Tube Stations Named After Pubs: Maida Vale & Elephant & Castle

The London Underground is the oldest system of its kind in the world, with a history that stretches all the way back to 1863.
Compared to a lot of the city's pubs though, it's a mere youngster! Many of London's pubs date back several centuries... so it's perhaps no surprise then that a number of tube stations are named after them.
In the third and final part of this series which explores the history behind these pubs and stations, we'll be looking at two pubs which are both associated with the Bakerloo line: Maida Vale and Elephant & Castle.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on these locations... especially regarding any ideas about how the Elephant & Castle got its name! Please be sure to let me know your theories in the comments!
Thank you so much to all of you who've left kind words during this series. I really enjoy making these videos, but I could not do it without your support. So again: Thank you.
If you haven’t yet subscribed to the robslondon channel, I’d really appreciate it if you could please consider doing so because this, along with clicking the bell icon to receive notifications, will ensure that you don’t miss out on any future videos. Plus of course it would be great to have you along!
Thanks again for watching friends. Stay well, and please be sure to stay tuned!
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Links:
If you missed the first two episodes in this series, you can watch them by clicking the links below:
Part 1 (Swiss Cottage and Royal Oak):
• Tube Stations Named Af...
Part 2 (Angel and Manor House):
• Tube Stations Named Af...
And if you'd like to see 'The Elephant Will Never Forget'- the classic, 1950s short film about London's last trams- you can watch that here:
• the elephant will neve...
My first book: ‘The Knowledge: Train Your Brain Like a Cabbie’ (Quercus):
www.amazon.co.uk/Knowledge-Tr...
My second book: ‘A History of Waterloo: London’s Busiest Terminus’ (Crowood):
www.amazon.co.uk/Waterloo-Sta...
My Etsy Store:
www.etsy.com/uk/shop/robsonli...
And my website:
robslondon.com
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Music used in this video:
Brightly Fancy (Kevin MacLeod)
Trieste (Josh Lippi & The Overtimers)
Organ Grinders Swing (Will Osborne & His Orchestra)
Amazing Plan (Kevin MacLeod)
Gold Rush (Kevin MacLeod)
Circus Waltz (Kevin MacLeod)
Jesse's Carnival Waltz (The Great North Sound Society)
Midday Dance (Kevin MacLeod)
Book Bag (E's Jammy Jams)
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[@johncochrane2707]

Really enjoying these videos, this is an excellent channel.

[@Robslondon]

That means a lot to me; thank you John 😊

[@darriendastar3941]

This is a tremendously good series. Back in the 1980s I worked for Southwark Council and was involved in a couple of the many, many, many attempts to redevelop/un-uglify the Elephant and Castle roundabout system. During my research into the history of the place, the earliest written reference I could find suggested that the pub was originally set up by someone from the Cutlers' Company who'd received silver coins from the company to help with the set-up costs. However, in one of the numerous consultation periods, one of the local primary schools had a competition for children paint a picture of how it got its name and my favourite was of a bilious-looking Queen Catherine holding onto a castle-shaped howdah for dear life while a bright red elephant stamped on all the buildings of the Walworth Road. (Also, I've been reading The Knowledge and it's excellent. It's been amazingly useful in giving me a (k)new way of thinking as I get on in years.)

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much for this great comment Darrien; really enjoyed reading it! That's fascinating about the Cutlers... love the kids' ideas too! And thank you too for reading my book; I truly appreciate that, it means a lot to me. Stay well and thanks again.

[@Slycockney]

Absolutely loved that video. I was born and brought up in Maida Avenue overlooking the canal . My Dad used to drink in the Hero of Maida on Edgware Road and I followed suit in my late teens and early twenties, great memories. Shame it's no longer there.

[@Robslondon]

Lovely comment; thanks so much for sharing your memories. Cheers and stay well 🍺

[@debschmitt761]

I stayed down the street from the Maida Vale tube station and rode into the city center daily when I visited in 2006. Maida Vale station is so pretty as it is just as it was when built. Loved hearing the history.

[@Robslondon]

Lovely comment Deb, thank you :-) Stay well.

[@mikereilly5005]

Hi Rob As always you never cease to amaze me as to the level of your research . And again you bring back a memory of a brief romance.. back in the early 80's I used to date a barmaid at the Truscott Arms, wonder what happened to her ? Once again as a londener I have learned a bit more about my city Thanks Rob

[@Robslondon]

Lovely comment and memory Mike, cheers 😊🍺

[@alanchriston6806]

Wonderful once again Rob 🎩🏴‍☠️😊

[@Robslondon]

Thank you Alan 😊

[@paulmerryman]

Fantastic finale Rob. Really enjoyed the series.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much Paul :-) Stay well.

[@johnbacon1854]

Fantastic run of videos, really enjoyed them. Do you remeber Jim Davidson did a TV show I think it was late 70s early 80s maybe, Up the Elephant and Round the castle...... I always thought they were two pubs....... :-) Until next time Rob, stay well stay happy and see you soon.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much John :-) Yes, I know the TV show you mean! Cheers and stay well.

[@SlurpyDave254]

I walked on regents canal from Maida Vale to Limehouse, I remember going In the cafe over the little tunnel. The station is a fine looking building. Couldn't believe the increased rent on the pub, ridiculous, good video Rob. 👍👍

[@Robslondon]

Nice comment Dave. Cheers and stay well.

[@barrywa39]

Greetings Rob. We watched this one tonight, very impressed. As always, a brilliant watch. The Maida Vale part brought back memories of when an old friend started his business up Morshead Rd, doing mail order sports wear in a single room. He went on to opening a shop on Pembridge Rd, then another on Floral Street. I lost contact, and his shops closed.

[@Robslondon]

Lovely comment Barry; many thanks sir, and thank you as always for your support- much appreciated.

[@Rachel-bo3qg]

You alway manage to provide such fascinating information, brilliant video.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you Rachel 😊

[@CorvoFG]

The Elephant is my work local. I’ve always liked that concrete bay ceiling.

[@Robslondon]

🍺

[@johnsharp8632]

Great video Rob, a worthy companion to Parts I and II. I had no idea that the area and pub were named to commemorate the battle of Maida which I had never heard of. The Leslie Green Station really is one of my favourites and it was a tragedy that he died so young. The 60s development of The Elephant and Castle was really awful, with 'renowned' architects let loose to do their worst, knowing they didn't have to live there. The warren of subways you refer to were grim indeed and I was once assaulted by a group of louts just for fun.

[@Robslondon]

Thanks John; couldn't agree more about Leslie Green, a huge loss.

[@garybrockwell2031]

Number 3, GREATSTUFF 👍 As a South Londoner, it was grand to be up the elephant south making the list, just did them all💪✌️💓🧐💯 What a place Woolworth road Chaplin,. Canterbury tales, I love SOUTH LONDON 😍👍🇬🇧💯👍 Funny I fancy a pint now😁

[@Robslondon]

Lovely comment Gary; cheers- much appreciated mate 😉

[@hootsmon4723]

Got to say I'm fascinated by this channel. 🙃 only been to London 3 times 'but love looking at old pictures and finding out how all the boroughs got their names

[@Robslondon]

Cheers hoots mon ;-)

[@nightlurker]

I was always told the name of the Elephant pub was a corruption of the Infanta de Castile, as you say. This was first explained by one of my teachers at the Charlotte Sharman infants school, just down St George's Road from there. I used to pass under the old pub every day on my way to and from school, using the subway to cross the very busy junction.

[@Robslondon]

Nice comment, thank you 😉

[@Gillian-xl7wb]

Didn't know that was there, under those flats! I've seen those sirens on Shepherds Bush Police Station and up in Temple Fortune.😊

[@sharonleong7120]

Thank you Rob for sharing part 3. It was great and interesting once again.👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much Sharon 😊

[@1258-Eckhart]

The explanation I heard several times was the "Infanta di Castile" story. But I'd go for the more sober version that the landlord of the pub named it after the shield of the Cutlers' guild. A most enjoyable video once more, thanks!

[@Robslondon]

Many thanks! And yes, to be honest I think the Cutlers theory is the most sensible too. Stay well ☺️

[@MrRob2208]

My Dad has lived in the Maida Vale area for years and I found your Video a good informative watch.

[@Robslondon]

Really appreciate that Robert, thank you. Stay well.

[@thfccfht]

looking forward to more London Pub related videos, drinking Ciders whilst watching. The History of London is Fascinating.

[@Robslondon]

Thanks so much... be sure to keep an eye out for my next video if you like pubs ;-) Cheers and stay well.

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

As I've had cause to mention here before, my band activities in the '70s saw me drinking mainly in St Johns Wood - the Red House on the roundabout and The Portland Arms on the High Street being the main venues. This meant that Maida Vale was a sort of peripheral or borderline area for me which I never fully got to grips with. My full-time job from '71 to '77 was with the much missed Bob who was a great one for ignoring red bills. He and i would head off every six months (I guess) on his AJS 250 to Elephant and Castle where the place to pay bills and pay the excess to be re-connected was to be found. Maybe it's the cut-off phone connection (pardon the pun) but I always found it a bit grim and was glad to get away quick sharp. Most interesting as always. Thanks very much.

[@Robslondon]

Cheers Paul ;-)

[@colinp2238]

The Red House over yonder?

[@bobcosmic]

Very informative upload keep up the great work I’m glued ! 😎

[@Robslondon]

Thanks so much Bob! Cheers and stay well.

[@bobcosmic]

@@Robslondon Will do my namesake 👊🏾

[@patrickpayne8272]

Thanks SO MUCH for your GREAT and informative post... Born off the old Kent road the elephant and castle was my playground...with the two cinemas...again thanks...and strangly...I now live near maida vale in Harlesden

[@Robslondon]

Ha ha! Thanks Patrick, nice I was able to cover two of your haunts! Cheers and stay well ;-)

[@garymcguire8529]

A cosy and warm video, very enjoyable .

[@Robslondon]

Thank you Gary, much appreciated.

[@stevev3664]

The second explanation feels right to me.

[@quedgeleyboy]

Another well made and informative video. I learn so much from your productions.

[@Robslondon]

Many kind thanks; much appreciated. Stay well.

[@catherinesikora8397]

Thank-you so much for the hard work and creativity you put into these! Quite enjoyable and full of fun and interesting facts!

[@acustomer7216]

Enjoying your channel so much!!

[@Robslondon]

Thank you! 😊

[@johncrwarner]

Interesting that there a lot of pub linked stations on the Bakerloo line

[@Robslondon]

Cheers John 😊

[@alandyer910]

Greetings from Alberta, Canada. Love the channel! Thanks!

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much Alan! Stay well :-)

[@onlycompetitions5083]

That’s the first time I have heard anyone explain the reason for a 2 storey tube station. To be fair, I have never even thought about it. A really good and interesting show.

[@Robslondon]

Many thanks! Much appreciated :-)

[@rontanser9369]

Thanks Rob that was all very interesting

[@Robslondon]

It's a pleasure, cheers Ron. Stay well.

[@NewingtonBoy]

Very interesting! Great series’s! Thank you! I was born in the Parish of Newington, just off of Newington Butts! I spent many happy days playing on the bomb sites around the Elephant & Castle! The new developments have absolutely ripped the heart out of the local community, I don’t know any locals that can afford to buy the new properties!

[@Robslondon]

Thanks so much Mark. Yes it's desperate, I don't know anyone who can afford to live in London any more either. Cheers and stay well.

[@colinp2238]

These videos inspire me to take tube rides and visit some of these pubs when the weather improves.

[@Robslondon]

It’s a good excuse to Colin 😉 Cheers! 🍺

[@cherylchapman6163]

As ever Rob I am astounded by the depth of your research. I wish I could do what you do so well!! Forgive me if I have missed a previous film, but I would absolutely love to see anything you could do on ‘hidden’ or lost underground stations

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much Cheryl :-) If you have a look at my very first pub video (10 Pubs, 10 Stories), there is a short section on there about the old 'Bull & Bush'- a station that was never completed... might be of interest!

[@cherylchapman6163]

Thanks! 💕

[@dabsan]

I have very much enjoyed this series about London's Tube Station Pubs. I was surprised and impressed about the amount of tram lines around the Elephant & Castle area. I will have a watch of the 'The Elephant Will Never Forget' video too. Many thanks Rob :)

[@Robslondon]

Cheers Darren, really glad you enjoyed them 😊 Stay well.

[@mightymqb4800]

Fantastic channel, great editing and audio with wildly interesting and not easy to come by knowledge 👍🏼

[@Robslondon]

Really appreciate your kind words; thank you! :-)

[@tracyfryer8153]

Really enjoying your walks n talks very interesting thank you

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much Tracy 🙂

[@stonecoldsbottlebin]

Another great episode Rob, thank you

[@Robslondon]

Cheers Paul 🍺

[@kojinaoftheinvertedeye810]

Ah Kennington... Every time I hear that name I think of the Kennington loop and how I still often confuse it for Kensington.

[@Robslondon]

Easily done!

[@nicholaswalker2494]

Cheers mate super video as always did you know Jerry Springer US TV host was born in Highgate station during WWII 🍺🍺

[@Robslondon]

Many thanks Nicholas :-) Yes, I know about Jerry Springer... crazy isn't it?! Saw a documentary once that covered it. Stay well.

[@ivanmarsh5835]

Wonderfully made video, entertaining and informative. I thank thee.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much Ivan, much appreciated. Stay well.

[@richardsingh5827]

Interesting video, I liked the map as well, I hope to return one day to the area

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much Richard. Stay well.

[@butchknapman3939]

Yet another very interesting video with a diversity of topics good conclusion to the series,

[@Robslondon]

Much appreciated Butch, thank you. Hope you’re keeping well.

[@TheDutchman92000]

Very informative video,thanks Rob.

[@Robslondon]

Thanks David 😉

[@jacekolender1139]

There were five recorded births on the tube. Curiously, after the first one there were none until the 21st century. With two occurring in 2019. Although there were probably more during sheltering in both world wars. For example Jerry Springer (American TV host) was supposed to be born on the tube platform during an air raid in 1944.

[@andyeveritt9003]

another excellent video rob always enjoy these and yes the drunken Elephant must be the favourite for the name of the pub . cheers rob all the best

[@Robslondon]

Ha ha! Thanks Andy 😉🍺

[@ChrisSmith-ls7mb]

Hello Rob A most excellent video and a great series. Being from Canada the first time we ever heard of Elephant and Castle was on Only Fools and Horses episode Ethnic tour. I do not remember how Del told us the area got its name. I like the Eleanor Castile theory as I am descended from her and Edward I. We went to that tube station on our way to the Military Museum. Thanks Rob, Take Care. Chris and Sandra of Canada.

[@Robslondon]

Thanks Chris; yes I was thinking of that episode when I was making this! 'If they'd never seen an elephant, how did they know it was an elephant?' :-D Cheers and stay well.

[@uingaeoc3905]

The 'Elephant' referred to by Shakespeare was near the Globe Theatre. The reason the area became better known as 'Elephant and Castle' rather than Newington was because as a major junction, some six roads converging, it had to be given an unambiguous description because there are at least two other 'Newington's in the near London area. 'Newington/ Newtown, Newton' are the most common English place names. So a direction like ' .. go to Newington' would be confusing. The official name of the Civil Vestry Parish was 'St Mary, Newington' until 1900. Oddly, Kennington station is actually in Newington but on Kennington Park Road.

[@Robslondon]

Yep 😉

[@JPB-1976]

Very entertaining again mate. 👍

[@Robslondon]

Much appreciated Jamie; cheers! Stay well ;-)

[@greg9871]

Love your videos Rob. Please go to The Princess Louise pub in Holborn. Bless you 😊

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much Greg. Yes, I love the Princess Louise- I will certainly be covering it at some point! Cheers and stay well.

[@limeyosu2000]

Thanks for all your hard work rob keep doing what you are doing. Would love a series on underground stations. Maybe the oldest to newest etc. or most attractive.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate your kind words. I'm certainly planning to cover other tube stations (and mainline ones too) as it's one of my favourite subjects :-) Thanks again for your support and stay well.

[@jacquelineharrod6386]

Hooray! Much looking forward to this. Just as interesting as the first two, excellently done. Thank you.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much Jacqueline 😊 Stay well.

[@arejayseeottawa]

I appreciated seeing this series! By the way, there's a chain of British-style pubs here in Canada called the "Elephant and Castle!"

[@Robslondon]

Thanks Rob, I didn’t know about the Canadian chain! Great to hear! 😄 Cheers and stay well 🍺

[@RoyCousins]

Great video Rob! I went to the Truscott Arms several times in the 1980s.

[@Robslondon]

Many thanks Roy! When I was researching it I found an article from the 1980s about a celebrity darts match that was held at the Trustcott Arms; had actors like Dennis Waterman and Robert Lindsay on the teams! Cheers and stay well.

[@Blade_Daddy]

Well done!

[@Robslondon]

Cheers Tony 😉

[@michaelpotter4425]

At Lest they did not have far to go to wet the babies head another great vid as always 🍻🍻

[@Robslondon]

Ha ha! Yes, good point Michael! 😉 Thanks for the kind words and stay well.

[@dougknight1720]

Thanks Rob. Made me thirsty now..😂😂 I miss a decent English Pub. American bars aren’t the same.

[@Robslondon]

Ha ha! Cheers Doug :-) Yes, it's strange how different American bars are (although I've still enjoyed them when I've been in the States).

[@TheSportsBoffin]

The city of Coventry has and Elephant and Castle on its coat of arms and also on Coventry City FC.... could there be a link there prehaps?

[@Robslondon]

Interesting....

[@Britoverseas]

Yet another great video Rob. The Maida Vale story came right our of left field. Never heard of that one. The series has been excellent. Looking forward to more videos from you. BTW (I probably missed it in the comments) did you change your intro music due to copyright? It was the old Thames TV intro I think. Cheers. Lance

[@Robslondon]

Many thanks for the kind words Lance. Yes, I changed it due to copyright- not sure where I stood with it. A real shame! Cheers and stay well.

[@timdaugherty5921]

LOVE your accent!!

[@Robslondon]

Ha ha! Thanks Tim, that's very kind of you to say! Cheers! :-D

[@aaarrrggghhhh]

The ceiling at 09.23 is exactly the same as the ceiling in the old library at Harrow Civic Centre. Because of it's unusual design it was used as a film location on occasion. However, the public won't get to see it as it was made into kitchens for private cookery lessons, which never took off, around 2017 and the upper floors are used for trade union offices and the IT department. Also at the Civic centre, which the public can see is a large mural on a wall consisting of tiles made by local school children depicting local historical events and businesses. Kodak had the largest factory site in Europe there at one point. It also has a stained glass window outside the council chambers with a picture of Winston Churchill on it. This could all be lost though as the Labour Council wanted to demolish the entire Civic Centre to build.....flats!! Another twist though, the Conservatives got in very recently and they oppose demolishing the building so it may survive another day.

[@Robslondon]

Great comment! I grew up in Harrow and know the Civic Centre very well, including the old library (used to spend a lot of time in there). My parents were also married at the Registry Office there. It's a place I'm very fond off, and still can't believe they want to tear it down- I pray that those plans don't come to fruition.

[@aaarrrggghhhh]

@@Robslondon Fancy that! I lived and worked in Harrow for a long time and it's a shame how much it has declined. If you want a picture of the Winston Churchill stained glass just message me and I'll send it on to you. Could be handy if you ever do a video on Harrow School for example or the grave which everyone thinks is Lord Byron's grave but isn't.

[@Robslondon]

@@aaarrrggghhhh Thanks so much. Funnily enough I'm hoping to cover Harrow soon, so stay tuned ;-)

[@tooleyheadbang4239]

That type of construction is to be found in 1960s/'70s cast concrete shopping centres. I regard it as HIDEOUS.

[@randomg0at]

I realise I'm a bit late to the party, but FWIW they're known as hollow pot floors. They used to place the pots with a bit of a gap between them, put reinforcement bars in the gaps and over the tops of the pots, then pour concrete to complete the floor. I think they were briefly popular around the 60s.

[@SLane249]

Interesting and informative, thank you for sharing.

[@Robslondon]

It’s a pleasure, thanks Stephen 😊

[@garymcguire8529]

There is another " Elephant & Castle" close to Vauxhall Station.

[@Robslondon]

Yep ;-)

[@itsjohndell]

Ha! What do I get for being the first to guess Elephant and Castle? A pint will do, I'm a cheap lad.

[@Robslondon]

😉

[@Loki1815]

Without doubt the Infanta de Castille. Alright lads, we are going to build a Public House here, it will house the Infanta de Castille on her journey home! Wos he say Bert, couldn't understand a word he said! You oughta listen better 'arry, he said the pubs gonna be called the Elephant and Castle, after 'enry's missus. Well in that case Bert, shouldn't it be called the Cat n Dragon? You know Cathrine of Aragon? You talk some rubbish 'arry, really you do... By the way I was born in Lambeth Hospital, at the Elephant, brought up down Walworth Road (Delverton Road), around the corner from Manor Place, so, you could say this is my Manor!

[@Robslondon]

😂

[@websitesthatneedanem]

👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@paulfitzpatrick3090]

Incredible that women tube drivers werent employed until 1960s

[@Robslondon]

I think it was even later than that Paul; late 70s I believe?

[@geoffreymartin2764]

I like the Cutlers. 🔱🏳‍🌈

[@alrichmond4341]

Off topic, but I noticed The Ukraine flag flying over The Globe Theatre. [reference to 2022 russian WAR in Europe]. Future history. Made.

[@Robslondon]

Yes, well spotted Al. They were indeed flying it that day.

[@dannyneville1310]

I've never liked the Elephant and Castle pub, and especially not now that it is full of hipsters. Despite it's history, it doesn't look or feel like a pub. I much preferred the Charlie Chaplin across the road. Pity it's gone to make way for the new shopping centre.

[@Robslondon]

Yes, I remember the Charlie Chaplin. I’d love to have experienced the old Elephant and Castle pub too

[@dannyneville1310]

@@Robslondon It was a rough old pub, but I still miss it. Haha.

[@Robslondon]

@@dannyneville1310 😉

[@D_B_Cooper]

5 million for the pub 😳 No wonder stingy Scots like myself moan about your beer prices!

[@Robslondon]

😂

[@professorpeach2589]

You missed Blackfriars and the Blackfriars pub

[@thewrecker3140]

Blackfriars Station was named after a Dominican Priory not the pub.

[@Robslondon]

Exactly.

[@nicolek4076]

Shame you changed the introduction music. Just because some people don't appreciate it, shows how very uncultured they are.

[@Robslondon]

Ha ha! It was more because I’m unsure about the copyright Nicole! I do miss using it though 😉 Thanks and stay well.

[@nicolek4076]

@@Robslondon I'd imagine it'd be out of copyright by now, but I'm no expert. It was that music that made me subscribe.

[@Robslondon]

@@nicolek4076 You'd think so, but there are old clips on here from Thames TV which are always flagged for copyright!

[@nicolek4076]

@@Robslondon Poo!