Growth of the suburbs

Image showing Growth of the suburbs After the 1860s, expansion of transport services led to suburban growth around London. New housing estates were built near railway stations. Growth of rail and Underground services together with introduction of season tickets made daily commuting possible. Many ordinary Londoners bought suburban homes which offered a more comfortable lifestyle than the inner city.
The Metropolitan Railway became a successful property developer in its own right. It created part of London's north-west suburbs. From 1915, this area was called 'Metro-land'.
Posters were used to attract suburban homebuyers as well as promoting off-peak travel. They advertised leisure pursuits in surrounding countryside or West End.

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