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Original poster

Why are there abandoned Tube Stations?

100 replies

onedev · 02/01/2014 18:01

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!

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CharlieAlphaKiloEcho · 02/01/2014 18:03

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 · 02/01/2014 18:04

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 · 02/01/2014 18:05

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 · 02/01/2014 18:06

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 · 02/01/2014 18:08

Link to BBC article

Original poster
onedev · 02/01/2014 18:10

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!!)

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Original poster
onedev · 02/01/2014 18:12

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 Grin)

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Original poster
onedev · 02/01/2014 18:14

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

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redgate · 02/01/2014 18:18

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.

Original poster
onedev · 02/01/2014 18:21

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!

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poppyknot · 02/01/2014 18:26

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 · 02/01/2014 18:28

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" Angry

Health & Safety red tape, more like!

Alonglongway · 02/01/2014 18:30

www.amazon.co.uk/The-Mole-People-Tunnels-Beneath/dp/155652241X

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 · 02/01/2014 18:33

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

SpicedGingerTea · 02/01/2014 18:33

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

jules1308 · 02/01/2014 18:34

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.

Original poster
onedev · 02/01/2014 19:25

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

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maillotjaune · 02/01/2014 19:47

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

Original poster
onedev · 02/01/2014 19:52

Thanks maillot, I'll have to get that.

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KenDoddsDadsDog · 02/01/2014 19:53

I love 28 days , especially the asylums

Only1scoop · 02/01/2014 19:55

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

DrownedGirl · 02/01/2014 19:59

Derelict London is another good site

SorrelForbes · 02/01/2014 20:07

This is another good website about abandoned stations.

SledYuleCated · 02/01/2014 20:25

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 · 02/01/2014 20:27

The TV program on now Urban Secrets is fascinating

Channel 108 Sky Atlantic.