Happy Birthday Paddington

In 2014, two train stations celebrate their special anniversaries. London Paddington, celebrating its 160th birthday, opened as a mainline station in 1854, primarily to connect with other London stations and provide better transport links for London businesses. Amsterdam Centraal is the junior of the two stations, erected in 1889 and thus turning 125 this year. It was strategically positioned directly at the water front, connecting transport from overseas with the railway system and thereby securing Amsterdam’s status as an international trading port.

Though undeniably great pioneers in the drive to achieve faster travel and transportation, the two railway stations acquired a status beyond that functional one. These architectural icons can be seen as gateways to and symbols of their cities.

By Anne Brugts, content manager Story Terrace 

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This month we serve up stories in our monthly theme ‘Romance of the Railways’. Also read our article about 19th century traveller Simon van Gijn. What’s your fondest memory of train travel?