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All the United Kingdom England London Euston's Lost Tunnels

Euston's Lost Tunnels

A network of concealed passageways lies within a busy London Underground station.

London, England

Added By
AmunyAnkhesenra
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Tunnels of Euston.   AmunyAnkhesenra / Atlas Obscura User
Tunnels of Euston.   AmunyAnkhesenra / Atlas Obscura User
Some of the posters have been graffitied over the years.   AmunyAnkhesenra / Atlas Obscura User
The ticket office in the linking tunnel between the two branches of the Northern Line.   AmunyAnkhesenra / Atlas Obscura User
Modern cables installed over the vintage posters.   AmunyAnkhesenra / Atlas Obscura User
Advert for Hitchcock’s “Physco” in the tunnels.   AmunyAnkhesenra / Atlas Obscura User
  Snowdrop68 / Atlas Obscura User
The ventilation shaft   Snowdrop68 / Atlas Obscura User
Vintage posters line the tunnel walls.   AmunyAnkhesenra / Atlas Obscura User
The tunnels are still used to hold equipment and carry cables.   AmunyAnkhesenra / Atlas Obscura User
Vintage advertisements in the tunnels.   AmunyAnkhesenra / Atlas Obscura User
Connecting tube ticket office   Snowdrop68 / Atlas Obscura User
  Snowdrop68 / Atlas Obscura User
  Snowdrop68 / Atlas Obscura User
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About

A portal into the London Underground’s past hides near one of the city’s busiest Tube stations. Though a steady stream of commuters hasn’t passed through the tunnel in decades, an occasional trickle of subterranean explorers can catch a glimpse of this abandoned piece of infrastructure.

The London Underground’s Northern Line was born out of an amalgamation of two originally separate underground routes, which both came to Euston in the early 1900s. The owners of Euston mainline station stipulated that each underground route had to have a separate station building above ground.

The two underground railway operators agreed to this, but also decided it would help to build a tunnel connecting their platforms, as this would save passengers from having to trek above ground to change lines. However, as the lines were run by different companies, a new ticket was required when changing, so a ticket office was installed within the tunnel.

The individual station buildings for the Underground lines at Euston were closed in 1914, when the lines came under the control of the same company. By the 1960s, the lines had long since been unified and operated through Euston as the Northern Line, though as separate branches (which is still a source of confusion to unwary passengers today!).

The construction of the Victoria Line in 1962 saw the creation of a new set of tunnels, as well as a larger ticket hall to cope with the increased number of passengers. The old tunnel between the two branches of the Northern line was thus closed.

But the tunnel was never stripped or cleaned and exists now as a sort of time capsule. The walls are covered in advertising posters from the 1960s, many still bright and readable despite the passing of the years and the installation of service lines over them.

Related Tags

Tunnels Transportation Subways Underground Subterranean Sites

Know Before You Go

The London Transport Museum currently operates tours of one of the disused stations, the linking tunnel filled with the posters, and a walk into the ventilation system above the Victoria line platforms. These special tours can be booked (subject to availability) through the London Transport Museum's website. 

Tours last roughly 75 minutes and are limited to 20 people. Meet at 16 Melton Street 15 minutes prior to the start time. You’ll be met by members of the Hidden London team, who will then discuss health and safety requirements and give you a high visibility jacket to wear while underground. Bring a photo ID as well as your ticket. You must wear flat, close-toed shoes. Children under 14 are not permitted.

Community Contributors

Added By

AmunyAnkhesenra

Edited By

MrCarl, mawawi9806, Snowdrop68

  • MrCarl
  • mawawi9806
  • Snowdrop68

Published

August 13, 2018

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Sources
  • http://underground-history.co.uk/euston.php
  • https://alondoninheritance.com/under-london/euston-underground-station-the-lost-tunnels/
  • https://www.google.com/maps/place/Euston+-+The+Lost+Tunnels/@51.5273737,-0.134849,107m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m13!1m7!3m6!1s0x48761b25b2019e07:0x5fc545e8d10f8b2d!2s1+Eversholt+St,+Kings+Cross,+London+NW1+2DN,+UK!3b1!8m2!3d51.5279968!4d-0.1321389!3m4!1s0x48761b25d7487ead:0x7a20a9a01b0f1ee0!8m2!3d51.5274888!4d-0.1348226
Euston's Lost Tunnels
14 Melton St
London, England, NW1 2EA
United Kingdom
51.527506, -0.134788
Visit Website
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Explore the Destination Guide

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