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Where is Aldwych Underground Station?
In the bustling metropolis of London, a city that has seen centuries of history unfold, it’s hardly surprising to stumble upon remnants of the past. The London Underground, affectionately known as “The Tube,” is no exception.
Among its 270 stations, there are a few “ghost stations,” hauntingly deserted structures that bear witness to changing times. These abandoned stations, once teeming with life and activity, now hold the secrets of a bygone era. One such station is the fascinating Aldwych Station.
Our story begins in the early 20th century, with a station destined for a rather peculiar fate. Aldwych Station, initially known as Strand Station, was opened to the public on November 30, 1907. It was built by the Underground Electric Railways Company of London (UERL) and designed by the architect Leslie Green, whose signature red glazed terracotta façade became a symbol of the era. The station was a terminus on the Piccadilly line, a branch line from Holborn, which lies just 0.2 miles (320 meters) away.
Aldwych Station’s proximity to other stations was both a boon and a bane. While it served as a convenient transportation option for those frequenting the nearby theatres, it also suffered from a rather unfortunate case of sibling rivalry. Covent Garden and Temple stations, located nearby, were fierce competitors. In this classic case of “too many cooks spoil the broth,” or in this case, “too many stations spoil the ridership,” Aldwych struggled to keep up.
Why did Aldwych station close?
The station’s decline was gradual but inevitable. In an attempt to cut costs and optimize resources, the western platform closed on September 30, 1917, leaving the eastern platform operational. Alas, the Second World War brought further challenges. As London faced the onslaught of the Blitz, Aldwych Station was closed temporarily in 1940, serving as a shelter for Londoners and a safe haven for precious artifacts from the British Museum.
After the war, the station reopened in 1946, only to find that its ridership hadn’t quite recovered. As they say, “use it or lose it,” and Aldwych Station seemed to be losing its battle. The powers that be decided that the cost of modernizing the station and upgrading the lifts, which dated back to 1907, was simply not worth the investment. So, on September 30, 1994, after 87 years of service, Aldwych Station was officially closed.
Aldwych Underground Station and the Movies
But the story doesn’t end there. The station, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, found new life as a popular filming location. Its vintage charm and eerie atmosphere have attracted filmmakers from all corners of the industry. Hollywood blockbusters, TV shows, and music videos have all utilized the unique setting of Aldwych Station. Among its credits, you’ll find movies like “Atonement,” “V for Vendetta,” and “Sherlock Holmes.” So, while it may no longer serve as a station, Aldwych has become a star in its own right.
Is Aldwych Station haunted?
Now, you may be wondering, with all this history and the countless souls that have passed through its doors, does Aldwych Station have any ghostly tales to share? Well, it wouldn’t be a proper abandoned station without a touch of the supernatural.
Rumour has it that during the station’s days as a wartime shelter, a young woman named Margaret lost her life in a tragic accident. Her spirit is said to still roam the platform, waiting for a train that will never come. Visitors have reported the sounds of footsteps, mysterious cold spots, and even sightings of a spectral figure.
Of course, as with any ghost story, scepticism abounds. However, those who have spent time within the station’s walls cannot deny the eerie feeling that seems to permeate the air. Whether you believe in the paranormal or not, the very thought of Margaret’s lost soul wandering the desolate platform adds an undeniable mystique to Aldwych’s already intriguing history.
More ghost stories from the London Underground
Aldwych Station’s legacy extends beyond the realm of the supernatural and the silver screen. The station has also played host to numerous events, exhibitions, and immersive theatre productions, transforming itself into a versatile and unique venue. This adaptability has made the station an essential part of London’s cultural landscape, despite its abandonment by the transit system.
Other ghost stations of the London Underground
Perhaps one of the most fascinating aspects of Aldwych Station is its connection to other abandoned stations on the London Underground. Just like Aldwych, there are several other “ghost stations” that have succumbed to the march of time, but not without leaving their mark on the city’s history.
Stations like Down Street, South Kentish Town, and York Road all share a similar story of decline and closure, yet each possesses its own distinct character and narrative.
For urban explorers and history buffs alike, the abandoned stations of London provide a treasure trove of forgotten stories, architectural marvels, and even the occasional spooky encounter. Aldwych Station, in particular, stands out as a testament to the ever-evolving city and its ability to repurpose and breathe new life into its historic structures.
Conclusion
The tale of Aldwych Station is one of resilience, adaptation, and undeniably captivating charm. From its early beginnings as a bustling transport hub to its decline and eventual closure, the station has managed to endure and reinvent itself time and time again.
While it may no longer serve its original purpose, Aldwych Station continues to captivate the hearts and minds of Londoners and visitors alike, as it stands as a living monument to the city’s rich and ever-changing history.
So, next time you find yourself wandering the streets of London, be sure to keep an eye out for Aldwych Station and the other ghostly relics of the Underground. You never know what stories, secrets, or perhaps even spirits await you in these fascinating abandoned spaces. After all, as they say, there’s no business like ghost business… or was it show business?
Image credits
- Aldwych London Underground Station: Duncan Harris from Nottingham, UK, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Aldwych Station Closed: JensPersson, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
References
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aldwych_tube_station
- https://www.ltmuseum.co.uk/whats-on/hidden-london/aldwych
- https://lookup.london/aldwych-ghost-station/
- https://www.strandlines.london/2020/04/21/aldwych-station/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nd2mHJu3Rk
- https://www.subbrit.org.uk/sites/aldwych-holborn-branch-line/