A few months ago I was sat in the office "being productive" when I had a look at the work intranet site and saw the banner "Do you want to visit underground London?". Yes was my response and so I got a place on an otherwise sold out tour at a discounted price. Yay for work, for once it's benefited me in a way other than feeding me.
It was very touristy but a good afternoon out and worth it. Tripods weren't allowed but the staff were accommodating as I often held back to get my photos without the 10 other people getting in the way. The tour consisted of 3 parts; the old Charing Cross Jubilee line platforms, a service tunnel and the vent shaft.
History
Originally called The Strand in 1972, the station changed its name to Charing Cross once the Jubilee line was opened in 1979; bridging the Northern and Bakerloo lines under one station.
Although Charing Cross was constructed as the southern terminus of the Jubilee line, plans already existed to continue the line to the east towards Lewisham in south-east London. Due to the regeneration of the docklands towards Canary Warf, the line was changed to go via Westminster and Waterloo. This in turn meant the line bypassed Charing Cross and went directly to Green Park. With the completion of these changes the Jubilee line at Charing Cross was closed in November 1999.
Due to it being a rather newish station the platforms are used for various TV shows (Spooks) and films (Skyfall) and as such the station is decorated to display relatively new as well as make believe theatre shows and films.
Originally called The Strand in 1972, the station changed its name to Charing Cross once the Jubilee line was opened in 1979; bridging the Northern and Bakerloo lines under one station.
Although Charing Cross was constructed as the southern terminus of the Jubilee line, plans already existed to continue the line to the east towards Lewisham in south-east London. Due to the regeneration of the docklands towards Canary Warf, the line was changed to go via Westminster and Waterloo. This in turn meant the line bypassed Charing Cross and went directly to Green Park. With the completion of these changes the Jubilee line at Charing Cross was closed in November 1999.
Due to it being a rather newish station the platforms are used for various TV shows (Spooks) and films (Skyfall) and as such the station is decorated to display relatively new as well as make believe theatre shows and films.
False signs stating that you're on the District Line - this was due to it being used in Skyfall.
The service tunnel was dug by hand then reinforced - it ends in a wall of concrete behind a door though.
The former lift shaft is used to provide air to the underground to stop it getting so hot. Apparently you can abseil down the shaft...hint hint.
People creeping...
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Plus I don't know whether the stairs go all the way to the top. I was trying to check out the ladders but couldn't see any that far up. But I wear glasses so my sight can't be trusted.
