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| {{London stations| | {{London stations| | ||
| name = Euston| | name = Euston| | ||
| image = ] | | image = ] | | ||
| manager = ] | | manager = ] | | ||
| zone = ] | | zone = ] | | ||
| locale = ] | | locale = ] | | ||
| borough = ] | | borough = ] | | ||
| start = May 1907 (C&SLR)<br>Opened June 1907 (CCE&HR)<br>Opened 1969 (Victoria) | | |||
| start = 1922 | | |||
| platforms = 6 | | platforms = 6 | | ||
| exits = 22.354}} | exits = 22.354}} | ||
| ⚫ | |||
| between ] and ]. It is also on the ] between Warren Street and King's Cross St. Pancras. It connects directly to ] above it. | |||
| '''Euston Underground tube station''' is a ] station served by the ] and both branches of the ]. It connects directly with ] above it. The station is in ] ]. | |||
| ⚫ | ==Charing Cross, Euston and Hampstead Railway== | ||
| Euston Station (on the ]) opened as part of the original ] (now the Charing Cross branch of the Northern Line) on ] ]. Original plans for the route were to have it bypass Euston on its way to Camden Town, so that the line could be straight. However the wisdom of bypassing a busy railway station which would provide customers was soon questioned, and the line was changed, leading to the line running on an east-west axis through Euston station. Since it was an independent company from the mainline station, exit (via lifts from the west end of the platforms) was to a separate building slightly west of the station. | |||
| ⚫ | On the ] branch of the Northern Line, the station is between ] and ]. On the ] branch it is between ] and ]. On the ] it is between Warren Street and King's Cross St. Pancras. | ||
| ==Connection to the Mainline== | |||
| The west end of the ] platform was remarkably close to the east end of the ] platforms, and since the companies were not in competition, it was decided to make an underground connection between the two. This consisted of a passage being built from near the ] lifts to the east end of the ] platforms, unusually leading up to the ] platforms, as the ] was somewhat lower down (and to the south). | |||
| ==History== | |||
| ⚫ | At the same time, another passageway was created, leading from the connecting passage to a new set of lifts (and emergency stairs) which surfaced within |
||
| ==City and South London Railway== | ===City and South London Railway=== | ||
| The ] (now the Bank branch of the Northern Line) opened a station at Euston as the terminus for its northern extension, hoping to allow it to increase passenger numbers by the addition of people heading to the City having arrived from other parts of the country. The first tube line at Euston, it opened on ] ], the new terminus on an extension from the previous terminus at ]. Its station consisted of a single wide platform in a large tunnel (as this was their standard design at the time), connected to the surface by lifts leading from stairs at the west end of their platform. The surface building, on Eversholt Street, was quite unusual - it was designed in an elaborate Moroccan style of stonework, in order to garner the attention of people leaving Euston (which was slightly to the west). The characteristic red glazed brickwork of underground stations of the time can still be seen. | |||
| On ] ], the ] (C&SLR, now the Bank branch of the Northern Line) opened a station at Euston as the terminus of a new extension from its existing station at ]. Below ground, the station followed the standard C&SLR configuration of a single island platform with tracks on each side in a large tunnel. The station building was located on Eversholt Street to the east of the ] mainline station and was connected to the platforms by ] and stairs to the west end of the platform. | |||
| ⚫ | === |
||
| Joint ownership of the ] and the ] occurred in ]. On ] ], the ] (later called the City branch) stations north of ], including Euston, were closed for rebuilding and tunnel widening. Services resumed on ] ], with the addition of a new tube link between Euston and ]. With further extensions, the combined line became known as the '''Morden-Edgware Line''' in ], and it became the ] in ]. | |||
| ⚫ | ===Charing Cross, Euston and Hampstead Railway=== | ||
| ⚫ | === |
||
| The ] was designed to be a connecting service to take the weight off other lines. Its construction co-incided with the building of the new Euston main line station which led to significant remodelling of the Tube station and its platforms. As such, it was decided that it would be a good idea to have cross-platform interchange where possible. At the same time, the single ] platform was getting dangerously congested, so it was decided to build a new ] northbound platform some way to the south, fill in the old northbound track to expand the southbound platform, and run the ] between the two. | |||
| On ] ], the ] (CCE&HR, now the Charing Cross branch of the Northern Line) opened between between ], ] (then called Highgate) and ]. | |||
| The decision was made to have both southbound platforms (i.e. one from the old ], and one from the ]) connected, and likewise for the northbound platforms. This resulted in a peculiar feature of the station in that although the ] trains heading south are parallel to the CLSR trains heading south, they actually run in opposite directions, likewise the northbound. | |||
| Original plans for the route were for it bypass Euston on a straight alignment to Camden Town. However the wisdom of bypassing a busy railway station and the large number of customers that it would provide was soon questioned, and the route was revised to serve the mainline station. The station building was constructed to the west of the mainline station with the characteristic red glazed ] elevations of the stations ] designed for the CCE&HR. | |||
| As part of the construction works, new interchange passages were created above the ] platform level, and two escalator shafts put in to replace the ageing, and busy, lifts. From the interchange level, escalators were put in to connect to the two new wide circulating areas for the southbound ]/] and northbound ]/] platforms. A passageway connecting the south and northbound platforms was made, so as to avoid necessitating the use of the escalators, and an emergency stair to the upper interchange level inserted midway along it. On ], ] the whole new interchange system was opened and the old passages were closed off, and changed to ventilation shafts. The original Euston surface building for the CCE&HR designed by ] was closed, although the distinctive terracotta building can still be seen to the west of the current building at the corner of Melton Street and Drummond Street. | |||
| ===Making an interchange=== | |||
| The old northbound ] tunnel is still in use, at the east end of the ] southbound platform, since it gives access onto an important connection. Just east of Euston is a branch from the old northbound ] line that connects to the northbound ] just south of ]. This was created when the ] became part of the Underground group, and is still used for train stock transfers. | |||
| Although built and initially operated as two separate stations by the two companies, the C&SLR and the CCE&HR platforms were sufficiently close together that a deep level interchange was constructed between platforms shortly after opening. A passage was built from near the C&SLR lifts to the east end of the CCE&HR platforms. Unusually this lead up from the lifts as the C&SLR platforms were lower than those of the the CCE&HR. | |||
| Unfortunately, because of the combination of the ] and the CCEHR into the ] (and the subsequently confusing signage), and also due to the confusing nature of the interchange level as a series of parallel tunnels meeting circulating areas for each of the escalators in turn (i.e. ] steps, Down from mainline, ]/Victoria southbound, up to mainline and stair to ]/Victoria southbound-northbound interchange, ]/Victoria northbound), the station is regarded as one of the most confusing on the whole Underground. | |||
| ⚫ | At the same time, another passageway was created, leading from the connecting passage to a new set of lifts (and emergency stairs) which surfaced within the mainline station itself. Though the companies continued to maintain their own separate entrances and lifts, it soon became clear that maintaining three entrances so close to each other was unnecessary. The station buildings were closed leaving the entrance within the mainline station to serve both routes. The original exits continued to exist for ventilation reasons; however, the elaborate Moroccan design of the C&SLR building was demolished for a building project. | ||
| ⚫ | ===Northern Line=== | ||
| In ] the two lines came under joint ownership when the ], already owners of the CCE&HR, took over the C&SLR. Plans were made before ] to extend both lines and provide additional connections at Camden Town and ] so that trains could run from either of the two northern terminii via either branch to the southern terminus. | |||
| Works to modernise and enlarge the C&SLR tunnels which had been originally constructed to a smaller diameter than the CCE&HR closed the line between Moorgate and Euston from ] ] to ] ]. The new link to Camden Town was opened with the rebuilt C&SLR tunnels. The extensions to Edgware in ]/] and to Morden in ] lead to the combined line adopting the name ''Morden-Edgware Line''. This changed to the ''Northern Line'' in ]. | |||
| To the east of Euston is a connecting tunnel from the northbound City branch to the northbound ] tunnel just south of ]. Via this connection, called the "King's Cross Loop", a train in the northbound Piccadilly Line platform at King's Cross St. Pancras can run south and enter the northbound City branch platform at Euston. Alternatively, via a junction, called the "Euston Loop", between the old section of the northbound City branch and the southbound City branch, trains can enter the southbound platform. | |||
| This exchange between lines can be operated in both directions and was created when the C&SLR became part of the Underground group in ] to facilitate train stock transfers. At that time the C&SLR had no surface depot and train carriages were lowered into the subterranean depot at ] by a large lift. | |||
| ⚫ | ===Victoria Line=== | ||
| The route of the ] was designed to provide the maximum number of connections to existing services and to relieve some of the pressure on those other lines by giving an alternative route through central London. As such, interchanges were designed to facilitate quick transfers between lines by the use of cross-platform interchanges where possible. At Euston the single island platform on the Northern Line City branch was suffering from dangerous congested, so a new City branch northbound platform was constructed some way to the south and the old northbound track was removed to provide a wider southbound platform. Two new platforms for the Victoria Line were excavated between and parallel to the original and the new City branch tunnels to which they were directly linked. This arrangement results in a peculiar feature of the station: a passenger changing from the Victoria Line to Northern Line City branch or vice versa will find that trains on adjacent platforms travel in opposite directions. | |||
| ] | |||
| To accommodate the additional volume of passengers that would use the station once the Victoria Line opened, the internal layout of the sixty year old station also underwent an extensive reconstruction. A new ticket hall was constructed below the concourse of the mainline station with two sets of escalators replacing the lifts. The escalators provide access to and from an intermediate circulation level which, in turn, gives access to the Northern Line Charing Cross branch platforms and two further sets of escalators; one set each serving the northbound and southbound Victoria and Northern Line City branch platforms. Interchanges between the northbound and southbound Victoria and Northern City Line platforms are made via a passageway at the low so as to avoid the need to use the escalators. An emergency stair to the intermediate interchange level is located midway along it. On ] ] the whole new interchange system was opened and the old passages were closed off. Many of the old passages remain in use as ventilation shafts. | |||
| ===Confusion=== | |||
| Unfortunately, for the inexperienced user, the layout of the station and the circulation route around it can be confusing. For example, a mainline commuter wishing to reach the northbound Victoria Line must first enter the Underground ticket hall by escalator, find the down escalators and descend to the intermediate level, turn right along a passageway, pass through the lobby for the escalators to the southbound platforms, enter another passageway, cross the lobby for the escalators back up to the ticket hall, enter a third passageway which finally brings him to the lobby for the escalators down to the northbound Victoria Line. The presence of four platforms serving different branches of the Northern Line and heading in different directions and the Victoria Line's standard grey tiling scheme throughout the station both also help make the station on of the most confusing on the Underground system. | |||
| ==Future plans== | ==Future plans== | ||
| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | Unlike its neighbour, King's Cross St. Pancras, and most of the other London mainline terminii, Euston is not served by the ]. ] is just 250 ] away and is served by the Circle, ] and ] Lines. Some plans see a direct connection being made as part of a new transport interchange project (though alternative plans have Euston Square connecting to Warren Street, which is also nearby). | ||
| ⚫ | There are also plans to rebuild the interchange level as part of |
||
| ⚫ | There are also plans to rebuild the interchange level as part of a mobility impairment accessibility project, possibly restoring use of some of the disused lower level interchange passageways. | ||
| ==Transport connections== | |||
| ] routes 10, 18, 30, 59, 68, 73, 91, 168, 205, 253, 390 and 476 and Night buses N5, N10, N20, N73, N91 and N253 serve the station from Eustion bus station at the front of the mainline station or from the adjacent streets. | |||
| ==External links== | |||
| * | |||
| * | |||
| ** {{ltmcollection|80/9856480.jpg|Charing Cross, Euston & Hampstead Railway station building, 1915}} | |||
| ** {{ltmcollection|31/9886931.jpg|City & South London Railway station building}} | |||
| ** {{ltmcollection|e3/i0000de3.jpg|Station entrance from mainline platform, 1915}} | |||
| ** {{ltmcollection|e9/i0000de9.jpg|Station entrance from mainline platform, 1932}} | |||
| ** {{ltmcollection|pw/i00001pw.jpg|Station entrance from mainline platform, 1951}} | |||
| ** {{ltmcollection|97/i0000697.jpg|Victoria Line Platform tiling showing Euston Arch motif, 1969}} | |||
| {{start LUL box}} | {{start LUL box}} | ||
Revision as of 10:19, 27 May 2006
| Euston | |
|---|---|
| Location | Euston Square |
| Local authority | Camden |
| Managed by | London Underground |
| Number of platforms | 6 |
| Other information | |
 London transport portal | |
Euston Underground tube station is a London Underground station served by the Victoria Line and both branches of the Northern Line. It connects directly with Euston mainline station above it. The station is in Travelcard Zone 1.
On the Bank branch of the Northern Line, the station is between Camden Town and King's Cross St Pancras. On the Charing Cross branch it is between Mornington Crescent and Warren Street. On the Victoria Line it is between Warren Street and King's Cross St. Pancras.
History
City and South London Railway
On 12 May 1907, the City & South London Railway (C&SLR, now the Bank branch of the Northern Line) opened a station at Euston as the terminus of a new extension from its existing station at Angel. Below ground, the station followed the standard C&SLR configuration of a single island platform with tracks on each side in a large tunnel. The station building was located on Eversholt Street to the east of the London and North Western Railway mainline station and was connected to the platforms by lifts and stairs to the west end of the platform.
Charing Cross, Euston and Hampstead Railway
On 22 June 1907, the Charing Cross, Euston & Hampstead Railway (CCE&HR, now the Charing Cross branch of the Northern Line) opened between between Charing Cross, Archway (then called Highgate) and Golders Green.
Original plans for the route were for it bypass Euston on a straight alignment to Camden Town. However the wisdom of bypassing a busy railway station and the large number of customers that it would provide was soon questioned, and the route was revised to serve the mainline station. The station building was constructed to the west of the mainline station with the characteristic red glazed terra cotta elevations of the stations Leslie Green designed for the CCE&HR.
Making an interchange
Although built and initially operated as two separate stations by the two companies, the C&SLR and the CCE&HR platforms were sufficiently close together that a deep level interchange was constructed between platforms shortly after opening. A passage was built from near the C&SLR lifts to the east end of the CCE&HR platforms. Unusually this lead up from the lifts as the C&SLR platforms were lower than those of the the CCE&HR.
At the same time, another passageway was created, leading from the connecting passage to a new set of lifts (and emergency stairs) which surfaced within the mainline station itself. Though the companies continued to maintain their own separate entrances and lifts, it soon became clear that maintaining three entrances so close to each other was unnecessary. The station buildings were closed leaving the entrance within the mainline station to serve both routes. The original exits continued to exist for ventilation reasons; however, the elaborate Moroccan design of the C&SLR building was demolished for a building project.
Northern Line
In 1913 the two lines came under joint ownership when the Underground Group, already owners of the CCE&HR, took over the C&SLR. Plans were made before World War I to extend both lines and provide additional connections at Camden Town and Kennington so that trains could run from either of the two northern terminii via either branch to the southern terminus.
Works to modernise and enlarge the C&SLR tunnels which had been originally constructed to a smaller diameter than the CCE&HR closed the line between Moorgate and Euston from 8 August 1922 to 20 April 1924. The new link to Camden Town was opened with the rebuilt C&SLR tunnels. The extensions to Edgware in 1923/24 and to Morden in 1926 lead to the combined line adopting the name Morden-Edgware Line. This changed to the Northern Line in 1937.
To the east of Euston is a connecting tunnel from the northbound City branch to the northbound Piccadilly Line tunnel just south of King's Cross St. Pancras. Via this connection, called the "King's Cross Loop", a train in the northbound Piccadilly Line platform at King's Cross St. Pancras can run south and enter the northbound City branch platform at Euston. Alternatively, via a junction, called the "Euston Loop", between the old section of the northbound City branch and the southbound City branch, trains can enter the southbound platform.
This exchange between lines can be operated in both directions and was created when the C&SLR became part of the Underground group in 1913 to facilitate train stock transfers. At that time the C&SLR had no surface depot and train carriages were lowered into the subterranean depot at Stockwell by a large lift.
Victoria Line
The route of the Victoria Line was designed to provide the maximum number of connections to existing services and to relieve some of the pressure on those other lines by giving an alternative route through central London. As such, interchanges were designed to facilitate quick transfers between lines by the use of cross-platform interchanges where possible. At Euston the single island platform on the Northern Line City branch was suffering from dangerous congested, so a new City branch northbound platform was constructed some way to the south and the old northbound track was removed to provide a wider southbound platform. Two new platforms for the Victoria Line were excavated between and parallel to the original and the new City branch tunnels to which they were directly linked. This arrangement results in a peculiar feature of the station: a passenger changing from the Victoria Line to Northern Line City branch or vice versa will find that trains on adjacent platforms travel in opposite directions.
To accommodate the additional volume of passengers that would use the station once the Victoria Line opened, the internal layout of the sixty year old station also underwent an extensive reconstruction. A new ticket hall was constructed below the concourse of the mainline station with two sets of escalators replacing the lifts. The escalators provide access to and from an intermediate circulation level which, in turn, gives access to the Northern Line Charing Cross branch platforms and two further sets of escalators; one set each serving the northbound and southbound Victoria and Northern Line City branch platforms. Interchanges between the northbound and southbound Victoria and Northern City Line platforms are made via a passageway at the low so as to avoid the need to use the escalators. An emergency stair to the intermediate interchange level is located midway along it. On 1 December 1969 the whole new interchange system was opened and the old passages were closed off. Many of the old passages remain in use as ventilation shafts.
Confusion
Unfortunately, for the inexperienced user, the layout of the station and the circulation route around it can be confusing. For example, a mainline commuter wishing to reach the northbound Victoria Line must first enter the Underground ticket hall by escalator, find the down escalators and descend to the intermediate level, turn right along a passageway, pass through the lobby for the escalators to the southbound platforms, enter another passageway, cross the lobby for the escalators back up to the ticket hall, enter a third passageway which finally brings him to the lobby for the escalators down to the northbound Victoria Line. The presence of four platforms serving different branches of the Northern Line and heading in different directions and the Victoria Line's standard grey tiling scheme throughout the station both also help make the station on of the most confusing on the Underground system.
Future plans
Unlike its neighbour, King's Cross St. Pancras, and most of the other London mainline terminii, Euston is not served by the Circle Line. Euston Square tube station is just 250 m away and is served by the Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan Lines. Some plans see a direct connection being made as part of a new transport interchange project (though alternative plans have Euston Square connecting to Warren Street, which is also nearby).
There are also plans to rebuild the interchange level as part of a mobility impairment accessibility project, possibly restoring use of some of the disused lower level interchange passageways.
Transport connections
London Buses routes 10, 18, 30, 59, 68, 73, 91, 168, 205, 253, 390 and 476 and Night buses N5, N10, N20, N73, N91 and N253 serve the station from Eustion bus station at the front of the mainline station or from the adjacent streets.
External links
- Clive's Underground Lines Guide - Northern Line, section on King's cross Loop
- London's Transport Museum Photographic Archive
- Charing Cross, Euston & Hampstead Railway station building, 1915
- City & South London Railway station building
- Station entrance from mainline platform, 1915
- Station entrance from mainline platform, 1932
- Station entrance from mainline platform, 1951
- Victoria Line Platform tiling showing Euston Arch motif, 1969
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