Piccadilly Line

The (seemingly pointless) short branch line between Holborn and Aldwych was a curious by-product of the amalgamation of plans for two separate lines; the Brompton & Piccadilly Circus, and the Great Northern & Strand.

Originally a double tracked line, with two platforms at either end, it was reduced to single line running in 1917, due to the low volume of traffic, and closed completely in 1994.

The station location is arrowed. Also shown is the route of the line leading to it. Note the close proximity to Temple station, on the bottom right of the map.

The Piccadilly Line directions are officially classified as eastbound and westbound but for the sake of geographical correctness at this station, they are described as northbound and southbound respectively.

A Piccadilly Line route board still in situ at Bounds Green station in 2005.

Onto the other Aldwych branch platform at Holborn: the western one. It was a terminating platform i.e. it did not connect with the main Piccadilly Line. It was little used and officially closed in 1917, after which the platform was put to other uses. This view shows the original tunnel wall on the left.

(photo: Mar 2008)

Another part of the western platform. Facing southward toward Aldwych.

(photo: Mar 2008)

Facing the opposite direction. The original platform edge can be seen on the bottom left of the photo. The camera position is on the filled-in track area.

(photo: Mar 2008)

Some original tiling still intact.

(Mar 2008)

The western tunnel leading from the long-disused platform at Aldwych. This view is looking back toward Holborn.

(photo: Mar 2008)

Again looking back toward Holborn, this is where the two tunnels meet for the crossover. The rails of the other tunnel can just be made out on the right hand side.

(Mar 2008)

Looking northward, back toward Holborn from the crossover between the two Aldwych tunnels. The tunnel leading to the platform that closed in 1917 is on the left, partially hidden by the fencing. The platform that remained in use can be seen along the right-hand tunnel.

(photo:  c.1981)

Looking the other way: southward toward Aldwych station. The original double tunnel construction can be clearly seen here.
The tunnel on the left leads to the platform at Aldwych that was officially closed in 1917.

Note that the remaining track 'swapped' sides in the crossover tunnel and was subject to a speed restriction.

(photo:  c.1981)

Similar view as above but over a quarter of a century later.

(Mar 2008)

Approaching Aldwych from the western tunnel.

(photo:  c.1981)