Why are there abandoned Tube Stations?

[onedev]

Inspired by the BBC news article today (sorry can't link!) about the number of abandoned Tube Stations & was therefore wondering why there are so many abandoned in the first place? Anyone able to educate me? Also, is there a way to visit them? I'd love to take a tour if it were possible!

[CharlieAlphaKiloEcho]

I have no idea but I'd love to visit them too.

I love looking at photos of abandoned buildings like hospitals etc. There's always a kind of creepiness about them!

[LondonMother]

It fascinates me too! Reasons would include poor planning, changes in travel patterns, redevelopment. Don't know if there are tours but I doubt it as they are probably not very safe.

[TheWomanTheyCallJayne]

Some of them were used as offices during the war

I find them fascinating
I think if they did tours they would become boring

[Joules68]

I love urban exploration! Ages since we had a thread on it! Have you looked on '28 days later' website charlie?

Underground stations from the war etc are still there, think they are referred to as ghost stations?

[RustyBear]

Link to BBC article

[onedev]

Agreed Charlie - I love old buildings too & thinking of the history of them!

Do you think it was as simple then as them not being necessary? The tube stations always seem so crowded to me, so I thought they could do with more really.

Totally fascinated in the article with what they used some of them in the war for - we're they already closed then?

I honestly find the while tube system amazing - the age & what was accomplished during another era & then the part they've played in our history! (I was definitely a Londoner in another life - I adore the city although I'm actually Irish!!)

[onedev]

Thanks Rusty!

What's the 28 days later website Joules?

If I won the lottery, my dream is to study history & do a phd in something like this!! (Now you can probably see why my dad refused to let me study history & made me do Business instead )

[onedev]

Sorry, just noticed typos in my post - were, not we're & whole, not while. iPhone autocorrect drives me bananas

[redgate]

www.28dayslater.co.uk/forums/ - it's a forum for people (who are braver than me!) who climb/go inside empty buildings. Saw my old high school on there, really interesting.

[onedev]

Just looking at it now Redgate - I did wonder when I saw the disclaimer! I'd love to do that kind of thing but likely would never have the nerve!

[poppyknot]

Fascinating. Reminded of the rather scary John Betjemin short story....
www.kentishtowner.co.uk/2013/01/23/wednesday-picture-south-kentish-town-nw5s-ghost-tube-station/

[nomorecrumbs]

Ooooh, they are very interesting. I signed up for a tour of Aldywch tube station but they cancelled it a few days before, due to "technical difficulties"

Health & Safety red tape, more like!

[Alonglongway]

www.amazon.co.uk/The-Mole-People-Tunnels-Beneath/dp/155652241X?tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

Doesn't answer your question but this is a great book about people living in the NY subway system

I once had a tour of an abandoned tube station - it was a reward for helping a man who collapsed and possibly not officially sanctioned, but fascinating

[JumpingJackSprat]

I love 28 days later. My favourite one is potters manor.

[SpicedGingerTea]

I love the 28 days website. Abandoned hospitals and holiday camps really interest me for some reason.

[jules1308]

I've been taken around Bourne St, near Green Park. It was used by Churchill during the war- fascinating, still has the telephone exchange and the bath he is supposed to have used etc That particular one was closed down because the area was so affluent it was never used.

[onedev]

How did you get taken round that Joules? Sounds fab! I never thought about any being closed down due to affluence!

[maillotjaune]

There is a book called Do Not Alight Here about the subject (that DS2 reads at me every chance he gets . )

[onedev]

Thanks maillot, I'll have to get that.

[KenDoddsDadsDog]

I love 28 days , especially the asylums

[Only1scoop]

That 28 days website looks amazing I think I could become addicted. I find it all fascinating.

[DrownedGirl]

Derelict London is another good site

[SorrelForbes]

This is another good website about abandoned stations.

[SledYuleCated]

All sorts of reasons. The underground was built in a very higgledy-piggledy fashion, and different bits owned by different companies, which led to all sorts of disputes and situations.

I believe the British Museum stop, which is still visible near Chancery Lane, was abandoned because it was too close to other stations to make it worthwhile keeping them all open.

[DameEdnasBridesmaid]

The TV program on now Urban Secrets is fascinating

Channel 108 Sky Atlantic.