South Kensington Station's Original Features | Hidden London Hangouts (S05E15)

[@petesmith2234]

Will always remember South Kensington. Used to catch the tube there with my mum as a kid to go the the science museum some 40+ years ago on a big day out to London.

[@UndergroundEric]

I need a hidden london bumpcap in my life for work… 😍

[@stevieinselby]

One of the reasons that posters and decor used to use much more vivid colours than we generally do now is that the lighting was at a much lower level, and so they _needed_ to use really strong and bright colours to make things visible and eye-catching than we do under the glare of modern fluorescent lighting.

[@daveharris7224]

What a wonderful station South Kensington is. And the way that the team presented it was fabulous. Now that the station has fully reopened, I intend to pop off there one day when I'm in West London. Thanks for all your efforts.

[@tedcopple101]

"We always want to go into the bit that says no entry." Only on my birthday 🤣

[@georgedavson9655]

Brilliant! I've long thought South Ken would have been a brilliant one for the gang to do! Lovely open-air Circle Line etc. Maybe they'll do a couple of minutes at Gloucester Road too, which used to be open-air too, just as an example of how you can ruin a site by decking it over.

[@chenahusky1]

The "Keatings Kills" poster, in the background of the 1927 picture, is for Keatings Flea Powder. The company "Thomas Keating and Company" still exists after 230 years, but now makes satellite parts.

[@alexgrundon2346]

Love this detail. 🙏 thank you

[@philroberts7238]

Now that's taking diversification to the absolute max!

[@timothyp8947]

Loved it today - used South Ken tube station a lot when I was a student. Alongside what you’ve shown today, memories of the long subway to the museums too. As always, never realised how much hidden there was - especially the experimental section of deep level district.

[@marcelwiszowaty1751]

Ah! We're you at Imperial?

[@timothyp8947]

@@marcelwiszowaty1751 nearly 40 years ago now

[@wegladstone1967]

This episode really brings back memories from when I used to live in London. I moved to the South Kensington area in 1959 and travelled on the Circle Line from there to Edgware Road. In those days there were four platforms in use for the District and Circle Lines: two for Diostrict and two for Circle. The bay platform had long since been disused but it was still perfectly clear where it had bee. And access to the Piccadilly line was lifts only: they stopped at two levels one Eastbound one Westbound and ther lifts could be accessed from street level.

[@villacork]

I worked at the station from 2000 to 2004. Loved every second working there. Been down to the old disused piccadilly lift shaft . Remember seeing the old posters for the first time. There is also one more tunnel about 100 metres long down near the piccadilly that you never shown for some reason. Also regarding the London underground garden's competition. I entered it in 2002 or 2003 and we won it. Had flowers all over the disused district line platform. Great memories. Love your video guys

[@Shalott63]

I'm really disappointed that you didn't rappel down the lift shaft after all (which is what I was guessing last week :D ). But I do sympathise with Alex, I wouldn't have liked those stairs either (mind you, spare a thought for the guys who had to put all that scaffolding up!!!). I'm actually old enough to remember using the lifts when I was a boy visiting the museums - they were old and overcrowded, and slow because they had to stop at two different levels, so the escalators came as a welcome change. PS If you like moody deserted platforms you could try Essex Road even when it's open ...

[@motherofdragons7048]

the atmosphere on out of service platforms is just incredible, the dimmed lighting, the trains crawling through slowly, the silence between trains. incredible! would make for some really atmospheric photos. what a lovely station in general! and the blue on those tiles is just gorgeous

[@zenzeleluckymtshali8433]

hi

[@srfurley]

Many years ago I was there with my mother. I can’t remember when it was, but I was at primary school and I’m 65 now. We were on our way home from the Science Museum. We made our way down to one of the side platforms, I don’t remember which one but I think both were still there at that time, to wait for the train. I then noticed there wouldn’t be a train coming because there was no track in that platform. Why the route to that platform had been left open I don’t know. There are several different shorthands, my mother did Gregg which isn’t very common. She tried to teach me, but I could never get the hang of it.

[@damiagunbiade]

One of my favourite eposides. I love that you went when the trains were not stopping. This is crazy that there's so much hidden history. Incredible that all this stuff is hidden. Wow I love London Underground

[@alexgrundon2346]

And we love you, thank you for your support. Means a lot 💙

[@damiagunbiade]

One question what was you spelling at the start there. That was great though. And Alex I just love the energy. Your job is like the best job along with Siddy, Laura and Chris.

[@AndrewTempest]

Great! South Ken was "my" station in the 90s and early 00s and I was always fascinated by the posters you found in the passages off the platforms . You could easily see them just by looking through the grill of the doors - no special access required!

[@gazritchie6077]

Another brilliant episode guys. Thank you. The tiles & posters!! Amazing.

[@marcelwiszowaty1751]

Lovely episode as always, guys! One point though... you referred to the escalators and associated passageways as having been introduced in the 60s but in fact it was the 70s. I'm well aware of this because as a kid I would visit relatives out at Osterley and the museums were favourite haunts for my sisters and me. Those additions came around 1975 IIRC. I'd note additionally that 60s style tended to use grey tiles (think Victoria Line and Euston, for example) but colour returned in a big way in the 70s. The first section of the Jubilee from Baker Street to Charing Cross comes to mind here. Anyway it's a minor thing so please more of your unmissable content!

[@chrisnix7981]

Hi Marcel. Yes you are right. The original plans to modernise the station were made in 1961 and renewed in 1969 but they only started in 1971. Thanks for spotting that and sharing your experiences.

[@marcelwiszowaty1751]

@@chrisnix7981 No problem! 😎

[@paulwheeler4283]

I had keep my eyes tightly shut when you were all extending the shaft I have a huge fear of heights but what an incredible station those orange tiles wow they were amazing it's so strange to see the platform closed signs feels like something out of dystopian future kind of post-apocalyptic film sounds I know thank you for another wonderful episode let's also not forget to mention a happy platinum jubilee to her majesty Queen Elizabeth the second 70 years dedication beautiful hats and memories xx

[@nixmixes770]

I took the tube to school when most of the deep tubes were lit that dimly and often very dusty. It was quite normal to see the sort of grime seen at 32:42, what with people smoking and dust from friction brakes too. Each platform had barely a dozen or so lamps like the one you can see at 9:45 with a single bulb (not brighter than old-style filament 100w) in the hexagonal glass shades. Only a few stations had florescent lighting by the 1970"s (Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square), then they did a wholesale re-fit in the mid-late 70's from when the fittings visible at 23:21 date. They must have scrapped the old glass lampshades by the thousand. The old light levels were a bit dimmer than the interior of the 1938 stock - all very atmospheric. When using the newer trains, the platforms looked really dark outside the windows by comparison. I'm glad the place is kept much cleaner now.

[@A60stock]

Although you have concentrated on the Piccadilly Line, back in the mid 1970s LT had a plan to build a raft over the open District Line platforms upon which there wold be offices and shops. Kensington and Chelsea Borough Council rejected the application. I wonder if the LT architects department plans exist in the Museum or Muniments?.

[@OofusTwillip]

26:57 - The poster from "The King and I" played at the Adelphi Theatre from Oct. 1973-May 1974.

[@MrBrianholding]

I'm a salutary tale. I started watching the odd London Hangout hoping to catch up on the Elizabeth line development , "i can handle it " I thought. Then I started looking out for the episodes. Now here I am, mainlining the livestream every time. Is there a helpline available?

[@alexgrundon2346]

Your fabulous words made it to this week’s episode!

[@MrBrianholding]

@@alexgrundon2346 thank you, you're very kind. I was surprised when I saw the new episode . Couldn't believe i was being quoted on one of my favourite you tube channels.nearly dropped my tea. Really made my day. Thanks for all the entertaining videos and keep up the good work

[@alexgrundon2346]

😉

[@Stormblessed117]

Great to hear you mention about the burial plots the Piccadilly line I remember them when I was working on the track change on the line back in the early 90s

[@JW-lr1mc]

FABULOUS

[@laurencecox2657]

I had never seen the poster with the dinosaur before, but on one direction the wall art on the platforms is of extinct creatures, I'm sure there is a dodo amongst them, while on the other platform it is creatures that are still in existence.

[@JW-lr1mc]

Hey. Mr Chris Nix, the shirt you wear in the video is one the my favourite brand ( Hackett ). Thank you !

[@alexgrundon2346]

I hope we all got the YMCA reference! Happy Pride Month. If you love us, we love you. Everyone’s welcome X

[@alexgrundon2346]

@Arsenal Emirates ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@TheTimGowen]

I felt for Alex on that stairway. The final bit of 55 Broadway was that metal step thing and I hated it!

[@jacksugden8190]

Great video team, some great engineering between the depths of the two tube tunnels, often wondered what was behind those Louvre grills - never knew it had a lift shafts, seldom used the station in the early series when I lived nearby, although I remember the platforms had those smashing blue/black/white tiles, blue tiles are still seen on the roofs of the platforms, think they tube platforms had lost its character. Future developments from Wikipedia In December 2016, Transport for London published outline proposals prepared by architects BuckleyGrayYeoman for a redevelopment of the buildings to the west of the station arcade and in Thurloe Street and space to the south of the station cutting on Pelham Street. The proposal includes bringing the disused northern platform back into use for eastbound trains, a new entrance to Thurloe Street, a reconfigured ticket hall and provision of step-free access throughout the station.

[@marcelwiszowaty1751]

Yes, I was wondering about those proposals to reuse that old Eastbound platform. Is there any news about that... aaaanyoooone?

[@sarahjoyholden7856]

I did Pitman typing and word processing qualifications in 88'. That takes me back.

[@Jim_Welch_OK]

The station is older than my state. Oklahoma!

[@jamesbulpin]

When you were sat on the platform, in echoey quiet with trains slowly passing by, it made me think of the Neverwhere TV drama. I hope you’re not trapped in London Below!

[@alexgrundon2346]

We ESCAPED! But that moment was so evocative. Hope you enjoyed it!

[@Extreme_Rice]

Really enjoyed this (as usual) and a station I know well from all the times I’ve been to the museums and the Proms. Glad to see the greenery getting a mention too, I wonder if there’s a potential episode in that?

[@dereckmason4788]

Another great vid keep them coming, Imagine if you had go down Hampstead via scaffolding stairs!,South ken top landing to first level is around 20m(60feet) so that's bad enough if you hate heights

[@alexgrundon2346]

Oh Hampstead….not that height arghhh

[@HouseflyUK]

I love these films as it shows what extra parts there are to the stations and that makes it quite fascinating to me. I have long been a fan of the London Underground and I enjoy travelling along its tracks and tunnels whenever I stay in London. Had to feel sorry for Laura there though! It looked like her head was going to explode! 🤣 I hope her cold didn't last that long

[@misolgit69]

was my local station till late 77 was surprised to see on Google Street maps those sky lights in the pedestrian tunnel it was horrendously dark in those days

[@mikkoistanbul1322]

Another great step back into yesteryear. But I have a slightly different memory of South Ken in the 50s when I used it twice a day. Particularly about the District/Circle platforms. Originally there were two westbound tracks, two eastbound, and the bay platform in the middle. The far eastbound track was used mostly by the District Line trains going non-stop from Earls Court to Sloane Square. (I think the trains originating in Hounslow West.) When they started to plan escalators to the Piccadilly Line, first of all they abandoned the westbound line on the south side. This made room for a new entrance from the street directly to the Piccadilly line. Next they abandoned and filled in the bay platform. This meant you could walk across between the east and west bound District and Circle lines. It also made space for the steps down and across to connect with access to and from the Piccadilly Line. And the area at the eastern end of the former bay track has flower beds on it.

[@mikkoistanbul1322]

I agree and remember it as you say. Never escalators down from where the bay platform once was, only stairs. The platform on the north side became unused as trains went nonstop from Earls Court to Sloane Square along there. There wasn’t an equivalent ‘fast track’ on the south side as far as I remember.

[@daveharris7224]

Not a station that I know at all, being from East London. I'm looking forward to seeing something totally new to me.

[@davidstone408]

Premier numbers are going to be interesting tonight with all that is going on with the Jubilee celebrations. Hopefully going to London tomorrow (Sunday) first Sunday operations for Elizabeth Line, open as a special event.

[@alexgrundon2346]

We did well with the numbers. Tallies with a normal episode which I hope shows we have a hardcore of lovelies who come to join the fun every week. Everyone’s welcome anytime

[@TERRYBARTLETTRAILMAN28]

Well I would suggest next week Tooting Broadway Station but you might have something else planned I'm sure Laura would like to be there so would I at least as well as the Charity Generate as that is the meeting point for so many of our social opps trips

[@Faithdenelzen]

Hi Fab Four 👌 Just started watching Hidden London. Love the London Underground 🚇 I have several different Underground collectables ie mugs, shot glasses etc From an Aussie Underground fan ♥️

[@VascoRoblox-yp5rw]

51:35 I don't wanna be rude but laura's sneeze part was hilarious.

[@alexgrundon2346]

She’s brilliant - we couldn’t resist leaving it in the edit

[@VascoRoblox-yp5rw]

@@alexgrundon2346 i know

[@laurahilton3210]

A choo 🤣🤣

[@VascoRoblox-yp5rw]

@@laurahilton3210 Bless ya 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@VascoRoblox-yp5rw]

@@laurahilton3210 Who has got a cold now is me (Not kidding). I can't stop coughing since this monday. I only sneezed 1 time per day only.

[@b_altmann]

Love the “Platform closed” sign. By the way, I experienced a mood like that on the Victoria Line platform at Victoria. But although the platform was completely packed, everyone was silent while waiting. It was in the morning, maybe that was the reason

[@jezp1976]

I am surprised that a new lift hasn't been installed in the shafts, as it looks like it has level access to both platforms.

[@nedeljkomrkic408]

Clampham junction for me is the best Jerry......the best !!! ❤

[@alexgrundon2346]

Clampham indeed 😉

[@johndaarteest]

27:08 Just looked on Google for Sally Ann Howes in the King and I and the year said from 10th October 1973 onwards for 260 performances.

[@EngineerLewis]

Did anyone else notice when Alex was talking about his backpack not letting the door shut, there was a poster next to the door saying "PLEASE TAKE OFF YOUR BACKPACK TO MAKE ROOM FOR OTHERS" (t=32:05) ? 😂

[@alexgrundon2346]

Well spotted 🤣

[@chrisnix7981]

Glad you noticed that - I deliberately left it for an extra second in the edit.

[@OofusTwillip]

"Keatings Kills" - The company began in the 1780s, as a chemist's shop. Thomas Keating made his fortune by marketing a pyrethrin-based insecticide. Pyrethrin is made from chrysanthemums, and has been used for thousands of years, because it's lethal to bugs, but generally harmless to humans and pets; though, in high concentrations, it can make humans lightheaded and dizzy. The company successfully diversified into patent medicines (throat lozenges, deworming tablets). As public health improved, sales began dropping. In WWII, the company switched to making machine parts, and then high-precision machining. Today, it operates as TK Instruments.

[@richardshanahan892]

Any hidden stuff in Eastcote ?

[@pureb7235]

South Kensington station is in dire need of a makeover. No escalators or lifts on the District/ Circle line which is ridiculous in 2022. Especially with so many tourists using this station to get to all the museums in the area.

[@RichardSearle1975]

Looks like that we are in for a gay old time with this station, by the look of the snap-shot here of YMCA...........................!!! lol

[@alexgrundon2346]

Bring your hard hat

[@sarahstrong7174]

Avocado in bathrooms was a seventies thing, not sixties.

[@trumptontally3383]

Those stairs…big nope 😮

[@gailpaton8667]

What happened to the editing in this one. It’s like we were suck in the Kennington Loop!!!! Have to say that I’m right there, Alex! It was brave to go ahead; I’d have waited at the top! I might have had. Better luck using the secret emergency stair case!! Cheers! Gail from Toronto

[@alexgrundon2346]

Eh? Editing?

[@alexgrundon2346]

Eh? Editing?

[@gailpaton8667]

@@alexgrundon2346 it kept repeating the same segment 2-3 times in one section. No worries! I still love you all! ❤❤❤❤🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@alexgrundon2346]

Not on the original. Was it your internet connection? The version online doesn’t have repeats

[@gailpaton8667]

@@alexgrundon2346 I will watch again later & let you know. I love watching these shows, Alex. I toured London in 1974 as a school trip. Our hotel was near “Old” Station! We were back briefly in 2018 as part of a WW1 and WW2 Battlefields tour. I love London! You guys are so awesome! Love from Canada!! 🇬🇧🇨🇦🇬🇧🇨🇦🇬🇧🇨🇦

[@zenzeleluckymtshali8433]

high good mornings thanks i did say that when u gave me coffee and bus fare from ... it was a crime not what u did and the trouble of the explaination abroad countries one.. country sorry again for the problems caused by the shipping c/o..i did say cleaning yes patience chldren i children is causing..but assist not required as required how

[@JayJamsSpams]

Good content, but barely a second goes by without someone talking. I think you could let the visuals speak for themselves a bit.

[@alexgrundon2346]

We’ll take the compliment. And thank you for that

[@zerokenshi]

Cringe as always, thanks Siddy. 🤣

[@alexgrundon2346]

What on earth do you mean?

[@damiagunbiade]

What's wrong with you. Disappear with the negative.

[@bt4086]

Stunningly cowardly comment.