Thousands pass these doors every day, but most would never guess that behind the fire exits signs lies a gateway to the past.  Aldwych, the “Secret Station” closed twenty years ago, but I journeyed into its depths with the London Transport Museum to learn some of its many secrets.

The Tube Map from 1936 – a little simpler than now!

When Aldwych Station was opened in 1907 it was already an oddity, having been rendered a stub of a line by the joining of two separate lines to create the Piccadilly line (you might be able to make it out in the map above).  It never saw very heavy use because of this, and the fact that if you missed a train it was usually quicker to walk between Aldwych and Holborn than wait for the next!

The lifts to the platforms were large and at one stage also featured a ticket-booth, as usage was so light that they economised on ticket-sellers by having the lift operators multitask.

Crazy to actually witness a deserted Tube station

Platform level

I was charmed by the vintage-era posters, but somewhat disillusioned when our guide explained that what looks the oldest in Aldwych station is usually the newest – it is frequently used as a filming location (including for a personal favourite series, Sherlock) and those posters were just a part of this!  Likewise with the big roundel (the technical term for the circle with the station name in it), which was in fact made of heavy cardboard.

I was somewhat mollified by spotting the original name for the station, the Strand, still peeking out from behind some of the posters.  The station was renamed in 1915 to avoid confusion with the nearby Charing Cross Strand Station.

Although not much used as a tube station, Aldwych did prove its worth in a number of other ways before its closure, particularly during the First and Second World Wars.  One platform was closed and served as a safe haven for 300 National Gallery art works during WWI.  The station acted as shelter again during WWII as both the V&A and the British Museum utilised the space.  When the Blitz began in 1940 Tube service to Aldwych was suspended and the rest of the station turned into a public shelter housing 1500 people, which saw it more heavily used than any other time in its history!  There were stage shows below ground to entertain, as well as a first aid post and a canteen.

I would love to know the story behind this note!  Poor David…

Another usage of the station has resulted in some odd splashes of colour, as tiling and decoration for a number of other stations was first laid down here to see what it looked like in situ, including for the Victoria and Piccadilly lines.

Which way?!

From 1958 the station operated only in rush hour and eventually closed in 1994.  Now you can visit it through tours run by the London Transport Museum, so check out their events page for the next date.  A tip – the tours are infrequent due to safety concerns and they do sell out, so book your ticket fast when you see them on sale!  It’s a fascinating experience.

 

I am SO excited to become a #TravelTuesday co-host for the next few months.  This fabulous linkup is the brain-child of Bonnie of A Compass Rose, happens every Tuesday (funnily enough) and features some great writing and drool-worthy travel pictures. My other two new co-hosts are Amy of Amy and The Great World and Camila of The Things I Am Crazy For. Check out their blogs and the links below – and add yours!

Ready to link up? 

1. SHARE a post about travel! From road trips to trips abroad and from past travels to dream vacations. You can write about travel tips and tricks, favorite places to stay, or anything in between.

2. GRAB the lovely button above. If you run into trouble, just make sure to mention Bonnie, Amy, Camila and me in a link.

3. LINKUP goes live every Tuesday at 0800 GMT. Make sure to comment here, on the cohosts’ blogs, and visit around!

Tips:

1. Please only one linked up post per blogger. Save other posts for future linkups!

2. The last Tuesday of every month will be a themed prompt if you want to join in.  We will announce the theme during the week before.

3. HOP around and meet new travel-loving bloggers!