The Tunnel Through Time: a new route for an old London journey is the full title of this talk and of Gillian Tindall's book on Crossrail (Chatto & Windus, 2016; paperback: Vintage, September 2017). Crossrail (or the Elizabeth Line) - London's new tube line which will open in 2018 - is simply the latest way of traversing a very old east-west route, through what was once countryside to the heart of the old City and out again. Gillian traces the course of some of these historic journeys along roads which, however altered in appearance, still follow the same patterns. Our ancestors spoke the names of ancient farms, manors and slums that today belong to our squares and tube stations. They endured the cycle of the seasons as we do; they ate, drank, laughed, worked, prayed, despaired and hoped in what are essentially the same spaces we occupy today. Archaeology uncovers actual remains; our speaker brings to light vanished lives.

Gillian Tindall is a Vice-President of Camden History Society, and has had a lifetime involvement in the history and growth of London.

Price: free to members. Non-members welcome (£1 at the door).