Archway | Hidden London Hangouts (S06E05)

Chris and Alex discover a hidden gem at Archway and explore the astonishing disused passageways of a station that has seen many changes since it was first built. Meanwhile Siddy and Laura receive the Tiqets Best Global Hidden Gem award for London Transport Museum's Hidden London programme.
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[@davidclemson7555]

Thank you soooooo much. I was born in Archway 1949 and remember the station very well when i was a toddler. My father was a welder for London Transport and we used the underground a lot. I left when i was 17 and this is the first time since then that i have seen the station. Again, thank you and compliments on your great video.

[@dustojnikhummer]

This is the "behind the scenes" stuff people should be allowed to see, even if we aren't allowed to enter the area. Thank you!

[@PrograError]

maybe not nearly everything. terrorist might just take advantage of those spots if they are smart enough. then again you'd need a 3D map to navigate under London if you are going for those...

[@trainrover]

and who do you suppose might be inclined to be hiring some terrorist..?

[@trainrover]

the futurama in _Subway_ ended up being sealed though

[@dustojnikhummer]

@@trainrover What subway?

[@trainrover]

Paris boasted a maze of utility passages wherein Japan's disappearances would've loved to settle...watch _Subway_ starring Christopher Lambert & Isabelle Adjani ;)

[@darrylvernon2549]

I took trains in and out of Archway sidings many times over the years that I was a Northern line driver. I wasn't fond of reversing in underground sidings. Noisy, hot, and dirty. Much preferred open air sidings if I were turning short, but sometimes, there was no other option.

[@harlowkeith]

Another superb episode from the gang. Who would of thought Archway had so many hidden passages.

[@mitchellgiffard1978]

Should of shown Highgate station has many more hidden secrets.

[@JP_TaVeryMuch]

​@@mitchellgiffard1978 Well, we'll just of to wait for that pleasure.

[@sarahjoyholden7856]

Ooh, I love that green tiling 5:37 5:38 very smart. I wish KZbin could just teliport me to it now with these two marvellous men.

[@ACELog]

I well remember the old lifts, but at London Bridge station. I started using that route in 1964 when I started secondary school in the City. Lovely old gate type doors, that the lift operator chappie would slide shut when the lift was full! And the indicators outside being mini "lift" blocks, that slid up and down to show which lift was next. If I was at the front of the queue, I loved looking up the shaft watching the lift coming down! Then, in (probably) 1966, saw the excavation of the first escalator tunnels.

[@Echoes1910]

It’s taken me a few days but I’ve just got round to watching this episode and I LOVED it. Thanks Chris & Alex who presented Archway to us and made us feel like we were there with you.

[@chrisnix6352]

Thanks very much for that feedback. That was the feel we were aiming for so it’s great to hear that’s how it landed!

[@alexgrundon2346]

Bless your heart x

[@richardlangly4635]

I think I've just found my new favourite web series! My father was a civil engineer on the railways (albeit British Rail, not the underground), and some of my favourite memories are of him taking me through disused or off-limits passageways in various stations around the country. Not often, mostly if he got called in to work on a Sunday or something when there weren't many people about! When I'm in London I also like to imagine the corridors and platforms and stations hiding behind doors or latterly-installed walls.

[@stephendavies923]

I have just found your channel here on YT and subscribed. As a Londoner who has always been interested in all things tube, hidden, lost and historic, my jealous level is currently through the roof. Now to become ever so more envious, it's time to watch your back-catalogue. At least I have many hours of entertainment ahead of me. Well done you lucky fella's and I guess I will get to know the ladies as I watch the earlier videos. Thank you for filming, recording for prosperity and sharing your experiences with us.

[@davidjay2803]

I worked for the London Transport Architects Department between 1978 and 1984. During that time, I worked on the large refurbs of Oxford Circus, Tottenham Court Road, etc. as part of a large team. Myself and another colleague also worked on the refurb of Archway during that period. The green and cream tile layout, including rounded heads, was part of our design, as were the tubular metal "trees" at intervals along the platform, which were designed to carry cables, speakers, etc., with the intention keeping services neat and tidy. It is good to see that our work survives around 40 years later.

[@alexgrundon2346]

I think I love you. What a great job you did

[@chrisnix6352]

Thanks for reaching out with that David. You did a great job and it’s survived really well.

[@njbaumgartner]

Superb video! My son and I both pass through Archway every day, so this was especially interesting and illuminating for us!

[@TheBoooooman]

In the 2000s, I worked in Archway Tower (above Archway Station) for almost 10 years. Had some superb views across London from the top floors but had absolutely no idea of the history of the tunnel work deep below! Great video. Subscribed!

[@annajacko9383]

It was so good seeing your genuine reactions to every feature, they were the same as my reactions. I loved this episode.

[@unittaskforce]

What a cracking episode. Fantastic to see you exploring this for the first time, love the excitement. Some great detail and good to see the history of the station unravelled.

[@mrbma]

Interesting new format tonight. Love the introduction. Great episode as always. Well done on the award. Looking forward to future episodes. Keep up the excellent work !!!

[@martynthomas7486]

Hello team, first of all congrats to Siddy and Laura on their award and I'm also delighted that you're nosing around a station I suggested a few weeks ago. Now for the Kentish Towns perhaps?

[@alexgrundon2346]

Martyn thank you so much for the tip-off!

[@Pez1979]

Oooo - I'd love to see South Kentish Town. I visited the surface building after my exploration of Archway. I saw that there is some kind of subway opposite on the traffic island and wasn't sure if that was another entrance to the Station when it was open 🤔

[@alexgrundon2346]

Kentish Towns are both to come!

[@jasonturner3270]

Awesome story on a somewhat forgotten station. I have a genuine Archway sign that somehow found it's way here to little old South Australia. Keep up the good work all, always enjoy your content!

[@jacksugden8190]

Hi gang, this was one of my local stations when I lived in Highbury for 35 years, I remember the two lift shafts (not in use) by the stairs down the platform, never saw it’s location from the booking hall, have some paperwork and track plans along with original station building by Mr Green, looking forward to seeing this film, see you then…

[@timothyp8947]

Another episode I’ve really loved - thanks gang! Really interesting to see this as you’re both exploring where neither has seen. Chris obviously quite excited but determined to be methodical, Alex darting around like a puppy. A big thank you to whoever gave you the tip! How can this possibly be a job 😊

[@helenhickman8449]

Oh wow ! Yet another wonderful episode. It was so good to be able to explore with you both. So so exciting & interesting.

[@mrbma]

Love a good aka station me !!! Looking forward to the history lesson here Mr Nix.

[@andymiller4971]

What a fab behind the scenes at Archway .... another super production...well done to all .

[@bjornlarsson7751]

Amazing video,it is very interesting to be able to see the hidden areas of the station.

[@alasdairmunro1953]

Absolutely brilliant guys!

[@mikebeazley5415]

Very interesting, this general area of North London was my childhood. As a kid from the early fifties, when I was old enough to travel on the tube, a friend and I travelled extensively exploring London North of the Thames. I must spend a little more time exploring your site, great stuff!

[@paulgiffen6836]

Hi team well done on picking up this amazing award, this episode must be the best so far what a superb find, looking forward go visiting Archway soon. 💖

[@johnreynolds5103]

Such a cool episode guys! And congrats on the award!

[@municipalsignage7986]

What a fantastic episode. So much to see at the system. I used the staircase a few times at the station over the years so was aware of the white and brown leslie green tiles. As 90s refits go with the green and white it’s looks nice. The ventilation shift was great too, I have those grills at Clapham North too so maybe that is worth exploring.

[@dereckmason4788]

What a superb video on archway,very interesting and informative , congratulations on the award I am sure the girls will be having a drink or two

[@alexgrundon2346]

Or five😊

[@mrbma]

Maybe an Archers !!! Boom boom !

[@Pez1979]

Strangely enough - I explored this station myself just a few weeks back. I was having a good look at the lift portal area and a Station Colleague came out of one of the doors and told me all about the station, we chatted for a good 20 mins. He even told me that there are plans to double track the branch out to Mill Hill East 😮

[@Shalott63]

Hello, thanks again for cheering my Saturday evening up. Last week I'd had two teeth out, this week I'm feeling a bit woozy because I've just had a Covid booster (and the jaw still hasn't settled down yet), so I definitely felt the need for a bit of cheering up. Just what the doctor ordered!

[@stuartwright4670]

Please get this station on the Hidden London tour, it would be amazing. pleeeeeeease

[@muzza9575]

Ah my weekly dose of "Carry On Down The Tube" did not disappoint !😊 Where else can you learn about tunnels, big torches and little torches. Another great episode by Alex (Kenneth Williams) and Chris (Sid James) . Just returned from 3 weeks in London but still appreciating the innuendo from Melbourne😀 Thanks guys.

[@alexgrundon2346]

Matron. I have to say I thought we were quite light on the comedy this week. We were so dazzled by what we were seeing

[@gwebs9582]

This is brilliant

[@srfurley]

Going back to the LNER steam service to High Barnet via the side platforms at Highgate high level station, some years ago I was a quite recent visitor to the projection room at the Phoenix Cinema, East Finchley. In the Booking Hall at East Finchley Station there is a large window with a LT roundel, and another piece in the shape of the LNER white text on blue logo, but now just plain clear glass. I sometimes took the Train from East Croydon changing at Kings Cross Thameslink for Kentish Town and then the Northern Line from there to East Finchley. If I took the stairs down at Kentish Town there was a door part way down leading into the escalator machine room. There was a glass window in the door and if the lights had been left on, as they usually were, it was possible to see the machines. I have a feeling that window may now have been blocked up, but I’m not sure.

[@bostonrailfan2427]

have never heard of this station but watched to see it and got hooked…proving why your museum is on my must-see lost

[@pappy9473]

Grew up just off Highgate Hill, almost lived Archway Station.. Great adventure video. 😁👍

[@joltzapgaming3831]

look at this every morning, and i always wanted to know if there was smth up there (13:41)

[@Bucknills]

Brilliant!

[@b_altmann]

That was very interesting! Finally someone who has keys

[@alexgrundon2346]

Urbex done the right way 😜

[@fintytin5771]

I looked up when I first watched HLH - it was during season 1 and Aldwych Long term fan here !! 😍😍

[@barrieshepherd7694]

I'm sure you guys know, but but for those that don't you 'wave' to the driver to acknowledge that you have seen them, and the train, and will stay clear. Gives them some confidence. It's very important when on surface railways.

[@andyg6520]

Fantastic episode!! also Any plans to visit British Museum, I've done this twice myself but its only accessible by track from Holborn or TCR

[@alexgrundon2346]

On the list!

[@Lisbonized]

BM does not disappoint!

[@wubberlover]

Loved the tile work what a gem of a station bet the girls will be miffed lol . Warren.

[@janiebarker2687]

This is Something Else 😃

[@stevecriddle]

"I've got the keys" "And I've got the secret" I genuinely laughed out loud at that.

[@Afc1987]

It's a fantastic station wow

[@stevenspraggs4953]

love this had to subscribe keep up the great work steve

[@alexgrundon2346]

THANK YOU 🙏 SO MUCH!

[@ljrigsbee]

What a fab exploration of Archway, and I’m really loving the format for this episode! Quite exciting to go along with you while you’re seeing these amazing old station features for the first time. Just curious- the part where you were looking up into the overhead vents on the platform reminded me of London Bridge. I spent some time walking around the Northern line areas, trying to figure out where the old bits that you visited were located in relation to the current station. I could see up into some of the vents, but not sure if I was looking up into old C&SLR tunnels, or if it was ventilation tunnel that was added later. Couldn’t see very well as I did not have a massive torch!

[@chrisnix6352]

Thanks Laura glad you liked it. Re London Bridge: superb work Detective Rig(g)sby allow me to play Murtaugh… You worked it out correctly - the vents you were looking up connect to the original C&SLR tunnels. At that end they were repurposed to connect to a new vent shaft. I’ve explored that one on my own when the fans were isolated last year whilst filming SOTLU. The TV company didn’t want to include it as there was just too much there! It’s an incredible space. Impressed that you worked it out.

[@ljrigsbee]

@@chrisnix6352 Thanks for clearing that up!

[@poggs]

I've used the spiral staircase so many times and I've always wanted to know what was behind the grille near platform level. Thank you so much for showing the secret bits!

[@jeitoots]

My local station. Never knew there was so much hidden!

[@christineedmondson5851]

I lived at the Archway from 1955 until 1971 and used Archway station on a daily basis. I had no idea the underground section was so big.

[@ianbird6997]

Just come across your channel, always been interested in the The underground 👍👍👍

[@alexgrundon2346]

Welcome!!!

[@simonbiggs9102]

1 word needed..... wow

[@redhound4889]

Fascinating to see what went before; like modern archaeology. It's a common misnomer to call helical staircases spiral. I'll get my hat.

[@sarahjoyholden7856]

Archway has the best tiles and angles yet.

[@lucifarian93]

Excellent appreciation of the history and fabric of something so familiar and still to this day has character. Use of archive images is a bonus. Wish they had kept the original tiles though seems like vandalism/ laziness to me.

[@StennMathis]

Best thing about Archway is that there are many routes out of there

[@raphaelnikolaus0486]

6:34 Spiral staircase with (according to the sign) 113 steps. That's the (actual) equivalent of a SIX (108) or maybe SEVEN (126) storey building! 🤓😎

[@derekfitzgerald6494]

I remember using the lifts at Archway when I was a kid!

[@alexgrundon2346]

Tell us what it was like….

[@mrbma]

Had its ups and downs !!!

[@johnhehir508]

When Highgate high street was by passed a tunnel called the Holloway was created ,sadly after a massive cave in the earth was dug out and a bridge was put up over the archway road ,at hornsey lane (cruelly nickname suicide bridge) that is how the Holloway road gets it name it led to the Holloway Road tunnel

[@baxtermarrison5361]

Perhaps a question for a future episode.... on the deeper level lines the loading gauge clearances are rather snug, was this a cost issue at the time of construction or does it have a benefit as far as airflow and ventilation is concerned? The less of a gap then the greater the 'piston' effect as the train moves through the running tunnel, but also the less efficient as far as the actual running of the train due to the volume of air it needs to displace forward. Or perhaps I'm just over thinking the entire thing!

[@johneisen6341]

Hampstead Tube station would be an interesting station to visit too. It's quite a deep station. They got rid of the soil on Hampstead Heath.

[@chrisnix7981]

Hi John. We've already got you covered! HLH S3 Ep23: Hampstead first aired 19 June 2021. You are right - that station's a beauty!

[@TwoWholeWorms]

"Old and fabulous" just like Alex! ;)

[@alexgrundon2346]

Ain’t that the truth!

[@combatwomble5584]

Why are there mirrors to check corners at 19:32 ?

[@joltzapgaming3831]

to see what is ahead of u

[@combatwomble5584]

@@joltzapgaming3831 Covering a blind exit to a driveway I would understand but what's moving through that space that needs an advance warning?

[@joltzapgaming3831]

@@combatwomble5584 You never know what happens in archway 💀

[@edbridges1164]

Cornice & Cartouche sound like a Stage Comedian Double Act! You know "Ladies & Gentlemen Please Welcome Cornice and Cartouche!" Then everyone cheers lol! Nice to see you finally done Highgate....... Oh hang on! Nope it's Archway lol!

[@Krzyszczynski]

I'd hoped to see a wee bit more about what happened to the surface buildings. Both the original Leslie Green one in Junction Road and the newer side entrance by Charles Holden, round the corner on Highgate Hill, were gone by the early 1970s. The corner site was open space for a number of years, and I've fairly clear memory of a curious polygonal structure in brown stone that stood there. Anyone else remember that?

[@oskar6747]

I have always wondered why your tunnels and stations are made of round tunnels whereas our (Helsinki) metro built in the 80s and 2020s is made with square tunnels and large station halls? Our trains have also 2+2 seating and higher ceilings.

[@raphaelnikolaus0486]

UERCL - C for Consortium maybe? (If not Company/Companies.)

[@Afc1987]

Archway Station is clean and tidy compare to other underground stations

[@njetvideos001]

You can tell Chris used to be a teacher when he talks.

[@je6874]

Can you guys show the disused Archway subway that has since been hidden?

[@Kestrel029]

UERCL .... Underground Electric Railways Company of London

[@levigaming-1]

Is it me or is the old tunnels in this station reminding me of Leslie green designs

[@fernandlehners7787]

are there any people left who know what all these cables, connectors, switches,... are for?? Looks like many things were installed and then forgotten about it.

[@wclifton968gameplaystutorials]

UERCL probably stands for "Underground Electric Railways Co. Limited", a likely predecessor to "London Underground Limited" but on Companies House website I could only find "London Underground Limited" and not UERCL...

[@Krzyszczynski]

According to Wikipedia, the formal name of the enterprise was Underground Electric Railways Company of London Limited, which quickly became shortened to UERL, dropping the somewhat redundant "C" and second "L"..

[@chriss9177]

There’s a great chemistry between these two, it wouldn’t surprise me if they are co presenters and lovers.

[@alexgrundon2346]

Best friends not lovers! But thanks for the kind words

[@RichelleOffer-qy3zl]

😂 dropped down one level

[@carlevans8529]

Hi catching up with some episodes and watching North End ( bull and bush) I notice patches of graffiti. With the site being under lock and key and out of bounds to the public how does it appear.

[@alexgrundon2346]

Trespassers, with or without a camera in hand usually

[@gary1705]

Nice places for a mugging 🙈

[@alexgrundon2346]

Safe as houses!

[@britannia55]

Seems like taking out the lifts (access for wheelchair users and prams) to escalators going backwards in access for all

[@alexgrundon2346]

A number of stations are now adding lifts back in addition to the escalators for that reason.

[@chrisnix6352]

All but four is the stations built with lifts still had stairs as the lifts didn’t go directly to platforms at most sites. Sadly they were never step free. At Knightsbridge they have put the lifts back as Alex refers to but they’ve also had to add another lift from there to platform level.

[@davedrew9328]

Seeing the Guys switching on lights makes me wonder is LONDON UNDERGROUND generate its own Electricity ?

[@JP_TaVeryMuch]

Up until very recently yes it did. The magnificent power stations are well worth looking up ~ Greenwich, which is the smaller of the two and Lots Road in Chelsea which was the main one and used basically the same Rolls Royce jet turbine engines as Concorde. Now that's being turned into flats whilst the other is kept as an emergency supply now that the tube takes its power from the national grid.

[@jacksugden8190]

UERCL Underground Electric Railways Company Limited The Underground Electric Railways Company of London Limited established in 1902, there’s information and a map within the Wikipedia pages online.

[@Timesend]

I bet you guys have seen some shit down there

[@alexgrundon2346]

Ohhhh yes!

[@JP_TaVeryMuch]

Pigeon and rat mainly.

[@kevinwingfield2007]

Enormous turds?

[@johnhehir508]

Archway was called Highgate station ,when Jerry Springer was born there during the second world war🤔

[@mrbma]

I thought he was born at the actual Highgate as we now know it. It was being used as an air raid shelter I think. Nixy ?????

[@chrisnix6352]

@mr BMA is correct.

[@B400]

Why does the Matrix come to mind 🤔

[@trainrover]

having resettled Isle o' Dr Seuss ages ago, it pains me to watch so many numbskulls around G.B. there submit themselves to Corporateria's banality :shivering:

[@mrbma]

What ???

[@trainrover]

it turned out this pair seems to have retained some independence from their productionist bosses.........

[@alexgrundon2346]

Yeah. Learn and laugh. That’s what we aim for

[@petrosros]

Boring.

[@alexgrundon2346]

😂

[@stealthybushcraft4545]

Such boring geeks

[@JonathanGwyer]

19:07 UERCL - Underground Electric Railways Company of London en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Underground_Electric_Railways_Company_of_London

[@londonlover69]

I lived in Archway for 16 years

[@harlowkeith]

Another superb episode from the gang. Who would of thought Archway had so many hidden passages.