EAW005240 ENGLAND (1947). Victoria Station and environs, Westminster, 1947

BOAC London Terrminal when this picture taken!

The Southern Railways first act at this station was to "knock a hole in the wall". That is combine both sides of the station into one.

Yes, following the devastation of Sutherland Terrace on 16-17 April 1941. The West End at War website has a description of this event (but the red pointer on their Google map is mislocated).



The circular objects at ground level are temporary water tanks.



The area was redeveloped as Abbots Manor Estate, named after the manor house of the Abbot of St Peter's (Westminter Abbey) who owned the land before Henry VIII had other ideas.



The manor house was also known as the Neate House, giving rise to the historical name of this district and its market gardens.



It's a little surprising that there isn't a Neathouse Street in the immediate vicinity to mark that history.

Looks like a 'Brighton' I1 or I2 class 4-4-2T which has been allocated to station pilot duties on the former South Eastern. Not surprising as they were not the best engines on the open road!

As yet un-named (no nameplates on the side of the air smoothed casing) and judging by the name possible a West Country rather than a Merchant Navy.

These locomotives were never classed as being "streamlined" but "air smoothed". The real reason for the cladding was to enable them to be taken through the coach washing plants.

Roman Catholic cathedral