On social media, a viral TikTok video revealed the vital purpose behind kinked street railings, leaving viewers stunned.
On the TikTok platform, a TikToker uncovered the hidden history of kinked street railings, gaining attention and sparking discussion among viewers.
Why kinked street railings
Many people are now discovering the intriguing historical significance behind street railings with kinks. These seemingly ordinary railings, often overlooked, have a hidden past that connects them to a crucial period in British history.
The true purpose behind kinked railings
You might walk past these kinked railings every day without a second thought.
However, a recent revelation has shed light on their true purpose. Initially, they may seem like just an unusual design feature, but their history reveals a vital function during World War II.
Historian Alice Loxton reveals the purpose of kinked railings
On Tiktok platform, a user, who goes by @history_alice shard a video on this platform to explained the purpose of kinked railings.
The video has the caption: “You asked for it … here is more of London’s incredible WW2 story!”
Historian Alice Loxton has explained that these railings, which may appear mundane, played a critical role during the war.
In a popular TikTok video, Loxton, known as @history_alice, detailed their significance.
In the footage, Alice explained that kinked railings were “the emergency stretchers used by Air Raid officers.”
She explained that the kinks in the railings were designed to be used as emergency stretchers by Air Raid Precaution (ARP) officers. These stretchers were essential for transporting wounded civilians during the Blitz.
She added: “”So, many streets suddenly had no railings at all, with short metal stumps left behind, so it made sense when they tried to rebuild the city and tidy up the damage to reuse the old ARP stretchers.”
Additionally, she revealed that kinked street railings demonstrated design efficiency.
Made from a single material, these stretchers were cost-effective and easy to clean, which was especially important during a gas attack. The bend in the railings also facilitated easy carrying.
During World War II, many railings were removed to contribute metal to the war effort.
This left many streets with only short metal stumps. When rebuilding efforts began, these old ARP stretchers were repurposed as street railings, blending history with urban design.
Loxton’s video, which has garnered over 1.8 million likes, highlights how
The video quickly went viral and sparked debate on social media.
This revelation has left many viewers astonished by this piece of London’s history. Mamy shocked after realizing these railings, often unnoticed, were once crucial in saving lives.
In the comments section, many viewers were stunned by the hidden historical purpose of kinked street railings, while others shared their own knowledge about these railings.
One person said: history of kinked street railings
A second wrote: or they have spirits attached to them of those who perished while being carried to safety
While a third commented: that is so friggin cool and so interesting so much history and sadness in those railings.
Anothert added: that is so friggin cool and so interesting so much history and sadness in those railings
Someone else said: i feel like the bend in the poles is so they are elevated off the ground when placed on the ground and carrying a person
What did you think about the kinked street railings?