32. The Opening of the Metropolitan Railway in 1887 heralded a new ara in the town's history. The early trains were hauled by Beyer Peacock condensing tank engines that had been built for service on the steam underground. At first they worked to the wilds of the Chilterns without protective cabs for the crews. This is locomotive 45 (built 1870). In the first month of operation 262 return tickets were sold from London to Rickmansworth - a fairly good number considering the remoteness of the town.

41. When war broke out in August 1914, the grounds of Rickmansworth Park, like those of many other local country estates, were used for military camps. Here are the troops of the Royal Artillery in 1915.