23 July 2026 •
Local rail operator c2c Railway has today released the full version of its popular Railway 200 video series, which highlights the history of the c2c route from London to the Essex Thameside.
Created by Southend film company, Blatella Films, to mark the 200th anniversary of the railway, the film explores the origins of the London, Tilbury and Southend Railway and the role it played during the rapid expansion of Britain’s rail network to modern day c2c.
The film takes viewers on a journey through time, tracing the evolution of the route from its earliest days in 1841 to the present day. Combining historical insights, archival material and contemporary footage, it highlights how the railway has shaped communities, connected people, and supported economic growth across Essex and east London for nearly two centuries.
Narrated by Peter Hubbard, c2c Rolling Stock Engineer, the film offers a unique and authentic perspective on the railway’s story. It guides viewers through nearly 200 years of history and also reflects the pride, knowledge and personal connection of those who keep the railway running today, adding a genuine human touch to the journey from past to present.
Blatella Films’ Natalie Scarsbrook, said:
“Working on the Railway 200 series for c2c was an amazing project to be part of. We have worked with c2c for several years, and while we felt our knowledge of the line was already quite comprehensive, delving into its history has been eye-opening. There is so much heritage running along these tracks.”
c2c Rolling Stock Engineer, Peter Hubbard, said:
“I hope people enjoy these videos as much as I enjoyed making them. It has been a rewarding experience being able to chart some of the history of what is now the c2c route. We are incredibly proud of our route which has helped the communities of South Essex and East London to prosper for the many years public railways have been operating.”
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
About GBR Anglia
GBR Anglia brings together c2c, Greater Anglia and Network Rail Anglia under one unified leadership team as part of the wider journey towards Great British Railways.
This new structure is part of wider plans to create Great British Railways (GBR), bringing track and train closer together to deliver a better, more joined-up railway for customers and communities in Anglia.
The structure is designed to support closer operational coordination across infrastructure, train services and customer delivery.
Existing ticketing and customer arrangements remain unchanged, and customers will continue to see the current company identities as the railway transitions towards GBR.
The Anglia route serves a fast-growing region, connecting commuters, leisure travellers, ports, power stations and more, as well as Stansted and Southend airports.
About c2c
- c2c is the award-winning train operator running services between Fenchurch Street and Shoeburyness, serving 26 stations in East London and South Essex.
- c2c is one of the UK’s most punctual and popular train operators and nearly 37.3 million journeys are made on its services every year.
- The operation of all c2c services transferred into public ownership on Sunday 20 July 2025 and is managed by DFTO (DfT Operator Ltd).
- For more information email mediaenquiries@c2crail.net
About DFTO
- DFTO is the government’s public sector rail owning group. Its purpose is to bring all currently privately-owned train operators into public ownership in advance of the creation of Great British Railways in 2027.
- The group’s current train operating companies are: c2c, Greater Anglia, LNER, Northern, Southeastern, South Western Railway, TransPennine Express and WM Trains (London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway).
- DFTO runs more than 8,500 services each weekday and delivers more than 660 million customer journeys across its networks every year.
Images:
Featured Image: c2c celebrates Railway 200
Second Image: Shoeburyness station
Third Image: Peter Hubbard, c2c Rolling Stock Engineer