The underground is the lifeblood of the city’s history. However, some stations have fallen out of circulation.
How many?!
There are roughly 49 abandoned tube stations, according to some experts. But there are differing opinions on the exact number.
Much like the Catacombs of Paris, London’s twisting tunnels stations hide so many forgotten stories. Here’s a brief overview of Tube Talk’s favourites.
Easy come, Easy go
Wood Lane was built during the 1908 Franco-British exhibition. It then became a regular station. However, developers demolished all surface platform remains to make way for Westfield shopping centre.
It was built on the area which later became White City, which took its name from the pearl white buildings on the exhibition site.
Pudding Mill Lane had to make way for the new Crossrail (Elizabeth) line. Locals described the station as ‘unloved.’ That said, train spotters and fanatics alike haunt the former DLR station in Stratford.
Spirit of the Blitz
Aldwych station sheltered Londoners during the Blitz and has appeared in many films and television shows such as Sherlock, V for Vendetta, and Atonement.
The station still stands – with a ticket hall, the original lifts, abandoned spooky platforms and inter-connecting walkways. Public tours of the station are rare but you could get lucky.
City Road is the only disused station on the Northern Line. It resides on the Bank branch from Angel into the City. It became a shelter during the Second World War after infrequent use as a station.
Apparently, graffiti artists travel from Highgate to City Road to decorate the tunnel walls to this day.
Home Comforts
During the Blitz many stations served as bomb shelters, though there were a few other uses. Down Street served as a secret bomb-proof headquarters for the Railway executive committee. It was on the Piccadilly line between 1907 and 1931 before becoming a central location in Britain's war effort.
At the height of the Blitz, Winston Churchill also took refuge in the station, as well as other members of cabinet. It was so comfortable it became known as "the Barn." The London Transport museum still runs rare public tours.
Action Stations!
Brompton Road served as a anti-aircraft operations room for Central London. It housed offices crammed onto platforms, sleeping quarters, and intricate staircases.
You may have noticed the long gap between Knightsbridge and South Kensington. This is where Brompton Road station once lay. The War Office bought the station which served the Piccadilly line between 1906 and 1932.
London is home to so many more disused and abandoned underground stations – can you uncover their stories?
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