From Vauxhall to Vokzal
Support truly
independent journalism
Our mission is to deliver unbiased, fact-based reporting that holds power to account and exposes the truth.
Whether $5 or $50, every contribution counts.
Support us to deliver journalism without an agenda.
![Louise Thomas](https://static.independent.co.uk/static-assets/support-us/louise-thomas.png)
Louise Thomas
Editor
Britain and Russia's railway histories have been entwined almost since the steam engine was invented, writes Phil Reeves. The Russian word for station, Vokzal, derives from Vauxhall station in south London. Eager to learn more about how to introduce rail transport into his vast land, Tsar Nicholas I sent a delegation to Britain in the mid-nineteenth century to study the railway system.
The Russian party travelled on the South Western Railway, and were puzzled by the fact that every train stopped at Vauxhall. The mundane explanation was that the station was the ticket collecting point before trains arrived at Waterloo, where passengers could walk off without a ticket examination. The Russians, however, concluded that Vauxhall was a key transport hub and ushered its name into their language.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments