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Inauguration ceremony JLP01_08_051275
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Inauguration ceremony JLP01_08_051275
M1, Junction 10, Slip End, Central Bedfordshire. A crowd of people gathered to watch the inauguration ceremony of the first section of the London to Yorkshire Motorway (the M1), at Slip End near Luton.
At the inauguration ceremony, Harold Watkinson set a bronze seal into a concrete inauguration slab and set off a klaxon as a signal to the drivers of the excavating machines to begin work. The ceremony was attended by Sir John William Laing and Sir John Maurice Laing. Among the guests were also representatives of the five counties which the road was to pass through
Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places
Media ID 24083898
© Historic England Archive. John Laing Photographic Collection
1950s Ceremony Construction Crowd Motorway People
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a momentous occasion in British history - the inauguration ceremony of the iconic M1 motorway. The image showcases a bustling crowd of people eagerly gathered at Slip End near Luton to witness this significant event unfold. In the center of attention stands Harold Watkinson, who is seen meticulously setting a bronze seal into a concrete inauguration slab. As he completes this symbolic act, a klaxon resounds through the air, signaling to the drivers of excavating machines that it is time to commence their work on constructing this groundbreaking highway. Amongst those present are distinguished figures Sir John William Laing and Sir John Maurice Laing, adding an air of prestige to the proceedings. Additionally, representatives from each county that would be traversed by this new road were also in attendance, emphasizing its importance for regional connectivity and development. The atmosphere captured in this photograph exudes excitement and anticipation as people eagerly await the commencement of construction on what would become one of Britain's most vital transport arteries. This snapshot freezes a pivotal moment in time when progress was being made towards connecting London with Yorkshire via an efficient motorway system. Preserved by A© Historic England Archive, this print not only documents an important historical event but also serves as a reminder of how infrastructure projects can shape our society and transform our daily lives.
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