Antiques Roadshow’s Fiona Bruce admits ‘I had no idea’ | UK News
Antiques Roadshow host Fiona Bruce was left speechless on Sunday’s show. During the episode, which initially aired in 2023, BBC viewers noticed Fiona discover some of the grounds at London’s Crystal Palace Park.
However, whereas exploring the grounds, Fiona found a hidden piece of historical past that not many people would bear in mind of.
As the programme unfolded, viewers learnt that nothing stays from the unique glass building, which burnt down in 1936.
Although a voiceover of Fiona could possibly be heard saying: “A hidden remnant from the original site still exists.”
Speaking to at least one volunteer, known as Jules Hussey, BBC followers learnt a crew of people are working to attempt to restore it to its former glory.
While exploring the hidden piece of historical past, Jules defined to Fiona they have been standing within the Crystal Palace subway.
The volunteer informed the BBC star: “None of this has been touched since 1865. The actual engineering of it is so fantastic that it’s holding up modern transport.”
Giving more particulars, Fiona knowledgeable people the subway was first opened to the public in 1865 and was designed by Charles Barry Jr to have a stone vaulted ceiling.
Curious, the BBC star requested what it was used for as Jules shared there was as soon as a prepare station on the opposite facet, with the subway getting used as a manner for people to get between the station and Crystal Palace.
The subway has had occasional makes use of over time, together with getting used as a World War II air raid shelter, though many do not know of it is existence. Calling it a ‘properly saved secret’ Fiona was in disbelief.
She confessed: “I had no idea this was here! No idea whatsoever and I used to come around here as a kid. I went to school not that far from here.”
Jules replied: “You never know what’s under your feet do you?” Fiona agreed as she added: “You don’t! I’m sure that’s true for a lot of people who live in the area.”
According to Crystal Palace Park Trust’s web site, the restoration was accomplished in September 2024, forward of its one hundred and sixtieth anniversary this 12 months.
An announcement on their web site reads: “The Grade II* listed Crystal Palace Subway is a beautifully designed and crafted relic of Victorian construction, built to provide access to the Crystal Palace for first-class rail passengers.”
Antiques Roadshow is offered to watch on BBC iPlayer.
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