Portal:London/Pictures/27 October 2005

The original mainline Waterloo Station was opened on 11 July 1848 and took its name from the London district, itself named after the location of the defeat of Napoleon by Britain (see Battle of Waterloo). It was originally laid out as a through-station with the (unrealised) intention of running mainline trains to the City. After becoming increasingly ramshackle and cluttered through the 19th century, the decision was taken to demolish and reconstruct the whole station. Construction began on the new station in 1900 and continued until 1922, with the new terminus boasting 21 platforms and a concourse nearly 800 feet (244 m) long.

Facade of Waterloo Rail Terminus