The Failure of Ludgate Hill Station

[@richardwall2164]

It’s strange that when I was growing up it was the BBC that made this kind of well researched, well produced, slightly esoteric content. I’m grateful that there are folks out there keeping that tradition alive.

[@lefthandedspanner]

yeah, these videos definitely have the spirit of BBC2 documentaries from 30 years ago - it's one of their best qualities

[@DadgeCity]

The audience for this programme is about 50,000, which is what it's rightly getting on YT. The only reason programmes like this were commissioned and got 500,000 views on BBC2 was because (a) there were only 3 or 4 channels and (b) the BBC was run by fogies. Let's just be happy that YT and Jago exist, and let the BBC be.

[@BroonParker]

But, but ... Portillo!?! (I don't know about you, but he's one of those people that drove me away from the BBC to content online.)

[@andrewhotston983]

​@@DadgeCityLet the BBC be what? They force everyone to pay the licence fee - that means they deserve the attention of all of us!

[@JohnyG29]

@@BroonParker I really like his great railways journeys show, excellent stuff.

[@AFCManUk]

Jago, I've noticed in your videos, especially on that particular part of the Thameslink Core, you manage to get some cracking shots of the rails and trains. Perhaps sometime in the future, you could make a video that points out some of the best 'viewing spots' for trains in London.

[@alanclarke4646]

Yes please, Jago.

[@makkari1]

That would totally, completely nerdy. Bring it on!

[@cd0u50c9]

I second this! Yes please Mr Hazzard

[@andywarne963]

I watched the removal of the spans of the old LCDR Blackfriars bridge over the river in the 80's. I happened to be on night shift in an adjacent building. It was tricky because the bridge is sandwiched between the road and second rail bridge. They used the worlds largest floating crane towed across the channel from Holland which was huge enough to reach right over the other rail bridge. They did the whole job overnight. These days they probably would have closed the other two bridges for months.

[@geekandguide]

Great fact!!

[@alanmoss3603]

0:32 When I heard the words "Greed, recklessness and Impatience...!" I immediately thought this would be a video featuring our hero Charles Tyson Yerkes! Imagine my disappointment when it was about some other jerks!🤣

[@binarydinosaurs]

I was getting ready to DRINK only to be foiled.

[@andeegreen]

Me too! 😂😂😂

[@rollinwithunclepete824]

The repurposing of old railroad infrastructure in London is the most fascinating thing to this American! Loved the video, Jago!

[@paulhaynes8045]

I had the opposite experience last year in New York walking the High Line in a rather puzzled state of mind. It's a great walk - relaxing and interesting, and far preferable to doing that journey at street level - but wouldn't re-purposing the old infrastructure to provide much needed additional metro trains have been better?

[@LuckyFlanker13]

@@paulhaynes8045 I agree - It could've been the basis for a far west side elevated subway line (oh how oxymoronic that is) that the west side of NYC past 8th avenue desperately needs. Lost opportunities amirite? Too bad it would be too difficult to bring the L train train to the surface so it could use the high line to head north.

[@eattherich9215]

'... built on a foundation of greed, recklessness and impatience ...'. Pretty much the standard modus operandi.😂 @14:11, I occasionally travelled into Holborn Viaduct and if you had a window seat on the left side of the train, you could just see the tracks that descended to the Snow Hill tunnel.

[@juliansadler6263]

@@eattherich9215 The third rail was extended a short distance on the Snow Hill line so that if a freight had difficulty on the gradient an electric unit could couple on and pull it up.

[@limeyfox]

In steam days there was a banking engine stationed at Farringdon to assist southbound freights up the incline. By the time the brake van stopped beyond the siding points, the train engine must have been in Snow Hill platform! The banker dropped off and crossed back over at Ludgate Hill, the controlling signal box was accessed from the westernmost platform at Holborn Viaduct and straddled the Snow Hill lines on a gantry, must have been a job keeping the windows clean of grime and coal exhaust!

[@juliansadler6263]

@@limeyfox I remember the signal box. It was still there after the track was pulled up.

[@dirtywaterpj_dj]

I remember the Ludgate Hill rail bridge and now I feel old.

[@razzle1964]

I remember, fondly, a pub called ‘Ludgate Cellars’ which was located in Apothecary St (just off Ludgate Hill). It closed in 1991 & demolished shortly thereafter. I, too, feel old.😉✌️

[@williampratt1066]

I remember seeing the remains of Ludgate Hill station just before it was demolished (along with the bridge over Ludgate hill)

[@juliansadler6263]

​@@razzle1964And The Old King Lud is now some sort of business called 'Leon'. The number of pubs shut since the 1970s is staggering.

[@juliansadler6263]

When Thameslink first opened the low level platforms at Snow Hill were visible as you passed. There was a staircase up to Holborn Viaduct for staff.

[@razzle1964]

@@juliansadler6263 Yes! I remember that pub, too. Aah, halcyon days, eh!

[@a11oge]

Winner of KZbin saying this week "... built on a foundation of greed, recklessness and impatience ...". A bang-on video Jago. 👍

[@ianthomson9363]

And no mention of Charlie boy!

[@brucewilliams8714]

In my teens, here in Australia, I saw the photo of a train on a viaduct with St Paul's in the background. On my first visit to Britain in 1977, I walked up to the cathedral expecting to walk under that viaduct. Alas. Thanks so much, Jago, for supplying all this fascinating information to assuage my earlier disappointment. You are a trove of great value.

[@gurglejug627]

Assuage - are you Keir Starmer's dyslexic brother? ;)

[@samadams2203]

I do love how ad hoc so many stations and lines were. Very human.

[@Julius_Hardware]

"The First World War made things worse..." How true on so many levels.

[@scottmcginn2169]

"If your train has been delayed for six months, you may be entitled to delay repay"

[@Keithbarber]

@@scottmcginn2169 not long enough by today's standards

[@unclenogbad1509]

Just fill out a mountain of forms, speak to about a dozen 'Customer Service' reps, and then wait. And wait. And.....

[@robbojax2025]

Nice piece of London railway history

[@tantaf123]

Love starting my weekend with a new Jago Video.

[@phil_p]

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed these videos around Blackfriars. I’ve worked in the area for around 10 years and seeing the history has been fascinating.

[@RogersRamblings]

A most adequate account of a most inadequate facility.

[@mcarp555]

Towards the end of this video (around the 15:00 mark), there's a quick 'before & after' shot of the Ludgate Hill site from the same perspective. I think it would be enjoyable to see more like this. It certainly gives a powerful indication of how London continually changes.

[@bobblue_west]

( a powerful indication of how London continually changes.) Which is a reason we need grade listing and preservation else everywhere would look like Canary Wharf and Westfield malls.

[@FitzElda]

I remember the iron trestle bridge that bypassed Blackfriars station, it was removed in 1985, the piers are still in-situ.

[@brianfretwell3886]

One set supporting part of the widened Blackfiars station, of course. Just a pity that, during those woeks they reduced it from 5 platforms to 4 so less trains can be diveted there during line works between Herne HIll and Victioria.

[@hairyairey]

The old iron trestle bridge appears in the only episode of Van Der Valk filmed in London.

[@FitzElda]

@@hairyairey The bridge in that episode is actually Hungerford pedestrian bridge next to Charing Cross railway bridge

[@hairyairey]

@@FitzElda I checked it against pictures online of the old Blackfriars Bridge. There are a few.

[@ricolasroc5890]

Always been fascinated by this station. I remember the frontage being revealed in my first year at college, only for it to disappear forever.

[@LeeSmith-cf1vo]

I hadn't realised that ludgate hill was physically still there quite so recently! Also, the gradient between city thameslink and blackfriars, while it may be less steep than the old one is still not exactly shallow!

[@seanbonella]

JH is never a failure...great vid again

[@pauljmccluskey5532]

19:48 I was working in London back in the 80s and remember the bridge that used to carry trains down from Holborn Viaduct and pass over the bottom of Ludgate Hill, until the sad day when they pulled the bridge down and built the City Thameslink station.

[@birdsbayes]

I always love the photos of Holborn Viaduct that crop up on this channel when relevant. I never got to use it as it closed just before I was born. Whenever I see pictures of it, it looks like a heritage piece, like something from an entirely different era of rail travel, but it's not even 35 years since it closed. I guess it just makes me realise how old I am these days. It's closure is closer to the Beeching cuts than it is to today, by some distance. I just really love the styling of British Rail in that era. I know it was one of the nadirs of the railways in the UK, a horrible period stuck in a low investment leads to low usage leads to loss making leads to low investment era, but it absolutely had style. I've lived in Reading for a long time and Reading Station used to look a bit like that, until the redevelopment in 2013. The new station is miles better laid out and less cramped, and the service is much better with way more platforms and trains, but I do miss the 1989-2013 Reading Station that I used for a few years after I moved here. The escalators were quite shallow and you could bike down them - when I first tried to bike down the escalators in the new Reading Station I thought I might come severely acropper - and one escalator always gave the impression it was about to drop you down behind the counter in Burger King. I guess what it is in the Network South East colours and styling? Muted blue and white but with some jaunty red appearing here and there. The railways may run better these days (post-Covid disintegration notwithstanding - they'll recover from that) but I do sometimes wish I could pop back to 1990 and try out Holborn Viaduct, ride the old Silverlink Metro, take a train from Moorgate up through Essex Road, and finish up at the old Reading Station. The trains would be worse and probably mostly late, but I'd get too see some cracking station design and branding.

[@brianfretwell3886]

Of course Thameslink originally opened on the old alignmet to the west of Holborn Viaduct station (some track was still down, I believe to bring power up from a subsation) and when the bridge over Ludgate Hill was removed the road level at Ludgate Circus had to be raised to keep the steep incline to Blackfriars managable (1 in 28 IIRC). That work was done in the last 1980's/early 1900's. I well remember one day a 4 car frain (one class319 unit) started off from City Thameslink for Blackfriars with the rear offside shoe missing, when the front shoe hit tha gap at the crossover the train stalled. the reason I rememberthat is that the train I was catching was right behind and it was taken out of service to push the gapped unit to the depot. Whne I suggest ed it I was told that backing up to the far end of the 12 car platform and taking a run at it was not allowed!!!!

[@theburritoo]

7:37 WHAT NOT CHARLES TYSON YERKES!!

[@thegrimeater]

Exactly what I thought 😂

[@loddude5706]

I'd dusted my glass too . . .

[@spencerhardy8667]

When one expects a Yerkes but receives a Staats Forbes, the disappointment is palpable.

[@StevensPaul]

"Y?!" 😮😊

[@TheAltonEllis]

my knowing smirk turned to “HUH??”

[@Londoncycleroutes]

Loved this, what a great tale - one of your best videos in a while! Keep up the great work

[@tw25rw]

I remember the remains of this station and caught one of the last trains out of Holborn viaduct when it was a demolition site.I also regularly used the previous Blackfriars station. They were nothing special, but this has me wanting to go back to see it again.

[@teecefamilykent]

Possibly the best video you have done to date sir, congratulations!

[@mikkoistanbul1322]

Seeing yet another abandoned spur and at least the facade of another abandoned tunnel makes me wonder if Jago could do a video about them all? Maybe it would make somebody think of a new line using them, a la Snow Hill. And of course call it the Jago Line....

[@MrPete1x]

You are right about the magazines! Well done Jago, another great video.

[@rainingmoneyx]

I would like to see a video on how the Southeastern and LCDR drove each other to bankruptcy and having to merge together to survive

[@johnmurray8428]

That would be interesting.

[@goldenclouds75]

It would also be very long

[@johnmurray8428]

@@goldenclouds75 that is very true

[@TootlinGeoff]

I used to commute from Dartford in the early 70s and there were a few trains to Holborn viaduct which was convenient for where I was working just off Fleet Street. You could clearly see the old snow hill tunnel from Blackfriars station. There were statues at either end of the road bridge for industry and commerce. On the other two plinths were lions with a paw on a globe. On the plinths, some wag had inscribed "Football" 😉

[@MrBreadman1966]

if anyone is interested here in the UK CH4 are showing a six part series about "Abandoned railways from above" on Saturday evening (21/9/24). It might make a interesting view for the discerning railway viewer.

[@AtheistOrphan]

Series link set to record.👍

[@loddude5706]

Considering what been done to 'London's topography ever the centuries, one wonders where they put all the 'spoil' - or are the bigger chunks of yesterday just endlessly recycled, until they become tomorrow's pebbles yet again? "Love the Gilbert-Scott gravel on your space-port's new driveway, nice & scrunchy under foot" : )

[@stevegreen8262]

Essex and Kent mostly, I think some of the wharfs of the Royal Docks ended up down the road from me, just outside Sidcup.

[@cd0u50c9]

One of the best videos in a while, and they're all generally to such a high standard. Kudos Mr. Hazzard!

[@ianhudson2193]

Only went into Holburn Viaduct once..... ......thanks for doing this....clarifies a lot of recent rail development in London....I remember seeing bits about ThamesLink being built but never really paid much attention at the time.....

[@paulketchupwitheverything767]

My first proper job involved visiting a client near Holborn Viaduct a few times a year. I recall it as a fairly odd station with a bit of a desolate and forlorn air about it. There was little or none of the extra retail, food and beverage activity that you would find at Victoria or Waterloo. No grand entrance, just doorways onto the street. I think it knew its days were numbered.

[@Redblockish]

Here's me sitting here wondering what time period Jago will cover today- "...[Borne of] Greed, Recklessness, and Impatience"- ah a Victorian railway project then.

[@WolfmanWoody]

I well remember the bridge over Ludgate Hill when I worked at a trading bank opposite St Pauls in the mid-eighties. We used to visit a vegetarian restaurant under one of the arches in the viaduct since my colleague was a vegetarian. Interesting story and thank you.

[@1258-Eckhart]

I was working at that time in Queen Victoria Street and had lunch at the same place. The Kelp Pie was quite wonderful. Do you remember its name?

[@WolfmanWoody]

@@1258-Eckhart No, I tended to stick with the hotpot, bolognese, or hash, things like that. It all seemed the same to me, but there was always plenty of it. I don't think I ever finished a plateful.

[@melodymonger]

Another fascinating slice of London railway history 😃. Thanks Jago for providing me with a regular fix of all things London now that I live so far away in Australia 🙏.

[@MrGreatplum]

A great and detailed dive into that complicated history of that part of the railway system! 👍🏻

[@raythomas4812]

Boring to some , Fascinating to others - I'm in the latter . Great Video Jago. Always makes me feel a little melancholy of what has gone , I know it's progress....

[@limeyfox]

Really great video, I find this area of London’s railway history fascinating. If I may point out one minor discrepancy, the new Thameslink gradient down from Blackfriars to City Thameslink is a frankly bonkers 1:29, making it considerably STEEPER than the old Snow Hill gradient and actually the steepest adhesion-worked passenger line now open on the national network.

[@alexmckenna1171]

Glad they didn't demolish the Old King Lud pub on the corner.

[@oc2phish07]

Thanks Jago, for another extremely interesting and well presented video.

[@karengillett4448]

Love your videos. Thanks also for the discount link for Readly.

[@dungbetel]

Another great and instructive yarn

[@Blade_Daddy]

Another detailed gem.

[@goldenclouds75]

Fantastic! Your best video for some time.

[@wrestlcub]

This was fascinating. Thank you!

[@paulhaynes8045]

When Thameslink was first proposed (Thameslink 1.0, not the huge network we have now), I was told by someone that they planned to reuse the old bridge pillars next to Blackfriar's Bridge to cross the river. So, railway nerd as I am, I waited and watched - for bloody years! And they never did. Anyone know if there was any truth in this rumour - and, if so, why they didn't double the bridge? Also, what was the original bridge for and why was it removed?

[@chrisrichmond403]

What caught my eye around the 6h30 min mark on the building on the right that below the advert Bovril was .. Tour(s) could not make out if the S is there hence the brackets , Isle Man with the Triskelion ( 3 legs), What happened to the Of ? It’s Isle Of Man 🇮🇲 . That’s where i live .. What’s interesting and unique is that is being advertised South of Birmingham , Normally we are overlooked and or confused for the Isle Of Wight .

[@robincoleman1350]

The line through Ludgate Hill and Holborn Viaduct was replaced with a cut and cover line through City Thameslink in a matter of a few months!

[@alcasey6548]

Here's a did you know. So the branch line to Battersea, mentioned in the first minute of the video, gave rise to (what used to be when I was reading the Guinness Book of Records in the 1970s) the pub with the longest name in the world, that was in Battersea, and was 'The London, Chatham and Dover Railway Tavern'. I thank you!

[@trevormillar1576]

I thought this was going to be about Ludgate CIRCUS station (Jubilee line, never built).

[@frglee]

Sadly, only in our imaginations can we take a Fleet Line service from Charing Cross to Thamesmead Central, calling at Aldwych, Ludgate Circus, Cannon Street, Fenchurch Street, St Katharine Docks, Wapping, Surrey Docks North, Millwall, North Greenwich, Custom House, Silvertown and Woolwich Arsenal.

[@drnoeltredinnick5983]

That imagined line could start at Baker Street and be a Jubilee line split after Green Park (heading SE). The line could utilise the former tunnels to Charing Cross - and from there use the "new" dreamed-of line you're proposing above. Wouldn't it be luverly - if such a line ever materialised. How useful it would be. Noël

[@trevormillar1576]

At Ludgate Citcus they got as far as excavating the lift shaft. I looked into it once, from the top.deck of a bus. A very disturbing experience.

[@trevormillar1576]

Anyone remember Holborn Viaduct Station?

[@peterdavy6110]

Nothing can replace Holborn Viaduct. Gone and still missed. Really should re-name "City Thameslink" as Holborn Viaduct.

[@paulhaynes8045]

On the subject of Thameslink, I know it was a huge construction project, but, down here in Darkest Kent it sort of passed us by almost unnoticed. Our local station briefly had a Thameslink (1.0) service to Bedford - very useful for getting to the Hell that is Luton airport, but this disappeared when the Thameslink revamp started. We were supposed to get our service to Bedford back when Thameslink 2.0 chugged along, and then one to Cambridge instead (useful for - what??), but neither happened (because pandemic, other excuses, no one knows). Then, one day I had to go St Albans and, to my surprise, found myself changing at London Bridge - onto a wizzy new Thameslink train. Then I needed to go to Gatwick - change at Victoria, as usual. But no, now change at London Bridge and another Thameslink train, this time south! Almost unnoticed (by us Herbs down here, at least), a huge new rail network has appeared. And yet, seemingly without all the fuss that went along with the creation of the Overground. Is it just because I live in DARKEST bloody Kent these days, too far from London to be relevant, or was it really like this? I may have missed it, but I don't even recall a Jago video on Thameslink...

[@erniepeters1695]

I don’t know why but the disclaimer on your map graphic stating “Not to any kind of scale” had me busting up laughing.

[@paintedpilgrim]

I do remember one of my last instances of commuting when I lived in London that a Thameslink train broke down, and we had to leave the train, via that path you stood on for that last shot. I had heard if the station at Ludgate Hill, but never could quite figure out it's location....but it makes sense that the sole use it could have in recent years is as an emergency escape route.

[@AlfaRomeo128]

i love the railway’s layout at blackfrairer area much like the model railway you can ever dreamed of

[@AndyMcCavish]

"built on a foundation of greed, recklessness and impatience" How did the barista's comment on my coffee order this morning get into a Jago video?

[@JohnMcGann90]

38 seconds in and for some reason my brain has taken me down the rabbit hole of the McAlpine family tree!

[@maryc267]

Really interesting Thank you!

[@MrAceyJay]

I already have back issues but maybe Readly can keep me entertained when moving is difficult.

[@haroldsmith45302]

Good video, thank you.

[@isashax]

That is a sad story! Thankfully Thameslink bettered the line.

[@gsygsy]

Fascinating, as ever

[@rainyfeathers9148]

'... train delayed by six months' Bro that was me at Kentish Town West 2 weeks ago🦴💀🦴🎒. I 'unno about demolishing houses for a train station, didn't even do it right...😬.

[@Anonymoususer_8823]

Bit like what happened to Holborn Viaduct station that was replaced by City Thameslink station. And not forgetting Broad Street station that was right next door to Liverpool Street and Moorgate stations.

[@DarrylAdams]

With such financial shenanigans, i suprised the chanbels patron saint Charles Yerkes was not mentioned

[@JW1_1]

If Holburn viaduct held on for a few more years, it would be thriving under the vast improvements that the railways of London have had since. Plus, I reckon it would ease congestion and be handy for trains that are running late and in rush-hour. As for Ludgate Hill, well, pride indeed cometh before the fall!

[@RichardFraser-y9t]

Afternoon all

[@pauls6963]

I have always wondered what happened to the viaduct above Ludgate Hill. Was it simply scrapped or does any of it remain somewhere intact?

[@williampratt1066]

Completely demolished

[@MrMaxemme]

Great video!

[@alfsallander3400]

I also thought the intro would reveal yet another Yerkes scheme, alas still interesting. Today's chatchphrase guess: "You are the South Eastern Railway to my London Chatham and Dover Railway."

[@Deepthought-42]

So ! The moral is; if you want to build a railway into into London, build it first and complete the London terminus later. At least you you get the railway built and complete the terminus later! HS2 take note

[@JW-lr1mc]

Well done

[@LondonTubeVisited]

Great video :)

[@a-_-s]

More of these longer videos!

[@VictorianDad]

Is City Thameslink the only station not named after a specific place? No, I don't think The City is specific enough.

[@richardherbert1375]

To me, it's still Holborn Viaduct!

[@Tevildo]

Seven Sisters isn't really a _place._ And, of course, there are several stations named after _two_ specific places.

[@stevegreen8262]

Victoria?

[@Tevildo]

@@stevegreen8262 Good point. Victoria Street (SW1) was there before the station, but it's still named after the queen rather than the location.

[@stevegreen8262]

@@Tevildo ironic, considering the OP's name

[@eddisstreet]

I used to like the bridge at Ludgate Hill.

[@MaxTSanches]

Sometimes I wonder why there are strange shaped buildings in town and then I look at google earth and see the old routes of a railway, road, or other convance. Even when gone they still leave their fingprints. :)

[@AndrewGruffudd]

Ha! I LAUGH at your 4.55 in the morning. We actors often have to arrive on set around 4.30am - especially when makeup has to make us look a bit human. Ha! Lay-a-bed sluggards! Etc... x

[@UK.RoadsCyclingandTransport]

I am defiantly aware of Ludgate Hill but genuinely thought it still existed due to the topic being brought up in previous videos

[@tobypoynder]

Where is the old station sign now (14' 40")? Looks like it is on an estate in the country somewhere.

[@viking1236]

It’s a pity you can’t walk the track from Blackfriars to Farringdon, I used to do it regularly lots of old stuff to see if you are a rail historian.I

[@paulketchupwitheverything767]

The shot at 1:13 hints of some of this. I'm always intrigued as the train passes under Smithfield Market and you catch a glimpse of various galleries, sidings and doorways in the dark before you arrive at Farringdon.

[@viking1236]

@@paulketchupwitheverything767 we used to use an access from the underground car park that opened onto the old sidings when were were working on Thameslink, if you went right old platforms, emergency escape routes, vaulted ceilings, took a party of Civil Engineers down there, it was like trying to herd cats, they were everywhere, so much to see!

[@roblyndon5267]

Does "more haste, less speed" apply to commenters as well?

[@lassepeterson2740]

Ludgate closed officially , but it is said that from time to time in that busy confusing mess f stations the odd passenger train used it to unload due to signal mans mistakes .

[@SirHeinzbond]

well to this moment i barely have heard about that london "thing", not even that ludgate thing too....

[@michaelkinsey4649]

Colonel Yolland - I'm pretty sure he was the Inspector on the Dartmoor Railway, and so probably many others. Would he make a subject for a video?

[@SteveW139]

UK railways were for over 100 years subject to an official inspection before new lines could be opened to the public. This was done on behalf of the government by Her/His Majesty’s Inspector of Railways who was appointed from the Royal Engineers.

[@neiljackson3133]

Thanks

[@JagoHazzard]

And thank you!

[@PLuMUK54]

Not surprised that Little Earl Street is no longer there, a Queen always trumps an Earl.

[@archstanton6102]

Jago - i still thenknyou shoukd produce some merchandise with Yerkes face on. Mugs, tshirtz etc

[@rsmith2312]

The building that replaced the station, the former Baker McKenzie offices with Boots on the ground floor, is in the process of being demolished. I think the footage of New Bridge Street may be a year or so old, possibly even pre covid? That said its important to view rhis location in the context of first half 20th century. London was the biggest city in the world, and this location was the true cross roads of the world. You could sail to Australia or take a train/ferry to Paris & Europe. It was at rhe foot of Fleet St for the world's press and William Lever chose this location for Unilever's head office. Plus rhe GPO was just up the hill as was St. Paul's.

[@josephinebennington7247]

Jago, inspired by the image of the rly bridge over ludgate hill, on googling, I note there are two tracks leaving Blackfriars, and heading for Ludgate hill, but disappear in about 100yds. Where does that go, and does it take a steep dive under streets?

[@josephinebennington7247]

Watched to the end, and my Q was answered.

[@user-wm3hu7lo1g]

Have you seen the news, Mr Hazzard? ‘It deserves to be called iconic’: London tube map creator’s archive goes up for sale | Design | The Guardian (adding link in separate post)

[@Andrewjg_89]

If only Ludgate Hill and Holborn Viaduct stations still existed today and with City Thameslink station still was built. With Southeastern using Holborn Viaduct and Southern using Ludgate Hill. Maybe it could have been just like London Bridge that was demolished and rebuilt to accommodate more extra trains and extra passengers.

[@paulbennett772]

Hi, my father lived at Herne Hill & worked at Wardrobe Court so he used the line daily. Is this débacle, in your opinion, the worst in London's ignoble railway history, or is there something even worse?

[@Tevildo]

I think the demolition of the Euston Arch might have the edge on it.

[@1258-Eckhart]

Working in the City in the 1980's, I was puzzled at the total absence of anything like a station or ex station site along Farringdon Street. The picture of the revealed façade at 14:25 is the answer to my unrequited puzzlement, thanks!

[@pleappleappleap]

Do you think that, if it had still been standing, Broad Street Station might have been useful for the Channel Tunnel/HS1 traffic?

[@EdMcF1]

A standard annual season ticket from City Thameslink to Blackfriars appears to cost £888.