History
The disused Highgate train station in north London has been derelict since 1962. Nestled in the deep excavation next to Archway Road, it is basically the above ground roofing of the current Highgate station that is part of the London Underground.
Highgate station first opened on 22nd August 1867 to serve the Finsbury Park to Edgware line. Because of the hilly terrain, the station had to be built in a deep cutting excavated from Highgate Hill. Originally the station was constructed by Edgware, Highgate and London Railway (EH&LR). But it was purchased by the larger Great Northern Railway (GNR) before the build was completed. GNR’s main line ran from Kings Cross, through Finsbury Park on it’s way to Potters Bar and the north.
When it first opened, Highgate station had two side platforms with three tracks running through the middle, that included a loop for trains that terminated at Highgate. A footbridge linked the two platforms.
In 1880 the side platforms were replaced by a central island platform, with tracks running either side. Both the original side platforms and central island still exist today. The original 1860’s station house is also still in existence, but is now a private residence. The new station that was built in 1940 still stands today also.
The line closed to passengers on 5th July 1954 but the section between Finsbury Park and Highgate remained open to freight traffic until 1st October 1962. It’s demise is attributed to dwindling numbers in residential passengers, mainly attributed to competition from the new tram service.
Explore
As I work in the railway, I always get a kick out of any disused stations. Even though there isn't much here, it was still a satisfying mooch about. Some of the pictures are a bit dark as I went in just after sunrise.
Thanks for looking!
The disused Highgate train station in north London has been derelict since 1962. Nestled in the deep excavation next to Archway Road, it is basically the above ground roofing of the current Highgate station that is part of the London Underground.
Highgate station first opened on 22nd August 1867 to serve the Finsbury Park to Edgware line. Because of the hilly terrain, the station had to be built in a deep cutting excavated from Highgate Hill. Originally the station was constructed by Edgware, Highgate and London Railway (EH&LR). But it was purchased by the larger Great Northern Railway (GNR) before the build was completed. GNR’s main line ran from Kings Cross, through Finsbury Park on it’s way to Potters Bar and the north.
When it first opened, Highgate station had two side platforms with three tracks running through the middle, that included a loop for trains that terminated at Highgate. A footbridge linked the two platforms.
In 1880 the side platforms were replaced by a central island platform, with tracks running either side. Both the original side platforms and central island still exist today. The original 1860’s station house is also still in existence, but is now a private residence. The new station that was built in 1940 still stands today also.
The line closed to passengers on 5th July 1954 but the section between Finsbury Park and Highgate remained open to freight traffic until 1st October 1962. It’s demise is attributed to dwindling numbers in residential passengers, mainly attributed to competition from the new tram service.
Explore
As I work in the railway, I always get a kick out of any disused stations. Even though there isn't much here, it was still a satisfying mooch about. Some of the pictures are a bit dark as I went in just after sunrise.
Thanks for looking!
