The North Woolwich Railway: A Series of Unfortunate Events

North Woolwich railway station is one of the most prominent abandoned stations in London. Some would say it was always destined to be so. Let's look at the phenomenal run of bad luck that plagued the North Woolwich Railway.
Route maps courtesy of www.railmaponline.com
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[@davidsummer8631]

If I saw that station building from a distance I would straight away think "That has to be a Weatherspoons"

[@alisonlee3314]

😆

[@PurityVendetta]

It's pronounced Neverspoons 😉

[@Calum_S]

The toilets would be at Tidal Basin.

[@atraindriver]

A Wetherspoons? Thankfully it hasn't suffered that fate.

[@davidsummer8631]

@@Calum_S Lets not forget its in the same area as an arsenal

[@Astragali]

"If you've ever taken the Woolwich Ferry, you might have noticed this building here, either getting on or getting off." I'd definitely notice a building using a ferry, I have to say. ... I'll get my coat.

[@sarac.3259]

Boom boom 🦊

[@Rog5446]

That's why I subscribe to Jago, always educational. Today, I learned that Free is considerably cheaper than paying a fare.

[@sirmeowthelibrarycat]

🤣 Hysterics all round!

[@camotech1314]

The best information

[@williamcarrington61]

A gem of information , 100 %

[@joncrawford3485]

"This map has it listed as Tidal Basin Urinal Station..." Taking the p*ss there aren't we, Jago?

[@sirmeowthelibrarycat]

😂 Indeed - an unfortunate juxtaposition of wording on the map . . . !

[@chrisamies2141]

sensibly it's near a pub which may have been the Railway, later the Artful Dodger.

[@althejazzman]

No just taking a piss there.

[@SteveInScotland]

I don’t know, I think it flows quite well.

[@andyrob3259]

@@chrisamies2141 useless bit of information: we have a cafe called the Artful Dodger near us here in Melbourne. 👍👍

[@MedlifeCrisis]

My flat was in this video 🙂 I often run on that creepy footpath and in fact all round almost every location in this! I wonder if I saw you in my neighbourhood and chalked you up as another pesky KZbinr. I write this comment on the DLR overlooking Millennium Mills. Love your vids.

[@jake4101]

Keep up the good work, gentlemen!

[@alexandraclement1456]

Docks, bridges, tunnels, ferries, air raids, football and DLR, oh my.

[@dennistay9980]

But no castles :/

[@stephenlee5929]

@@dennistay9980 and no Yerkes?

[@Richardsrailway]

Once a busy terminal station and goods yard for the great eastern railway long ago , the museum that used to be housed on the premises of north wool with old station was a hidden gem , every Sunday after for a free day with my mum as a kid , brilliant little museum , Shame on Newham council for closing it .

[@alanmoss3603]

Must be the ghost of Charles Yerkes hitting the dislike button! I can think of no rational reason why anyone would dislike this video!

[@clivebaxter6354]

I think it's the most boring one he's done

[@MrLeatherman23]

I disagree with the detractors. I can't say it was riveting. But, it was far from boring. Thanks for the extra effort!

[@russc788]

The reason maybe to tell KZbin what they like and don't like so as to get better recommendations. It's likely not personal.

[@prudencepineapple9448]

Maybe they're Plane-Spotters?

[@Quick_Fix]

Or they find 12 minutes too long? Either way, I can't think of a valid reason either. 🤔

[@alejandrayalanbowman367]

A bit of a slap in the face for the Queen Mother, for it was she who opened the Museum way back in the 80s and had even arrived at North Woolwich hauled by the Flying Scotsman.

[@keith800]

Shame to see the terminus building standing derelict , be great to see it once more restored to its former glory and put to good use for the public benefit Be also great to see the pier also restored and also back in use perhaps for river tours.

[@AtheistOrphan]

Sadly the terminus building is owned by a bunch of rather exclusive happy clappy Christians.

[@johnm2012]

@@martinr1834 Nice Jesus doesn't care about material possessions, such as Grade II listed buildings. The owners should be made to take care of it or give up ownership.

[@keepingitrealandtruthful.5081]

@@AtheistOrphan I would rather some happy clapping people restore and make use of this building rather to see is being derelict and run down. We know what happens to buildings that get to the point of disrepair.

[@keepingitrealandtruthful.5081]

@@johnm2012 I'm sure they will be made to take care of building as we know it's listed.

[@johnm2012]

@@keepingitrealandtruthful.5081 Unfortunately, listing a building doesn't preserve it and it doesn't oblige the owner to maintain it. It simply puts certain restrictions on how it can be modified.

[@frglee]

Fond memories of a Geography school trip I organised in 1986 from Camden Road to North Woolwich to show the students the ideas of the London Docklands Redevelopment Corporation. Gazing over the depressing abandoned King George V Dock from the lockgates, I tried, not entirely successfully, to enthuse the students to imagine the view in the 21st century, but the area has actually changed far more than anyone imagined then. We also went on the Woolwich Ferry and back through the foot tunnel, which judging from the screeching echoes, my charges enjoyed far more.

[@caliburn50a]

An extra large dose of Jago this morning

[@rainyfeathers9148]

I hope that building gets cleaned up soon, that's a pretty sad story. I feel like the building understands😅

[@grndkntrl]

Just a shame it's now owned by a bunch of religious nutjobs who milk the gullible for money.

[@automotivel3501]

Used to knock around there when I was a kid. Get the bus from Greenwich to Woolwich, cross over the river on ferry, I used to image I was a great explorer, daring to be so far from home (SE10). That or walk through park to Blackheath, then get bus to Charlton Lido, the water there freezing even in the hottest summer. Walk down from Shooters Hill to Ferry. Halcyon days.

[@jimbegin6554]

My goodness, you went on longer than the “North Woolwich”! And no hopes dashed! Thank you!

[@Stephen_Lafferty]

Yes, I enjoyed the longer format video! Between 7-12 minutes is a nice length for in-depth discussion of historical details. Thank you!

[@AcornElectron]

12 minutes? You’re spoiling us sir! Keep up the good work fella and stay safe 🚂

[@TheNemocharlie]

The Woolwich Ferry. Ah, the very name conjures up the smell of the engines that used to propel it in the early sixties, that you could see hammering away. Nostalgia at it's best. Looking forward to that video in particular.

[@davidjohnson00001]

But that smell was nothing compared to the "bad eggs" smell from the nearby gas works.

[@peterdean8009]

In those days I remember the Thames smelled pretty bad too.

[@tobys_transport_videos]

@Roger: "Nostalgia at *its* best" not *it's* (it's - it is). The smell of those old British diesel engines was quite something! I remember it well! 😊

[@iankemp1131]

You didn't have long to wait - it appeared 2 days later. Very appropriate.

[@para2440]

many happy memories taking my son to the museum, such a shame it closed, it is sorely missed

[@librarian16]

I did once go inside the North Woolwich station building when it was still a booking office, and went from there on a train to Palace Gates pulled by a class 21 diesel loco.

[@MarcusJayMusic]

That museum used to be an absolute highlight for me as a kid, tragic that it became abandoned. A shame also that the gorgeous old pub opposite was bulldozed about 20 years ago and now remains mere wasteland. That little corner had such warmth and soul in the late 80's.

[@TheDoctor342]

Yknow when I found your videos I wasn't a train guy but I was a 'likes short, well produced documentaries about things people are passionate about'. Thanks to you, I now think I'm both.

[@Bunter.948]

"This video was rather longer than usual" but, if this is remotely possible, even more informative, captivating, educational, enjoyable, - Oh dear, I seem to have gone on rather longer than usual. Thank you, Mr H. Another superb contribution to your readers (viewers?). Simon T

[@strikefirst4015]

Great video. I went to the Train museum as a child back in the 90s and it was wonderful. It's such a shame that it closed down. Please do a video on the old gallions reach train station and the p&o ferry terminal.

[@AnnabelSmyth]

That was such a splendid museum. I was so sorry it closed.

[@lwilton]

This is one of the few videos I've watched where I felt the need to pause and take a deep breath at the end of the video, as after a long sprint. That was a lot of history in 12 minutes.

[@john1703]

Most instructive, enough information to require a second viewing, thank you.

[@mintybadlamb]

I can’t help feeling that this Jago character with his superior knowledge should be educating on a wider scale. I hope this extended video, (thanks, Jago) reaches a bigger audience than before and future videos continue in this vein. Hat politely doffed to you, Sir.

[@capabilityred3606]

What a wonderful video, a real trip down memory lane for me. I had the pleasure to visit the North Woolwich Station Museum back in the 1980's and 90's with my family. It was an absolute treasure box of local railway history and I most definitely remember the turntable. I just wonder what happened to most of the items? Thanks for this video, a joy to watch!

[@anthonyhatfull5484]

We lived in Beckton in the 1980`s when the kids were very young, and we loved the North Woolwich Old Station Museum, with the preserved booking office. We would get the train from the new station, and it would take us all the way to Kew Gardens with no changes. Kew station had a bar that opened onto the platform.

[@w00df0rd]

Great memory. 👌🏿

[@hyperdistortion2]

Longer than usual Jago video? Count me in. Really interesting as always!

[@barrydysert2974]

i hadn't noticed the length until you mentioned it. That is a very good thing. Excellent! Thank you. 🖖

[@keithcacahuete8066]

I did travel on a heritage steam engine from the Woolwich station it travelled a short distance along the line then back again, I even got to ride on the footplate, and also took photos of the parked teak railway carriages used as activity centres, I also fondly remember the museum itself. I also have photos of the sidings in the area taken when I worked there in the 1980s, rusted lines and a derelict diesel shunter engine.

[@stephengoodwin7123]

Back in the mid 80s, this was part of my commute from south east Essex to a contract job in Woolwich. South Woodham Ferrers to Wickford, Wickford to Stratford, then Stratford to North Woolwich, before using the pedestrian tunnel to get across the river. I spent many a happy hour wandering around that little museum and remember that little blue Great Eastern class 209(?) loco well. Sad to learn that the museum and loco are now gone and that the station is in such a poor state. Thank you JH for this trip down memory lane. (God I feel old!)

[@bob56gibson]

I saw the museum once and I was very impressed with the turntable. Shame it closed.

[@JustJane23]

The North Woolich station Museum was a great place to visit especially at Easter, my children loved it. Such a shame it closed.

[@TadeuszCantwell]

What a useful arsnal of information!

[@neilforbes416]

A trip along Barking Road would certainly be "ruff"! LOL

[@peterdean8009]

Did you know, the German for 'barking' (with a small b) is 'bellend'? True!

[@neilforbes416]

@@peterdean8009 Ja, das ist doch richtig! (Yes, that is correct!)

[@chrisprobert794]

Facinating glimpse of things from my childhood, thank you.. My dad was last Superintendant of Woolwich Arsenal's in-house power station.

[@David-sv7by]

Thank you Jago, a very complicated history of this line explained. Truly hope the building can be saved and re-used for public benefit. Listing does not always protect buildings fully.

[@baxtermarrison5361]

I had noticed the building whilst alighting said ferry, however I have never witnessed the building getting on/off the afore mentioned boat!

[@johnm2012]

Buzz. Repetition of "building"!

[@baxtermarrison5361]

@@johnm2012 Just a minute...

[@Roblilley999]

As videos about the North Woolwich railways go, this is up high with the best.

[@robbybobbyhobbies]

First ten years of my working life were at Uni of Greenwich, starting in 1992 at Woolwich and finally moving to other campuses when they closed Woolwich down in 2000-and-something, Thanks for filling a gap in my local knowledge that my laziness failed to fill at the time. Never used the ferry, never visited North Woolwich.

[@mdhazeldine]

There's an incredible amount of history in that part of town, considering it's not THAT old compared to West London where it's like "this was built in 1705....and it's still the same now". Haha

[@MW-ty1dv]

I really enjoy when you incorporate information on the London docks. I remember calling at the Tate and Lyle sugar berth on the Thames in Silvertown in the 70's, I believe it used to have its own pub inside the dock which was only open when a ship was alongside (but I could be imagining that!)

[@johnledingham852]

I was absolutely fascinated by this video. The beautiful North Woolwich station building is magnificent to behold. In my imagination, I can see it being turned into a wonderful family home. Or even a first class restaurant. So many useful opportunities that would be accepted by the community. May the demolishers never swing their smashing ball anywhere near that precious little building. It must be preserved. It should never fall.

[@SeventhSwell]

I can't even imagine seeing a building getting on or getting off of a ferry. That really must be an amazing sight.

[@mikayla9146]

Lemony Snicket, A Series of Unfortunate Events. Great books I read all of them growing up.

[@mooglesmodelrailways]

I remember visiting that museum when I was at university on the other side. Still have the book I bought in the museum on the North Woolwich Line. Walked through the foot tunnel to it but got the ferry back. Happy days...

[@stephenpegum9776]

I've driven past that imposing-looking building several times in recent years after travelling northwards on the ferry. I had no idea what is was until watching thus video!! 😎

[@thewyj]

I learn so much through your videos and two things today totally surprised me! Woolwich is split in two by the Thames, I hadn't really noticed North Woolwich before The DLR only started running to Woolwich as recently as 2009!

[@ashleyjarvis954]

Wow, what a history. I never knew it was so layered. Did use the station in the mid nineties to get friends in Canonbury - it was looking tired then, but delighted to see most of the sections reused.

[@ianhudson2193]

I've never seen that building getting on or off the Woolwich Ferry.....😮😮

[@stevetaylor1312]

Many memories of my youth have once again been brought forth by your excellent knowledge. Thank you.

[@brianscales9912]

Another VERY interesting video ! I travel between Woolwich and Stratford High St daily. I remember the old Silverlink trains running past the sugar factory at Silvertown to Stratford and the museum at North Woolwich. Thank you for another great video to 'stir' the memories! 👍🙂

[@robertseaman9680]

Travelled to North Woolwich many times from 2002 to 2007 to use the old ferries..good breath of river air!

[@heinkle1]

What a lovely building. Surely someone can lovingly put it to use?

[@Jablicek]

Twelve minutes, Mr Hazzard? You do spoil us :)

[@donholden8355]

Used the North Woolwich line from ‘66 to ‘71 travelling from Stratford to Silvertown. Used to huddle in a coal fired waiting room at Stratford after one train after another was cancelled and when I finally arrived at work (Keiller’s) there would be a red line drawn at 8:10 p.m after which time you were recorded as late.

[@steveallen808909]

great video north woolwich feels like a very strange place hope you can do a video on the palace gates end. i cannot believe how ugly that wood green shopping centre is one reason to be a timelord and change history for the better,

[@mickeythompson9537]

Always loved that old station - excellent video on the history surrounding it!

[@stuartosborne6263]

Looking forward to the video about the Woolwich ferry.

[@BibtheBoulder]

I went on the Woolwich ferry many years ago. It stopped mid-Thames as there was a problem with the ferry coming the other way. We sat there for almost an hour, and as the ferry rocked from side to side I got sea sick. Never been on it since....

[@eldqvist]

They've got some swanky new hybrid diesel ferries now, so that shouldn't happen. Only issue is knowing when it's running due to industrial action.

[@eattherich9215]

'Never been on it since...' I can't blame you. I took the ferry once from the south side just for the sake of it.

[@johnm2012]

There's the foot tunnel as an alternative, assuming you're not put off by the stories of it being haunted.

[@BibtheBoulder]

@@johnm2012 Alas the class 3 HGV I was driving was too wide for the foot tunnel....

[@18robsmith]

What a "glorious" walk it is alongside the tracks. In days gone by there were all sorts of bits of industrial relics around there, and some fairly modern low-rise "affordable" housing. I really must take some time to see what the area is like these days.

[@eattherich9215]

I went out there last month. The station looks sadder than ever and there are buildings going up in the corner by the old pier.

[@michaelmcmonagle5196]

Having grown up just down the road I visited the museum a few times as a lad. Would have loved to have seen it become a heritage line.

[@brendaflower7790]

What a shame, lovely old building.I remember riding on the old steam ferry. Learnt some things I was unaware of ,very interesting.

[@DavidFrankal]

So much backstory in just one line! I really hope something nice is done with the North Woolwich station building - bring the museum back?

[@davidosilverman900]

"Tidal Basin Urinal Station". 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 I see what you did there

[@Powerful_Raf]

I caught the the train from Stratford to North Woolich every weekend, walked through the Woolich foot tunnel and caugh another train from woolich dockyard in my teenage years to visit a good friend that had moved to Erith. In those days the line from Stratford to North Woolich was known as The Silver Link and had purple stock. The same stock that were running on the First Great Eastern from Liverpool Street to Romford just with different wraps on the outside. I had no idea the station was now disused much like i have no idea why im sharing this pointless story, alas im enjoying being down the habbit hole on your channel at the moment. Subbed!

[@fumthings]

strangely, the mention of Woolwich area, prompted me to google again for my ancestor's place of birth ( i had been looking in the wrong parts of Charlton and Royal Arsenal), early 1850's little Marlborough street Greenwich. this series of Most Fortunate Events has now unravelled the answer, namely, that little Marlborough street is parallel to Marlborough street which is now named Lassell St in Greenwich. So thank you Jago.

[@ShedTV]

I've been looking forward to this video since a brief image of North Woolwich Station on your Surbiton Station video sent me down a Googling rabbit hole. Thank you, I was not dissapointed.

[@shrikelet]

I think I need to watch this video again in the morning. My brain at midnight cannot cope with the glory of the North Woolwich Railway.

[@AtheistOrphan]

3:37 - Destination Docklands! That view brings back memories of the Jean-Michel Jarre concert I attended there in October 1988.

[@williamcarrington61]

The stench of the River Thames would be lessened slightly by the Tate and Lyle refinery at Silver Town. Many a time l spent waiting for a Foden sugar tanker , and enjoy a trip to Froxfield. And then get bounced around going back to Silver Town. Happy memories of School holidays from Romford.

[@johnlaw3984]

I travelled on that line in about 93. It was run down then. Nothing really there just my friends pub up the road on some forsaken industrial estate! Hated it and took so long to get there from the side of Kings Cross (as I took the coach from Bournemouth to Kings Cross) I did also walk the foot tunnel to Woolwhich proper. And took a train from Woolwich Arsenal a bit quicker back.

[@user-de4cq6uk6l]

I can only imagine how long it took to draw that map at 2:56. Mad respect

[@mrkangaroo83]

I think that's the rather fantastic Rail Map Online, it shows current and former railways (you can select to display only historic or current or both together.) www.railmaponline.com/UKIEMap.php

[@DEEDUBZ]

North Woolwich, although based in East London used to be considered by many as a segregated part of South London...and still do to this day. Also other parts like Silvertown, Beckton, Crossharbour, Mudchute and Millwall..basically the whole Docklands area that borders the River Thames.

[@grassamupson]

The loco that was displayed in the turntable pit at the museum can be seen in its working days on a photo used by Jago in a show about the Decapod locomotive at 6m35sec.The 229 was the star exhibit.

[@majorpygge-phartt2643]

I used to live near woolwich, on the south side, back in the 60's and we used to cross the river on the ferry but I don't remember seeing that old station, but I was only a kid at the time.

[@chriszanf]

Used to go to parties in the pub (The Royal Pavilions) that stood opposite the station and used the line on a few occasions to get home after. Also used to walk through the foot tunnel in the mornings which was always an experience! The outside 'chill' area was right near the old pier and always wondered what it was.

[@jgodfrey546]

Somewhat longer than usual...? Fftttt. Time flies when yer havin' fun.... Great as always, sir!

[@prismaticmarcus]

Thanks Jago. You're the unique maxim to my regular viewing.

[@barbaraprest783]

Thank you once again !

[@General_Confusion]

So presumably, when the Woolwich ferry closed down in 1844, not only did it leave a gap in the market, but also a gap in Woolwich.

[@merledoughty5787]

Lockdown here in New Zealand so what better way to go and see these places and thankyou Jago Hazzard I get to view my favourite city and see so many places of interest, great when we can get to return to the UK, makes me home sick well tourist sick if there is such a thing

[@jameshowson5897]

Fantastic video you have answered all the questions I had when I used to use the ferry and see the old lines, thanks for you content dude

[@Stevedd33]

Thanks very much for this fascinating video, it brought back many memories from when I lived in the area. Looking forward to the video about the ferry.

[@Bentcypress]

I really like this longer video. The others really are too short. Thanks.

[@marcomiedema4303]

Splendid! Thank you sir!

[@anomalousoddity]

absolutely love this one brilliant job

[@Ben-xe8ps]

I can remember that old station building being in use and the DMU operation in the 1960s.

[@teecefamilykent]

Thoroughly enjoyed this video sir.

[@johncoe1413]

Very enlightening, thank you 😊

[@luisstransport]

Great video Jago

[@edwardoleyba3075]

As always 😉

[@eggyboy123]

I have ridden in and out of that station when it was operational. Once again thank you, very ineresting

[@nirgunapa56]

"You are the optimism to my dashed hopes"

[@Robslondon]

Really enjoyable video Jago.

[@sparkles6782]

I drove past this building the other day and was wondering what it was, great timing. It's fun to see videos about the place you live, great stuff

[@michaelgreen1515]

Great thank you. Looking forward to the ferry and the video about the port line.

[@Steven_Rowe]

And of course destination Alley Palley also bit the dust. The branch from Seven Sisters closed on 7th January. Actual the line went down the tube because of the tube. After 1932 the Piccadilly extension from Finsbury Park to Cockfosters opened and the line endured a lingering death of 31 years

[@sirmeowthelibrarycat]

😢 Oh, my! Where are those comforters you mention? Only on sale at Cockfosters, I believe!

[@Steven_Rowe]

@@sirmeowthelibrarycat a typo no doubt. Scwewy Google