Ian F. wrote:
wrote in message
...

Has anyone an earlier date than 1900 for the use of the expression
'the tube'?

From http://tube.tfl.gov.uk/content/faq/facts.asp

"The London Underground has been known as The Tube since 1890, when
the first deep-level electric railway line was opened."


Where this subject is concerned that is one source I would most definitely
*not* trust!! A email to the LT Museum may well be worth a try, I've always
found them very helpful.