This map illustrates the route of the London to Birmingham Railway. The Railway was incorporated on 6 May 1833 with a proposed route of 112.5 miles. The first section was not opened however until 20 July 1837 when the section to Boxmoor was unveiled. A gradient profile is illustrated along the bottom. The inset upper right depicts the London terminus at Euston Grove. A fascinating document illustrating to the public the surrounding country to the line. Several miles either side are depicted. One can imagine the objections at the time. Robert Stephenson (1803-59) was the chief engineer on the London to Birmingham line. This map is believed to have been published in 1838 and accompanied ‘Drake’s Road Book of the London and Birmingham Railway’, 1839, it was the main illustration in the work. The map is the work of J. B. Wallace and engraved by James Archer. James (1983) A Chronology of the construction of Britain’s Railways 1778-1855′.