Visions of ep physics

The subject of lepton-hadron scattering is discussed from its earliest beginnings, concentrating on what we have learnt from the HERA electron-proton storage ring. A brief selection of the HERA I results most relevant to LHC are discussed. The HERA and ZEUS upgrades are outlined, together with the HERA II physics programme. The impact of HERA results on LHC is discussed, in particular in the areas of luminosity measurement, background estimates and possible signatures of new physics. Finally, possible future developments in lepton-proton physics beyond HERA II are discussed.