Omibus Society

London Historical Research Group


Chris Holland
LHRG Chairman

London Historical Research Group Region

LHRG Publications

The following LHRG publications are available; their covers are shown on the OS Publications page.  In some cases, amendment sheets have been issued; these are available for download from the Amendments page.

Orders (except for Around Waltham Forest and London's Buses Volume Three, see below) may be made by email to lhrg@hotmail.co.uk and payment made by bank transfer to the following account.  Please use your surname and postcode as the transaction reference.

Alternatively, orders by post should be addressed to: LHRG Distribution Officer, Curry Farm, Halstead Lane, Knockholt, Sevenoaks TN14 7EP.  Cheques payable to "Omnibus Society (LHR Group)" please.  Overseas postage extra, please enquire via lhrg@hotmail.co.uk.

 

ST, DL and acquired vehicle histories - two volumes, illustrated

Alan Bond and Les Stitson, introduction Peter Osborn

Continuing the vehicle histories series published by the late John Hambley, LHRG presents the illustrated histories of the ST-class AEC Regents, together with the related DST and DL classes and acquired independent double-deckers in the Leyland Titan TD, Titanic TC and Maudslay ML classes.  In two volumes: volume 1 includes the introduction and ST1-600; volume 2 covers ST601-1140 and DST, DL, TD, TC and MY classes.  Both volumes illustrated in black & white with over 40 photos in total.

In common with the earlier books, information given for each bus includes body and chassis details, overhaul dates, garage allocations and disposal information.

Volume 1: 220 pp,  Volume 2: 200 pp.  To be published October 2022.

Each volume £15.00 plus £2.50 P&P.   SPECIAL OFFER:  two volumes £30 post free.

 

Around Waltham Forest by Bus, Tram and Train, by Roger Torode

Historical Local Scenes over 200 years

With a wealth of fascinating pictures, this book tells the transport story of Waltham Forest from the 18th-Century stage coaches to our new electric trains and buses. It shows how the rural and separate communities of Leyton, Walthamstow and Chingford were drawn into London, and the changing life and fashions of these communities whose busy streets were served by frequent horse bus, tram, trolleybus and bus services, with the railways giving fast access to the city. This area was also the gateway to Epping Forest and public transport was for most people the means of getting there. These pictures and posters vividly display their leisure pursuits, and how transport has developed and held these communities together.

120 pages plus glazed card covers, 201 x 210mm paperback.  Price £15.00 plus postage. 

Available from MDS Books, who are handling distribution on behalf of LHRG.  Also available via Dinnages.

 

Bulletin Extra - Fred Ivey's Pictures, a Celebration

Providing a memento of renowned photographer Fred Ivey's illustrated presentations over recent years, LHRG has produced a Bulletin Extra presenting a range of Fred's photographs, which is now available for sale.  Covering the period 1949 to 1979, over which time London was transformed, the pictures range from trams and pre-war buses in black & white to trolleybuses and post-war buses in colour.

36 pages, A5.  66 black & white and colour photographs with full captions. 

Price £5.00 plus £1.25 post & packing.

 

London Bus Recollections - The Complete 'Chit Chats' of Alan Cross

Not a new publication, but newly available stock.  Published 2006 by The Omnibus Society.

Over a period of many years, the well-known and highly regarded transport photographer Alan B Cross attended rallies and transport sales selling his photographs.  In 1974, he produced his first 'newsheet' which became 'Olde Alan's Chit-Chat', continuing until 1999.  Alan included all manner of information gleaned from his experience as an avid observer of the bus scene from the early 1940s.

Over 70 Alan Cross photographs are included, many not previously published.

Price £14.95 plus £3.25 post & packing.

 

Surrey's Spring Line - A History of Country Bus Route 408

Peter Osborn

The road from Guildford to Croydon runs along the north edge of the North Downs — the Spring Line.

For many years, this road was served by bus route 408.  To mark 100 years of bus services along this road, the book chronicles in detail the operations from East Surrey Traction Co Ltd days through London Transport and London Country to deregulation and a succession of changes in operator. 

72 pages, fully illustrated with over 70 photos and maps in black & white and colour. 

Now sold out, but copies may still be available from distributors.

 

LT, LS and LTC vehicle histories - two volumes, illustrated

Alan Bond, introduction Peter Osborn

Continuing the vehicle histories series published by the late John Hambley, LHRG presents the illustrated histories of the LT-class AEC Renowns, together with their precursors the LS-class London Sixes and the LTC-class Renown coaches.  In two volumes: volume 1 includes the introduction, LSs and LT 1-700; volume 2 covers LT 701-1429 and the LTCs.

In common with the earlier books, information given for each bus includes body and chassis details, overhaul dates, garage allocations and disposal information.

Volume 1: 200 pp,  Volume 2: 192 pp.

Now sold out, but copies may still be available from distributors.

 

LONDON'S BUSES Volume Three - Country Independents 1919-1939 Part Two

Blacker, Lunn & Westgate

London's Buses Volume One - The Independent Era 1922-1934 was published in 1977, and followed by Volume Two - Country Independents 1919-1939 Part One in 1983. 

The long-awaited third volume of this series continues the comprehensive history of the independent bus and coach operators in the former London Transport Country Area before World War Two, covering every known operator in the area from Watford, Hemel Hempstead and Aylesbury southwards to Slough and Windsor. More than a hundred different operators are covered; some only lasted for only a few months, many were taken over by London Transport following the London Passenger Transport Act of 1933, while a few survived long into the post-war era. Among the famous names covered are Amersham & District, Aylesbury Motor Bus Company, Bream, Bucks Express, Filkins & Ainsworth, Lewis, Penn Bus Company, Premier Line, Red Rover, Rover Bus Service and Skylark.

512 pp.  Price £35.00 plus postage. 

Available from MDS Books, who are handling distribution on behalf of LHRG.  Also available via Dinnages.

 

They Also Served - Bus Route 410

The story of the buses that served RAF Biggin Hill and the surrounding area.

The new Memorial Museum at Biggin Hill commemorates the Battle of Britain and in particular the people who served in or were affected by that historic event. Many of those serving at RAF Biggin Hill would have used Route 410 to reach that location. 

To explain more and add to the stories told by the Museum, LHRG has published this book, aimed not only at those interested in public transport but those who are fascinated with the Royal Air Force and local history.

Published October 2019.  Price £5.00 plus £1.25 P&P.

 

Shades of Green, including a brief illustrated history of Leatherhead Garage

By Rod Lucas

Rod Lucas worked for London Country Bus Services as a driver at Leatherhead Garage for two spells in the 1970s, and tells his story in this book, with plenty of detail and numerous anecdotes.  The opportunity has been taken to add a photographic history of the operations from Leatherhead Garage, from the earliest days of buses based at The Swan in the town, through LGCS, London Transport, London Country South West, London & Country and Arriva to demolition in 1999.

Profusely illustrated in full colour where available, there are 20 pages of historic black & white photographs and 30 pages of full colour, plus further colour photos throughout the text.  Many photos not previously published.  

Published 2018, 128 pp.  Price £22.00 plus £2.00 P&P.  

 

LONDON BUS AND UNDERGROUND TIMETABLES ("LBUT") - Second edition

A comprehensive list of London bus and Underground timetable books plus local and county bus maps and guides in the home counties including those published by London Transport 1933-2003, Transport for London 2000-2016, London Country 1970-1986 and also county and unitary councils, and major bus operators in Bedfordshire, (east) Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, (west) Kent, Surrey, West Sussex (part) since 1986 and Underground railways since 1873.

By John Bull.  Fully illustrated with 18 colour plates.  
Published 2016, 130pp.  £10.00 plus £2.00 P&P.
 
Amendment sheet dated September 2018 available on the Amendments page.
 

LONDON BUS AND UNDERGROUND TIMETABLES ("LBUT") - Supplement

Provides substantial new information including:

  • New tables listing earlier  timetables for major operators whose services were absorbed by LT 1933-51
  • Detailed chronology of boundary changes to LT/LCBS country bus timetable books 1938-78
  • Analysis of the contents of the LT area timetable books 1934-37
  • Corrections and additional items traced back to 1851 and new books and maps up to September 2018
Published 2018, 16pp.  £4.00 plus £1.50 P&P.
 
 
***  Special offer: LBUT Second edition and Supplement, £13.00 plus £2.00 P&P.  ***

 

LONDON TRANSPORT SECOND SERIES BUS BODIES  1939 - 1960 

By Alan Bond.  Covering Body numbers 1-9232 including changes, re-paints & overhauls.

Published 2013, 142pp.  

The book is now out of print, but a PDF may be downloaded here.

Update available to download here.

 

MOTOR OMNIBUS ROUTES IN LONDON

Motor Omnibus Routes in London is LHRG's long running project to provide a detailed chronology of London's 'red' motor bus routes, from the start of motor bus operation in 1899 to October 1934 when the London Passenger Transport Board introduced its new system of route numbering.  Accuracy is ensured by reference to original sources.

For the period covered, each volume details the roads covered by each bus route and route changes day by day, plus Christmas day services and special services.  From volume 4, garage allocations to routes are also listed, along with details of road names which have since changed.  From the start of the 'independent era' in 1922, volumes 6A etc cover only London General Omnibus Company and 'Combine' routes.  

   Volume 1, 1899 - 1 Nov 1908 (2nd edition). 64 pages.  Sorry, the printed volume is now sold out, but a low-resolution PDF may be downloaded here.  Alternatively, a high-resolution file may be accessed by contacting lhrg@hotmail.co.uk for details

***  Special offer: Volumes 2 to 9A inclusive, £80.00 plus £9.00 P&P.  ***

   Volume 2, 2 Nov 1908 - 1912 (revised edition). 78 pages.  £7.50 plus £2.00 P&P. 

   Volume 3, 1913 - Feb 1915 (revised 2015). 100 pages, illustrated.  £10.00 plus £2.00 P&P.

   Volume 4, Mar 1915 - 1919. 132 pages.  £9.95 plus £2.00 P&P. 

   Volume 5, 1920 - 1921. 100 pages.  £8.50 plus £2.00 P&P. 

   Volume 6A, 1922 - Nov 1924. 180 pages.  £17.00 plus £2.00 P&P. 

   Volume 7A, Dec 1924 - 1926. 184 pages.  £16.50 plus £2.00 P&P. 

   Volume 8A, 1927 - 1928. 196 pages.  £18.50 plus £2.00 P&P. 

   Volume 9A, 1929 - 1930. 192 pages.  £12.00 plus £2.00 P&P.

   Volume 10A, 1931 - 1932. 204 pages.  Sorry, sold out.  May be available from stockists.

   Volume 11A, 1933 - 1934. 232 pages, illustrated.  £13.00 plus £2.00 P&P.

Amendment sheets are available to download from this site.  Click here.

 

LPTB ROUTE & VEHICLE ALLOCATIONS 07.06.1939

By RG Westgate

Published 1967: 32 pages.

Out of print, but a PDF version with author's manuscript corrections (8MB) is available for download here

 

Great Eastern London Motor Omnibus Company Ltd

A brief history with fleet and route lists

Published 1976: 10 pages.

The book is now out of print, but a PDF may be downloaded here

 

Buses in Brentwood - A Brief History

by Chris Stewart. Fully illustrated in colour and black & white, plus colour map

Published 2016, second impression 2017: 32 pages, £4.75 plus £1.25 P&P.   Erratum (first impression), see here.  

 

A History of the Buses, Trams & Trolleybuses of Enfield & Edmonton 

By David Domin.  Fully illustrated, including 8 colour pages and colour map.  Published 2014, 96 pages, £10.00 plus £2.00 P&P.

 

A London Anthology - selected Bulletin articles 

To mark the 50th anniversary of LHRG, this illustrated anthology comprises a selection of the articles that have appeared in the Bulletin.  A list of articles is here.  

Published 2013, 108 pages.  £8.00 plus £2.00 P&P. 

 

London's Forgotten Bus Operations – Public Motor Transport in Bedfordshire 1899-1919

By John M. Cummings. Now in stock again.  48 pages.  £4.50 plus £2.00 P&P.  

To complement the above publication, we offer:

LONDON GENERAL IN BEDFORD - Timetables

Published 1977: 8 pages.

The book is now out of print, but a PDF may be downloaded here

 

Early London Motor Bus Registrations (excluding B-type)

Compiled by John M. Cummings.  51 pages.   
The book is now out of print, but a PDF may be downloaded here.  Update available to download here.

 

Vanguard: a Symposium - an important chapter the early history of the London motorbus

Published 2001, 52 pages, illustrated. 

Returned stock (slightly worn) £9.95 plus £2.00 P&P
 

 

Amendments

Amendment sheets reflecting corrections and additional information since publication are available here.

 

Distributor Dinnages

In certain cases as noted above, our distributor Dinnages may still have new stock available direct.