London Underground: 8 abandoned Tube stations and the fascinating stories behind them

Reporter, LondonWorld

Published 5th Sep 2024, 16:14 BST

London’s Tube stations have some fascinating stories to tell from the role they played in WW2 to featuring in famous music videos

The London Underground is the world’s oldest underground network, first opening in 1863.

It is also one of the busiest metro systems serving up to five million passenger journeys a day. At peak times, there are more than 543 trains whizzing around the capital.

The Transport for London (TfL) network includes 272 functioning Tube stations, but at least another 40 Overground and Underground stations exist that are no longer used for travel.

These stations have been closed for a variety of reasons from low passenger numbers to re-routing.

During World War II, many stations became public shelters and underground offices for London Underground and government staff. Down Street station was transformed into an underground facility with phone lines, and even hosted a meeting of the War Cabinet.

Some of the disused stations have also been used as filming locations. Aldwych station was used for The Prodigy's 'Firestarter' music video and the Mummy. While the former Jubilee platform of Charing Cross station featured in 28 Weeks Later and Skyfall.

In 1940 the former Tube station was converted into an air raid shelter, which could hold 2,000 people.

1. King William Street station closed in 1900

In 1940 the former Tube station was converted into an air raid shelter, which could hold 2,000 people. | Getty Images

Aldwych station, was used to house the National Gallery's collection during World War I and British Museum artefacts (including the Elgin Marbles), during World War II.

It was closed down in 1994. The station is now used by London Transport Museum for its "Hidden London" programme.

2. Strand station, was renamed as Aldwych station, in 1915

Aldwych station, was used to house the National Gallery's collection during World War I and British Museum artefacts (including the Elgin Marbles), during World War II. It was closed down in 1994. The station is now used by London Transport Museum for its "Hidden London" programme. | Getty Images

City Road station opened in 1901 as part of the City & South London Railway's extension from Moorgate Street to Angel. The station was located between Old Street and Angel stations. It now forms part of the Northern line.

3. City Road Tube station closed in in 1922 due to low passenger usage

City Road station opened in 1901 as part of the City & South London Railway's extension from Moorgate Street to Angel. The station was located between Old Street and Angel stations. It now forms part of the Northern line. | Nevilley

South Kentish Town station was opened in 1907 by the Charing Cross, Euston & Hampstead Railway but closed in 1924 due to low passenger usage.

4. South Kentish Town station (1907 to 1924)

South Kentish Town station was opened in 1907 by the Charing Cross, Euston & Hampstead Railway but closed in 1924 due to low passenger usage. | Google

Trains World War II TfL Government

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