The Strand/Aldwych Underground Station is a fascinating piece of London's history. Located in the heart of the city, this station has had a long and varied history, from its construction in the early 1900s to its use as a shelter during World War II and its appearance in numerous films.
I visited the station in February 2017 and again in May 2023. The station itself has largely remained the same, there have been some additional posters added to the walls by filming projects. Regrettably the unfinished tunnels are no longer accessible to the tours run by the London Transport Museum and the tube train used in the V for Vendetta film was scrapped during covid, it's carriages used for spare parts on the Bakerloo line.
Construction of the station began in 1905 as part of the Great Northern, Piccadilly and Brompton Railway. It opened in 1907 as Strand Station, serving the Piccadilly Line. The station was designed by Leslie Green, who also designed several other stations on the Piccadilly Line, including Covent Garden and Leicester Square.
The station was renamed Aldwych in 1915, and during World War I, it was used as a storage facility for treasures from the British Museum. However, it was during World War II that the station really came into its own. From 1940 to 1945, it was used as an air-raid shelter, providing refuge for up to 1,500 people at a time.
The station was also used as a storage facility for valuable art during the war, including the Elgin Marbles. The station's location, deep underground and away from the city center, made it an ideal location for protecting valuable items from bombing raids.
After the war, the station returned to its original use as a transport hub, but it was eventually closed in 1994 due to low passenger numbers and cost of refurbishment of the lifts brought about by TFL station reviews subsequent to the kings Cross station fire. Since then, the station has been used as a filming location for numerous movies and television shows.
The station's unique architecture and deep underground location have made it a popular filming location for movies and TV shows. Some of the most famous films to feature the station include The Prodigy's "Firestarter" music video, V for Vendetta, Atonement, and The Krays. The station has also been used as a location for several TV shows, including Doctor Who, The Bill, and Sherlock. Its eerie, abandoned atmosphere makes it a popular choice for filmmakers looking for a unique and memorable location.
The station remains an important part of London's history, and its unique architecture and cultural significance continue to make it a popular destination for visitors and filmmakers alike.
