South Eastern Railway: A Journey Through Time – watch it back now!
Earlier this month, South Eastern Railway welcomed around 170 guests to a special evening event to celebrate the rich history and exciting future of the railway in London and the south east.
On Wednesday 11th March, South Eastern Railway welcomed around 170 guests to a special evening event at One Birdcage Walk - home of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers - celebrating the rich history and exciting future of the railway in London and the south east.
The event brought together three distinguished speakers: renowned railway historian and author Christian Wolmar; Chris Green OBE, founder of the iconic Network SouthEast; and Steve White, Managing Director of South Eastern Railway.
Together, they guided guests on a fascinating journey through the railway's history — from London's oldest railway and fierce 19th-century rivalries, through remarkable wartime contributions and the era of iconic boat trains such as the Golden Arrow, to privatisation and the launch of the UK's fastest domestic service.
Looking ahead, the evening also explored what the future holds under Great British Railways, as South Eastern Railway becomes part of a new era of integrated, publicly owned railways.
In a memorable conclusion to the evening, Christian, Chris and Steve jointly unveiled a cheque for £33,000 to be donated to the Railway 200 charities — a generous gesture that brought the celebrations to a fitting close..
If you were not able to make it, or even if you were and you want to watch it again, use the links below.
Part 1 - Introduction by Steve White & The History of the railway in the south east by Christian Wolmar
Part 2 - Network SouthEast by Chris Green OBE