the work doesn't speak to us, and we find it uninteresting, or even somehow strange, causing us feeling cold, and willing to turn our gaze away from it. You, sir, you make your films with deep interest, with passion, which is being composed by, and arises exclusively from emotions. You give a huge pile of them into your work, and this is - besides the importance of the subject you've chosen - the reason, why do your films speak to us so clearly, and warmly. We - I hope I may use the plural- do feel it; not only watch all your films. This is, what makes the difference, at least in my modest opinion. Thank you so much.🌹 I beg your pardon - as well as of anyone, who would possibly have read this my comment- for capriole - like way of English I do use.)🙄😁

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Many thanks for your kind, generous and heartfelt remarks 🙏

[@thefettfan3994]

Terrific camera work all beautifully photographed combining what was and what's now. Lovely tribute to this lost railway and way of life!!

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you ever so much!

[@katesmith5767]

Betjeman is buried in Cornwall, i a churchyard nestled in sand dunes. It’s my favourite place. Thank you for this excellent series.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

So I've heard and I'd like to visit one day!

[@katesmith5767]

Definitely worth the trip!

[@LucasHarris]

lovely film! therewas a lot of Metroland that i knew, but it's always fun to see the before and after, especially with long-gone structures. excellent work, as usual!

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@chrismccartney8668]

Superb Video I always enjoyed John Betuman quirky style. My favourite being his visit to Port Victoria and pier onto the Thames. Worth watching lots of history

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@martinmarsola6477]

A wonderful and historic video today. Very informative and interesting. Thank you! 🇬🇧🙂👍🇺🇸

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Glad you enjoyed it - many thanks indeed!

[@JayJay-nc7pr]

Metropolitan/Great Central for the win! Interestingly the Brill tramway was supposed to be a precursor to the Metropolitan’s eventual extension to Oxford

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

That I did not know!

[@johnbristow8099]

A very enjoyable video, well put together.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Many thanks!

[@paulcruse]

13:15 this shot is perfect! A few weeks ago, I walked around trying to find the bridge in the centre of this shot, but the right of way to it has been blocked and the bridge apparently condemned. The field to its right is owned by a family that sells fireworks from it at this time of the year, by seasonal, not year round, license 😀 The footpath is still shown on Google Maps, but has been, presumably unlawfully, built over from the bottom of the picture, to the right of the line, up to the bridge.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Glad I didn't try and find the bridge then as I had planned to do so!

[@paulcruse]

@@RediscoveringLostRailwaysyeah, it’s gonna take a bit of uncovering and then possible confrontation with a man who sells fireworks 😂

[@tango6nf477]

What a fascinating and different video thank you I really enjoyed it. When you look at housing built during this period wasn't style so much more inventive and individual when contrasted to the modern "all look the same" we have today. Metro-land might well be extended if Mr Starmer can fulfill his promise of creating a bunch of new towns some of which are bound to be around the edge of Greater London, perhaps the lines will be extended or lost lines reborn?

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MrVxrman]

Good morning, Somehow I missed the notification of your latest film. Well done on another excellent production. Your work is truly inspiring and all of your effort you put in for us is very appreciated. Thank you very much my friend ☕👍

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you very much!

[@paulhaynes8045]

Excellent, well up to your usual standard - and quite a surprise! Odd to think of the Underground as having lost railways. I've always wondered about this end of the system, as I'm sure I remember maps in my youth (50s and 60s) which still had this line and stations on them. Did I imagine the Brill Tramway on an Underground map?? It was 60 years ago, so maybe it was there, but it still seems impossible. Mind you, the Bakerloo still went to Watford then, and the Central got as far as Ongar... A very timely film for me, as well. I've never traveled far on the Metropolitan, but, by coincidence, I had to go the Chesham just two weeks ago, so naturally I went by Underground! It was a fascinating journey - not something that anyone who only knows the central part of the network would ever expect. And a very good illustration of the impact of the Metropolitan so far out of London. I live much the same distance from central London in Darkest Kent, but what a difference in the journey. Also in the cost! A cheap day return to Victoria cost me £15, with a Senior Rail Card, but from Victoria to Chesham it was just £4.80 each way! And, of course, if I was still living in London, it would have been free! Some strange irony at the end of your film too - not just the revived Cambridge to Oxford line destroying the remains of the Metropolitan, but in the fact that it was the coming of the Green Belt that curtailed the expansion of Metroland - and the Metropolitan. And yet, without the Metropolitan, would the Green Belt ever have happened?

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

I'm so glad you enjoyed the film!

[@roconnor01]

Thanks so much for making this video.There's something magical about lost railways and disued trackbeds. On a side note,I'd like to mention that the railway station closest to where my wife lived before we were married i.e. Maghull, Merseyside, was used as the model for the station in the Hornby Dublo range. Also,Frank Hornby used to live in her road,and is buried in the Anglican church of St Andrew's nearby.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Wonderful tidbit of information!

[@borderlands6606]

I had university friends from the outer reaches of Metroland, and they were anxious to be considered city slickers and not south-Midlanders.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

😁

[@GlasshouseandGarden]

You capture something of Betjemen’s style and tone in this beautiful video. The second part of the line, from Amersham, is very close to where I live and it’s fascinating to learn more about Quainton Rd, Metroland, HS2, the EW line and much more. 🙏🏻

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Really glad it helped to explain a few things!

[@mirutanable]

once again that was an amazing video to watch... it's a shame to see how far things have fallen over the years but seeing parts of the line still hold strong today... it goes to show how even the smallest things can persevere the hardest

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Many thanks for your comment and thoughts

[@HighIronProductions]

Fantastic presentation as always. I was unaware that the line through Quainton Road was severed for HS2. Hopefully there are plans to restore it afterwards?

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thanks ever so much 👍

[@tonyvincent58]

Absolutely wonderful, I think Betjeman himself would be impressed at your vision and commentary

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

That's so very kind of you to say so!

[@tonyvincent58]

@@RediscoveringLostRailways its not what you see with your eyes, its what you feel in your heart - thats what makes the difference to your films :)