It was on January 9 1863 when the world's first underground train pulled out of London's Paddington station to make its first passenger journey.
This year marks the 150th anniversary of the London Underground - or, the "Tube" - an important milestone for a British icon.
While much has changed since the original Underground line, the concept remains the same - moving large volumes of people across the city as quickly, cheaply and safely as possible.
The Tube transports a billion people a year through the heart of London.
On the opening day the underground was hailed a success, carrying 38,000 passengers. Today, train driver Sylvia Prince transports thousands of passengers an hour to some of London's busiest stations.
"It's nice because you feel like the tube is a vital part of how London runs and you're doing your little bit to add to it," she said.
"So I suppose it feels like you're making a little bit of a difference as a Tube driver."
In the beginning the Underground stretched just six kilometres, now the network is more than 450 kilometres and growing, with Crossrail Europe's largest construction project set to connect the east and west via the city centre.
But that is not the only thing that is expected for renovation in London's Tube.
Ajit Chambers from the Old London Underground company said there were plans to redevelop abandoned stations as restaurants and tourist attractions.
"It's as close to an Indiana Jones adventure that I've ever seen in the world. You go down and literally wander around in a hardhat and find spaces that noone has seen before. It's incredible," he said.
