Theydon Bois Tube Station - Only Unconnect

We're on the trail again of station on the Tube Map that have 'ticks' only, no connector blobs - they're unconnected, and this time we're out in the wilds to the part of the Central Line that is outside of London ... it's Theydon Bois!

[@sebastianohalloran9093]

My father was born and bred in Theydon Bois. The main joy is the lack of street lighting which is fiercely protected. His father bought their house brand new in 1938 as a teacher, admittedly stretching himself. You couldn't buy a house there now as a teacher!

[@adammcardle]

If there's not a gang called The Theydon Bois then I don't know what to make of the world

[@samuell.foxton4177]

They don’ Boys

[@colinbaker3916]

There was a Two Ronnies sketch where tube station names were linked in the conversation, and yes, it included a reference to “the Theydon Bois”.

[@Cchogan]

I wrote a radio comedy years back with a friend (which didn't get picked up). But we needed a larger-than-life character who would be a gameshow MC. So we called him Theydon Bois (which we pronounced in French, of course!)

[@geofftech2]

Great stuff! I always thought “Tufnell Park” worked well as well for the name of a stuffy businessman with a bowler hat.

[@JoshTheTrainspotter]

@@geofftech2hey Geoff I put a like on your video well done Geoff you deserve it

[@lefthandedspanner]

one of the Fast Show's "Jazz Club" sketches had a guitarist called Theydon Bois

[@dee74raz]

There is an American porn actor whose name is Brent Cross 😅, which is also a tube station 😮

[@dee74raz]

There is also DJ I know whose name is Colin Dale and it’s his real name 😮 And he hasn’t been to Colindale 😮

[@waddsbadds]

In a very popular sketch by the Two Ronnies (Ronnie Barker and Ronnie Corbett) they portray two railway workers commuting home on the Underground after a day's work. The entire conversation consists of puns based on the names of stations on the network. At one point Barker asks about Corbett's son-in-law, and asks: He was going around with the Theydon Bois (which he pronounces "boys") at one time wasn't he?" It's a very funny sketch and they manage to pack in about 50 station names

[@richardconnold5207]

I've just watched this. It's very funny, and it's very clever. "Silly Arsenal" 😂

[@darrenaitcheson795]

*Random factoid alert*. The builders of the footbridge (Arrol) also built the gantry that was used for Titanic's construction. (Admittedly they built quite a lot of things, but...)

[@MRmartuxxx]

You are one of my favourite KZbinrs. You make me feel happy.

[@d947]

Yeah he’s happy about the little things in life. Makes me happy too

[@nigelh4617]

"We are the Theydon Bois & District Rural Preservation Society... " 🎶

[@LancashireLass]

I came here to see if anyone else had that thought...

[@AndreiTupolev]

Just keep that bus away from the edge of the mountain

[@mcollier4566]

I reckon there is a GER insignia in that iron work. I think you can see a backwards R in scroll centrally, with a backwards G around it and a backwards E extending above and below through the centre.

[@gordonmcmillan4709]

You're absolutely right, but Geoff being Geoff I'm sure he knew, and the timing of that shot at 4:02 was deliberate.

[@AFCManUk]

🎵Theydon Bois, Theydon Bois Lace up boots and corduroys🎵

[@tommy-mu2gf]

villa de ville?

[@arthurvasey]

I was going to say that - until I saw your comment - it was actually Hersham Boys by Sham 69!

[@AFCManUk]

@@arthurvasey Lol, indeed it was. Also works for Chesham Bois :)

[@123stephm]

I like how Geoff thinks for accessibility for all…. It’s so important. Thank Geoff. Enjoyable video 😊

[@simonjones7727]

Frank Muir used to tell a story of heading into Essex to meet friends in the early days of TV when the studio make up for broadcasts was very heavy and involved rouged cheeks and lipstick. He described how he had lost his way and pulled over to ask a policeman for directions. "I'm looking for Theydon Bois" he said, to which the policeman replied "I bet you are".

[@watchmakersp9935]

Interesting the station has a clock from Paddington...so jammy of them...and guess they could not bear to give it back!

[@martyonline1957]

The Bois are back in town

[@sonicsboy678]

I was just thinking, "It's been a while since I've seen a new Geoff Marshall video." And now, here one is! Thank you!

[@aeronautic2374]

There have been many videos about funny and silly names on the Underground, which included Cockfosters and Piccadilly, but no one ever mentioned Theydon Bois (much to my dismay). Nice to see it get a video!

[@stokesbradley]

You are a great filmmaker Geoff, I've learned a great deal from your techniques! Its the way you keep this complete train nerd feel to the video whilst not being overpowering and allowing your average viewer to enjoy the content too. Its quite unique and enjoyable for everyone.

[@Sim0nTrains]

Was great to see Geoff excited about that secret exit at Theydon Bois. Nice video

[@zeristor]

it has been the main entrance on rare occasions when maintenance work was being carried out, albeit decades ago.

[@peterwroath1166]

There is no "Southbound" platform at Theydon Bois, only East or west bound (although admittedly the westbound platform does point south 🙂 I well remember driving a 62 stock train into Theydon Bois station in the late 1980's - in ridiculously thick fog. The only way I knew I'd reached the station was a collection of old fashioned oil lamps lining the edge of the platform.

[@simonbond6941]

Despite the announcement it is known locally as “boys” , however I’m a big fan of only fools and horses so ”Boyce” works!

[@Nooticus]

Yeah. No one locally pronounces it the French way… god forbid 😂

[@PopeLando]

At least there doesn't seem to be a tautology at Theydon Bois. Near Chesham is Chesham Bois, and you can find yourself driving past a sign saying "Chesham Bois Wood" which of course is the wood in Chesham Woods.

[@stickynorth]

I love it when subways end in rural areas or big fields. The Edmonton LRT for the longest time did the same thing when it ended at Clareview in the NE before it was filled in with a jankily planned and built TOD... Just wheatfields and sidewalks to and from the station in the middle of nowhere... Like that famous Chinese one!

[@alloallie]

I kept wondering why the village is called Theydon Bois and not Theydon Wood ("Bois" being French for Wood). Turns out the Bois part is the surname of a family that once had a manor there. Who knew !

[@antonydandrea]

You were in my ends! Debden only just got a step free to the platform last year.

[@fredstrainandbusvids.]

I’m glad that the old central line trains are still in service, they’re one of my favourites

[@richardwager283]

I still think that they are the new Central line trains 🤦🏼‍♂️ 😁

[@AndreiTupolev]

Eeeh, the 92 stock is the old trains? You ought to have tried the 1959 or 1962 stock 😓

[@norbitonflyer5625]

No concrete plans to replace them yet - Piccadilly are being built and then bakerloo if a budget can be found.

[@OnboardG1]

When I was a kid we used to stay at my Nan’s there. I have many memories of going back to hers in the dark because there’s no bloody street lighting…. And yes it did once have a newspaper kiosk.

[@owainsutton4865]

That footbridge is a gorgeous piece of GER work.

[@thedanster2352]

The town also has no streetlights meaning when it's dark, you can see almost nothing which I think is a very interesting feature of the place

[@neilmcdonald9164]

Yes,apparently locals think they would spoil the real village feel🎩

[@timspooner7609]

We had a referendum about it ...all v democratic. The preservation Society had something to say about it!!!@@neilmcdonald9164

[@christopherwright8388]

For a genuine real village feel there should be one buzzing, sputtering, inadequate street lamp, barely illuminating the ramshackle, graffiti-laden wooden bus shelter, complete with wall-mounted outdated timetable.

[@SiVlog1989]

Geoff, when you get to South Wimbledon, I'd love to hear your view on something that has baffled me. The tube map indicates that South Wimbledon has an OSI with the Tramlink at Morden Road. However, having walked the distances, I reckon Morden is closer to Morden Road than South Wimbledon. Maybe we could collaborate to find out

[@brianjrichman]

In the early 1970's I used to know a young lady that lived in Theydon Bois. There used to be a half decent pub close to there too.

[@digitig]

That so sounds like the start of a cheeky Limerick! There once was a lady from Theydon Who spent all her life as a meydon. Though she knew lots of bois And they played with some tois, Her panties and bra always steydon.

[@HampsteadOwl]

An entry in my catalogue of not that cryptic London Underground crossword clues: Hey - don't get mixed up next to the French wood

[@brucebush5744]

Lovely station - and a sleepily charming village next to it with a huge village green. Well worth a trip out and a walk in the forest.

[@Clashofclansbro390]

Geoff!!!! You’re finally back!!

[@ce1834]

Bois means woods in Old French - also a local landholding family with a manor, most likely French in origin, Hugh de Bois/Bosco in 1240

[@geirmyrvagnes8718]

Normans! Thanks. Maybe related to the word "bush", rather than "boy".

[@grassytramtracks]

One-station-from-the-terminus stations tend not to be very heavily used and the stations in this part of the central line are quite pretty, and hardly feels like the tube. Lambeth North would be an interesting one for this series. It's a bit of an in-betweeny station between Waterloo (very busy mainline station and interchange) and Elephant & Castle (end of the line) and it's not used much and can feel a bit spooky and quiet

[@jackiespeel6343]

Though Lambeth North is the closest station for the Imperial War Museum

[@RANDOMZBOSSMAN1]

Also IIRC Lambeth North is the quietest station in Zone 1

[@awuraama7185]

My sister’s school(Oasis South Bank) is just to the left walking out of the station it anyone’s going there btwww!!! Also I live around Kennington and Elephant and Castle so this is kind of an honourable mention from the initial comment ✨

[@grassytramtracks]

​@@RANDOMZBOSSMAN1 Regent's Park does battle it out, for least used in zone 1, but Lambeth North has taken that title in several years

[@grassytramtracks]

​@@jackiespeel6343 it is, but that's not enough to lift it from fluctuating between 1st and 2nd least used station in zone 1

[@patspadd8243]

Hi Geoff another very good video as usual thanks and cheerio

[@memofromessex]

Beautiful Essex ❤❤❤

[@daniel_dsouza_]

I think there needs to be a new series: Secret Exits of the Undergrounds. I know there are a few: Theydon Bois Moor Park Brixton some more if you look closely...

[@SampleTracks2224]

Named after one of Britain's finest jazz guitarists

[@richardconnold5207]

He plays guitar with the James Dance Band 😂

[@zeristor]

A fellow Geoff, but one from Theydon Bois, who has been waiting for this moment. To tip, whilst there isn't step free access easstbound, one can step free hop on the train to Epping, which will (or at least should) go on into the bowels of London. Handy tip when the trains are up the creek in winter, and even at the end of the line a seat isn't guaranteed. Also the lack of street lights is one of the notable things about Theydon Bois, perhaps not apparent in day time.

[@JohnnyPendleton]

Theydon Bois has probably the best name in the whole London Tube Network.

[@philipbrailey]

Very enjoyable video.

[@hughs591]

Very nice video, thank you. I always think there's something magical about tube trains clattering along with fields outside, great to see it at Theydon!

[@Ogrecrusher]

One of my favourite entries on the anagram tube map: Hobo Destiny.

[@kaliou6645]

🚂👷🏻‍♂️🕵🏻‍♂️🧑🏻‍💻I recently saw your Cameo with Jago Hazzard in a Jay Foreman video📺 Your rendition of Frank Pick was on Spot!⭐️

[@AM-mv6ro]

Theydon Bois is my local station!!!

[@user-ux5zf7sn8f]

Thanks Geoff - great episode as always, and very timely as I'm off to travel and explore the Central Line next week, having done the Metropolitan today (unashamedly inspired by your excellent tube videos!).

[@dminalba]

William Arrol of Glasgow also built the Forth Bridge, Tay Rail Bridge, Tees Transporter Bridge & The Severn Bridge

[@thomasthompson2899]

Geoff, have you heard about 'The Bus Cafe' in the Waterloo bus garage? It's a tiny restaurant, accessible to the public, located on the grounds of an operating bus garage. They are open weekdays 8am to 4 pm and looks like a good subject for a video.

[@Anonymoususer_2023]

Sounds like Geoff Marshall does like Theydon Bois. I personally have been to Theydon Bois before and it’s quite a lovely small village just outside of London and it’s so pretty. Shame that the Central Line ends at Epping which could have continued on to Ongar. But overall Theydon Bois is very nice.

[@davidmartin6215]

If you look at the ironwork symbol, from which you are looking from the back, you will see ECR for Eastern Counties Railway! Geoff how could you miss that!

[@mikemarshall3038]

Always a favourite station of mine from my younger days when I used the Central Line to Epping regularly. Thanks for showing it Geoff.

[@travelswithjess]

Love Theydon Bois!

[@we.love.dennis.rickman]

Place I never knew existed ! Near Epping Forest, looks lovely; might take my kids there for a wander around this wknd 🩷💙💚

[@GoranNewsum]

We are the Theydon Bois Rural Preservation Society, God save Ambresbury Banks, and the Deer Sanctuary

[@RS-pb2se]

4:27 Our friend Roger won’t be happy at all with that bus timetable, it dates from 2007 and the route doesn’t exist 😂

[@SlivGames]

I didn’t even know this station existed lol😂

[@AndreiTupolev]

Hooray, Geoff is getting on board with the Theydon Bois!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

There are some walks starting at Theydon Bois - a real launchpad for adventure

[@harry_stw7424]

There are some amazing walks. One being Epping to Theydon Bois. It’s a delight of a walk not too long but brilliant for beginners

[@niallash4496]

The Old Oak Trail is great one too! Start and end at this station :) @@harry_stw7424

[@HarveyTait-vs6mm]

Love the video. Keep it up!

[@ClydebridgeStation]

The clock with Paddington on it, at the old station house? I can tell you EXACTLY where they got it! B&M bargains, as they used to sell them!

[@christopherwright8388]

And I just saw about 6 of the exact same model in a home furnishing store near Newark... Delaware!

[@HenrysAdventures]

Until the mid 1990s just North of Theydon Bois was the only public level crossing on the London Underground. It took a bridle way across the track, adding to the ruralness of the station.

[@davidsummer8631]

I grew up in London and since moved out and I never got to travel to Theydon Bois station and there is something about saying that you got to travel to a station called Theydon Bois

[@AndreiTupolev]

I wonder how up to date that bus timetable for service 541 is. Those taxi flyers certainly look like they've been there since about 1992 * If you zoom in I think it says from 2001! 😂

[@aoilpe]

What an amazing experience you must have had at this station! I envy your exciting visit to this busy location! Next time I come over to the UK I have to go there to see it with my own eyes 😂😂😂

[@aaronbrown4390]

Thanks Geoff i honestly never heard of this station before but now watching your video i maybe taking myself and dogs there this weekend for a explore.

[@stevenrix7024]

Plenty of dog walking areas around that station! It’s probably too muddy at the moment, but later in the year I’ll get the tube to Theydon Bois, walk up to just south of Epping station (just over the M25) then west and back south through Epping Forest.

[@MrGreatplum]

That’s like sending a tube train down to merstham in Surrey! Don’t think I’d want to commute all that way on a central line train though!

[@jamesabbott5242]

Awesome Video

[@thefareplayer2254]

They really build a non-structural brick wall just for the roundel? That’s fantastic!

[@gritintheoyster]

Nice creative idea for the 'unconnected' series, Geoff

[@richardharrison6993]

Great video!

[@bobo577]

The courtesy of your station has not lessened of late, Theydon Bois.

[@ElijahsTransportZone]

Amazing video Geoff!

[@brendansheerin8980]

I this part of the central line. As a kid it was an adventure leaving Bethnal green tube station to go to Epping forest/Essex

[@johnforrest695]

I always love how straight the track is there. Surely that must be the longest straight section on the Underground?

[@gonzalosantamaria7002]

In Buenos Aires, Argentina, my local train station has the same foot bridge also built in Glasgow around the same time!

[@londonerwalks]

Or as they say in Essex, Theydon boyyzzz.

[@8enable]

lovely little community in Theydon - a real village feel

[@emmanuelpinto7455]

WE DEM BOIS.

[@luisstransport]

Great video Geoff

[@nathonso_edits]

One of my favourite station names, it's just so funny to me

[@76_SPZL]

Half an hour into central London from Theydon Bois, not bad.

[@MattDavis_BeechingsGhosts]

Step Free would not be achievable from that exit as it wouldn't be exclusive and you'd have to go up to the road bridge to get to that platform. A design was made in 2017 similar to Debden but the cost of installation outweighed local benefit. Theydon once had the longest platforms on the GER due to supplying London with dozens of milk trains. There's loads of stuff I could tell you.

[@PokhrajRoy.]

The waiting room could be renovated a bit but I love the clock at the station.

[@BoostKnowledge001]

Good Vid!

[@waddsbadds]

I once lived in a house in south east London, which was built around 1878, and, which, in the tradition of some houses in the UK, had a name. The name of the house I lived in? It was Theydon, and I always assumed it must have been named after the village or "wood" ("bois"?) of Theydon.

[@seeitsayitdoggo]

Re accessibility at this station, because trains generally go in and back out of Epping station, step free access into London is to board an Epping bound train, go one stop, wait a few mins on the same train, and head back south again. This is the same situation as Liverpool Street Met line.

[@timspooner7609]

My neighbour in the sixties did exactly that to go to the city as he had restricted mobility and couldn't manage the bridge! Still working in his eighties

[@ozbolli]

The toilets at my local station of Meldreth have limited opening hours which cover only a fraction of the trains operating times. Luckily all the trains have toilets these days.

[@vittosingson]

Only connect should have a tube station special where all the clues are tube themed.

[@telhudson863]

Theydon Bois being out in the country does not have street lights except immediately outside the station. So the station is a little bit of city in the village.

[@tha_tram_man]

nice video geoff

[@pcackett91]

2007 dated timetable for bus service 541 which firstly changed operator from the one listed, and changed route number in 2016.

[@RobynAnarchist]

I've only gotten off the one time at Theydon Bois - and it was to immediately leave on a bus. Always looked like a quaint little place.

[@tomedy_official]

Hey jeff, come on the hull trains to London st pancreas on the 17th next month!! I'll be on it

[@ironjade]

Some years ago a colleague of mine was travelling on the Central line near Theydon Bois when one of the train windows shattered. He was later told that it was caused by a rifle bullet. Rural but definitely not idyllic.

[@AndreiTupolev]

I admit to being dubious about that "Paddington Station" clock. If it was GWR it would surely say "GWR" in some form or other, and if it was BR it would surely say "British Railways". I think if it was on Antiques Roadshow the expert would go "🤔".

[@christopherwright8388]

Good call - you're correct. I just saw a similar one here in Delaware.

[@trimley]

Lived in Harlow many many years ago - Theydon Bois was posh!

[@katrinabryce]

You managed to find the working Central line train 😱. I didn't know there was one.

[@connergeorge9918]

Fun fact the 2hourly service 418 does take passengers when central line down to Loughton call at all stations from epping

[@WhiteTiger333]

It looks like you were the only one in the station - you could'a' slipped into the Ladies. :)

[@nezehalseventyseven7816]

Gud video,