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Maida Vale Station, on the Bakerloo Line, opened in June 1915 and was staffed entirely by women.

World War One caused significant staff shortages on London’s transport network as men enlisted for military service.

Women took over many roles which had previously been the sole domain of male workers. Those roles had to be vacated when the men came home at the end of the war. Maida Vale had female guards, ticket inspectors and porters.

Up until World War One it was unusual to see women in public positions and some found the change shocking.

But the Maida Vale women enhanced their reputation with their calm reaction to a Zeppelin raid in the area in 1916. Many were surprised that they had not succumbed to hysterics!

Location: Maida Vale Station, Maida Vale, London W9 1JS
Image: Ticket inspector at Maida Vale Station, courtesy of London Transport Museum