A Short History of Ancient Rome out now!
Order our
The debut book from the Noiser Network Buy now
debut book  >>

Play Episode

The London Underground – often known simply as the Tube – is central to the city’s global identity. A pioneering feat of engineering at the time of its construction in the 19th century, on a typical weekday, the network now carries 5 million passengers between 272 stations, on 11 different lines, over a total of 250 miles of track.

It’s an emblem of entrepreneurial ambition, cutting-edge technology, and genius design – but has also seen heartbreaking tragedy.

Who were the audacious visionaries who built the London Underground from scratch more than 160 years ago? How did it go from being a marvel of transportation to a marketing phenomenon, and one of the most recognisable brands on earth? And, how did the Tube reinvent itself once again as the face of twenty-first century London?

A Noiser podcast production. Hosted by John Hopkins. With thanks to Christian Wolmar, author of ‘The Subterranean Railway,’ and host of the ‘Calling All Stations’ podcast.

Written by Edward White | Produced by Kate Simants | Assistant Producer: Nicole Edmunds | Production Assistant: Chris McDonald | Exec produced by Katrina Hughes | Sound supervisor: Tom Pink | Sound design by Oliver Sanders | Assembly edit by Dorry Macaulay, Rob Plummer | Compositions by Oliver Baines, Dorry Macaulay, Tom Pink | Mix & mastering: Cody Reynolds-Shaw | Fact check: Sean Coleman

Get every episode of Short History Of… a week early with Noiser+. You’ll also get ad-free listening, bonus material and early access to shows across the Noiser podcast network. Click the subscription banner at the top of the feed to get started. Or go to noiser.com/subscriptions

Listen to Short History Of... The London Underground

Win a pair of Master & Dynamics wireless headphones

Sign up for the latest podcast news and enter a draw to win a pair of Master & Dynamics MH40 wireless headphones. Every three months, one subscriber wins!

To be entered into the prize draw you must be subscribed to receive the Noiser Monthly Newsletter. Each Promotion Period runs for 3 months – the next Promotion Period closes on 7th December 2025. If you are validly subscribed to receive the Noiser Monthly Newsletter at the end of any Promotion Period you will be automatically entered into the draw for that Promotion Period. 1 x single pair of Master & Dynamics MH40 wireless headphones to be won (or Amazon Voucher) in each Promotion Period. Max 1x entry per person per Promotion Period. Full Terms & Conditions. Promoter: Noiser Ltd, 71-75 Shelton Street Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, United Kingdom, WC2H 9JQ.

Subscribe to Noiser+ to unlock this show and over 500 extra episodes across the Noiser network

Choose a podcast player:

When you subscribe to new episodes will be downloaded to your podcast player for free.

Step Two

Click the follow button on the player show page.

Remember you can always listen to your favourite Noiser podcasts on this website.