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Looking Back: The Queen unveils Preston plaque in 1974

Posted on - 9th May, 2014 - 7:00pm | Author - | Posted in - History, Nostalgia

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A little bit of Preston nostalgia.

This week back in 1974, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh visited Preston Railway Station to unveil a plaque marking the electrifying of the West Coast Main Line from London to Glasgow.

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The rail line between the Capital and Scotland’s second city, which passes through Preston, is Britain’s most important rail route. It became known as the West coast Main Line in 1947 after nationalisation of the railways.,

Following a modernisation plan in 1955 electrification work began in stages to be completed at Preston on 6 May 1974. 

Journey times between London and Glasgow journey reduced to 5 hours.

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Queen in Preston from Rail News

Queen in Preston from Rail News

After the Royal Opening, which included a visit to a nearby signal box, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh travelled by train from Preston to Glasgow over the newly electrified line.

The Government is still committed to a programme of electrification to provide Britain with a sustainable transport system. Work continues to complete fully electrified routes from Preston to Blackpool, and Preston to Manchester. These are due to be completed in 2016.

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