Whatever Happened to Post Office Station?

The endless confusion over St Paul’s. I realise that by asking a question in the title of this video, it’s guaranteed that around 50% of comments will be people answering that question without watching the video.
ko-fi.com/jagohazzard
/ jagohazzard

[@TheFrogfather1]

That diagram certainly cleared things up.

[@francisboyle1739]

String theory to the rescue!

[@Dave_Sisson]

Yes! Jago has listened to our requests for maps! Things are so much easier to understand now. ;-)

[@barneypaws4883]

It must have taken Jago several weeks to draw such a detailed map

[@marvintpandroid2213]

It was a great help

[@phmc123]

Nice to see Jago got a chance to use his crayons. Did make me laugh

[@brentos-the-mentos]

"While the Luftwaffe were doing their own town planning" This made me laugh harder than I should have

[@SebastianFischer]

We all go to hell for that.

[@taraelizabethdensley9475]

Lol

[@michaelaskew6025]

Same here. I feel guilty but the delivery was so dry and on point. Giggle fit!

[@surinfarmwest6645]

Same here!

[@misterthegeoff9767]

Come friendly bombs and fall on Slough!

[@ShedTV]

I was expecting you to say that Post Office station had been downsized and moved into the back corner of a Spar shop.

[@pgwalling6478]

Or it disappeared over the horizon

[@jamesburchell6502]

The explanation of the name changes could have come straight out of “Yes minister”.

[@sirmeowthelibrarycat]

😂 Indeed! Arise, Sir Jago Hazzard now Sir Humphrey Appleby is no more.

[@dessmith1387]

@@sirmeowthelibrarycat Very droll

[@highpath4776]

I understood it perfectly, Geoff Marshall did the same with Embankment/Strand/Trafalgar Square/ Charing Cross/ Strand/Aldwych. Jago missed out Holborn Station which was either Holborn or /and Farringdon but he has already covered that separately.

[@waleolabowale9825]

I think I came across this during the lockdown and have remained loyal to the quality inform action I bet this is happening all over the world an it's big cities especially where substantial social engineering has taken place Bravo Jago!!

[@luca7069]

"While the Luftwaffe were engaged in their own form of town planning"

[@johncrwarner]

I live in a city where in the city centre the oldest buildings were erected in the 1950s that was courtesy of RAF and USAF town planning as we say. It is great if you like the muted modernism of 1950s architecture (which I do) Some of our buildings were recreated from the rubble but the structures are all new.

[@mittfh]

@@johncrwarner Meanwhile, up in Coventry, it's widely joked that the town planners did more damage than the Luftwaffe (ouch!) or they finished the job the Luftwaffe started (double ouch!)

[@Jules_Diplopia]

@@mittfh Yep, that would be the wonderful inner city ringroad around a city that was not big enough to warrant one, but Birmingham had one, so Coventry had to follow. It cut through several ancient and important streets, turning them into deadends. That was compounded by the New shopping precincts. Well Birmingham had the Bull Ring, so Coventry needed to compete. It didn't of course, being too small, but the city fathers of Coventry have had a long standing inferiority complex.

[@mittfh]

@@Jules_Diplopia Not just the ring road and shopping precincts, but it's doubtful there weren't any surviving buildings in the university and civic centre quadrants either. Heck, "medieval" Spon Street is largely buildings rescued from elsewhere and relocated (and even then, there's a butt ugly modern building at the bottom before it gets truncated by the ring road).

[@sunjamm222]

I always say Coventry should invite the Luftwaffe back to see if they can do a better job than the local council.

[@6yjjk]

That's some Geoff Marshall-quality diagramming, right there.

[@williamg209two]

Poor Geoff

[@mirzaahmed6589]

Geoff Marshall before he's had his tea.

[@TheNemocharlie]

Love the diagram that explains it all.

[@henkbarnard1553]

100% Acurat and very clear.

[@owentaylorwork]

Spot on

[@barneypaws4883]

Very meticulous

[@cd0u50c9]

"During the Second World War, when the Luftwaffe were engaged in their own form of town planning" - that cracked me up - there was lettuce all over my computer screen. Please never stop making videos of this type of content and humour.

[@PawnFischer]

Really love your format, no yelling at the camera, shaking your arms like an epileptic, and all that jazz. Just straight info, with a sprinkle of humour, love it!

[@christopherperkins3416]

I totally agree.

[@mallardtheduck1]

And just to add another "tube" connection; the GPO headquarters complex on Newgate Street had its own "tube station" on the London Post Office Railway.

[@burprobrox9134]

Stop we can’t take anymore 😂

[@stuarthall6631]

Isn't that upon Mr. Hazzard's wonderful diagram (I'll re-run and pause to check)?

[@1974UTuber]

The National Gallery just called and wants their Jackson Pollock back. The one you showed at 4:55 🤣

[@stuarthall6631]

L.O.L. !!

[@mypointofview1111]

More like Tate Modern, they've got at least one Pollock there.

[@highpath4776]

David Shrigley

[@highpath4776]

@@mypointofview1111 British Fishing is in trouble , cannot sell Pollocks to the EU at present

[@maninacave]

Another fascinating video, Jago! I used to work for Smith of Derby, the clockmaker company who made the large blue 'round thing' on the old Post Office station building. (I designed the electronics inside it). I spent many hours on a scaffold attached to that building, precariously placed between the traffic and the clock and I had absolutely no idea that it used to be the station building. Being from up north, I used to take the train to St Pancras and then the tube to St Paul's and walk to the clock. Unbelievable how much tube history you can be near and have no clue. Thank you very much indeed for the video!

[@g_e_o_m9369]

That diagram is going to get you a cease and desist from Geoff Marshall if you're not careful.

[@hhgttg69]

need to put that diagram on a t-shirt and sell it.

[@highpath4776]

Its actually Jagos GPS report of his lockdown walks

[@Zveebo]

We're always asking for diagrams, Jago - great that you ended the video with one this time 👍😂

[@calmeilles]

Quite right about the stacked tunnels being the result of the narrowness of the roads but it wasn't entirely because they were cautious about undermining buildings. The wayleaves included in the Central London Railway Act (1891) included as far as possible only the roads below which the railway was to run. As public property these could be included at little expense. But to go elsewhere wayleaves had to be negotiated with every landowner - and, importantly, paid for. The stacked tunnels were, essentially, a money-saving wheeze.

[@FannyLerouxTime]

The diagram helped everything to make sense for me, I was getting so confused!

[@sewing9434]

This is a Hazzardesque tour-de-force! The nomenclature! The architecture! The history! ... AND as others have said, the map DEFINITELY cleared things up! Well done! ;)

[@sewing9434]

Also...is 2:05 deliberately timed, or just serendipity?

[@nicball4719]

Best descriptive diagram ever

[@BarryAllenMagic]

The Post Office Headquarters (P.O.H.Q.) that you showed is known as King Edward Building (K.E.B). in later years, it was the District Office/Delivery Office (D.O.) for the London East City area (EC1 - EC4); and also contained the Foreign Section (the F.S.). Yep - we certainly loved abbreviations in the P.O. This building was on the 1927 Post Office Railway (P.O.R) - later known Mail Rail from 1987 - so did in a way, have it's own station. Great video yet again J.H.

[@michaeljames4904]

Might I ask, from genuine curiosity, what the “Foreign Section” was? Sounds like Le Carré speak for a department of postal espionage.

[@BarryAllenMagic]

@@michaeljames4904 Hi Michael. The F.S. wasn't as exciting as that (if only!). There were no ricin-tipped umbrellas developed; nor code-breaking undertaken for any mail to or from the Soviet Bloc. It was simply where overseas mail was sorted. The only claim to fame was that whilst working at KEB, the term used for you was the "Men of the EC". If you worked in the Foreign Section, you had the term "the Gentlemen of the F.S." This dated back many years. The statue of the founder of the Post Office, Roland Hill, still stands 'proudly' outside (although no longer a R.M. Building) - albeit, from a certain angle, it can appear somewhat rude, given his hand position. Check Google images and you'll see what I mean! Clearly, he would never have got to work in the F.S.

[@AndreyRubtsovRU]

I feel entire UK loves their abbreviations.

[@BarryAllenMagic]

@@marksinthehouse1968 Working at EDO as a PHG one could acquire considerable ED on the P552 - particularly in the RLE.

[@michaeljames4904]

@@BarryAllenMagic Thanks, Bazza, you Gentleman of the GPO, you!

[@TheN21yid]

Used to be postman at the post office at st pauls

[@garyknight3979]

Me too in the early 80's loved skiving off to drivers cafe ...Roses for a tea and cheese roll

[@TheN21yid]

I was there 87-95

[@batchint]

you all missed the first high rise office moorgate/london wall... then (circa 1960ish)

[@garyknight3979]

@@TheN21yid 76 to 82

[@davidsummer8631]

That was a first class video which gets my stamp of approval

[@davidsummer8631]

@@chrismccartney8668 Which might become sheets of praise

[@bigaspidistra]

Of course there was no confusion introduced at all by naming the Thameslink station "City" when the Waterloo & City line doesn't go there. Although it runs pretty close and directly under Blackfriars.

[@RobinHullBuilds]

Hey Jago I recall when I was working for The Post Office (Royal Mail) Public Affairs in the 1990’s, that we had several buildings in the area, including the magnificent King Edwards Building which, at the time housed the Post Office Museum. The post office counter, which I believe is Grade I listed, is still in situ even though the branch was closed and the building sold. I remember attending an evening of Jazz at KEB, an event organised for opinion formers, when halfway through the set by the band, The First Class Sounds (lead by Digby Fairweather), they were stopped by an electricity power cut. The on-site electrician sprang into action and my boss, the railway enthusiast and writer for Modern Railways, Alan Williams, ordered me to find a torch. I was then despatched to the gents toilet to help illuminate the flow! I kid you not! The First Class sounds recorded at least 2 CDs for The Post Office: Recorded Delivery and Special Delivery the former including the “Penny Black Blues” and “First Day Cover” ... its gets worse! Although I never saw them myself, I gather there were tunnels between the numerous post office buildings. Off one such tunnel was a room that, I was assured, contained a number of grave markers. Presumably from the nearby Postman’s Park? Have you visited Postman’s Park? It’s right next to the St Martin’s Le Grand building and contains a covered walkway that houses a number of ceramic plaques giving details of heroic deeds! Another great video. Well done that man!

[@JagoHazzard]

I did visit the park - actually, I took some footage of it. I reckon it’s worth a video in itself.

[@RobinHullBuilds]

@@JagoHazzard oh most definitely. The citations are quite moving!

[@spalftac]

All they have to do now is rename St Paul’s Cathedral.

[@adscri]

@@ClarinoI More likely City Thameslink Basilica

[@pjeaton58]

Make it a mosque !

[@SimonRML2456]

The diagram at the end lol ..... brilliant , nearly spat my coffee out , Luftwaffe comment also funny .... another excellent video :-)

[@alzeNL]

I laughed out loud at "Luftwaffe town planning" - absolute genius.

[@Jules_Diplopia]

Oh thank goodness for the diagram, I was starting to get confused.

[@nystemy]

That diagram at the end has proven mighty useful. I can know fully comprehend the inner workings of not just these stations, but the whole London tube network throughout history. But on a more serious note, foot tunnels between closely situated stations are a wonderful thing that I wish more stations had. In Stockholm where I live, we have some places that are a bit like that. Though, the central tube station in Stockholm is an impressive feat to navigate, having 6 tube platforms, 4 commuter train platforms, and then 4 platforms for the tram (it is 1 tram line, it literal has 2 stops that are on either side of the central tube station...), and still having sufficient proximity to three other stations that they could just be considered part of the same.... One of those stations being the central railway station with its 14+ platforms being connected with a convenient short foot tunnel that is shorter than one of the foot tunnels between platforms within the actual tube station itself. Just look it up on google, it is called "T centralen". I wouldn't be surprised if it some day gobbles up Hötorget that is remarkably close. Same story for Kungsträdgården, though that is practically part of the same underground complex if it weren't for the fact that one technically walks outdoor over Sergelstorg.

[@barvdw]

How is it going with the plans to add a few stations to the blue line from Kungsträdgården? I was lucky enough to be able to visit the City-Tunnel during construction, quite the feat.

[@dessmith1387]

There used to be twenty five platforms at London Waterloo station.

[@nystemy]

@@barvdw The works for that is currently in progress and some stations are being built as far as I know. Though, it is a lot of tunnelling, so will likely take a fair bit of time.

[@nystemy]

@@dessmith1387 There is though a huge difference between 25 neatly spaced platforms, and the situation at T-centralen in Stockholm. T-centralen isn't a bunch of platforms sitting on by the other. But it rather consists of 4 platforms on 2 levels, that is then connected with a foot tunnel to another 2 platforms, that is situated over 4 more platforms that has access to the prior 4 platforms via a so called "mellanplan", a public space with a waiting hall, convenience stores and even a ticket hall within the station itself. Ie, a ticket hall that you need a ticket to even get to. Then the station has a second "mellanplan" as well, not to mention the station's 4 entrances that aren't having direct access to everything. One can walk around within the station for half an hour without passing one's own tracks relatively easily. Here is a small 3D map of the place: stockholmiana.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/modell-station-stockholm-city-moddad.jpg

[@highpath4776]

@@dessmith1387 how many now ?

[@AtibaQuildan]

St Paul's and City Thameslink stations were recently listed as OSI on tube map which probably saves a bit of money from having a underground connection.

[@johncrwarner]

I find the naming of streets and here in Germany (pharmacies) tell you a lot about how towns have developed There is a "Post Apotheke" which is no where near the current post office, the former post offices or even the old post office (from the late 19th century) It implies that the post office was in an even older part of town. Then we have the "Bären Apotheke" (Bear Pharmacy) which is nearish to the "Zum Bären" bar implying there was a bear pit nearby probably on the site of the 1920s neo-classical city bank.

[@sofa-lofa4241]

Barings bank?

[@johncrwarner]

@@sofa-lofa4241 Not sure Barings made it to "sunny" Bielefeld.

[@sofa-lofa4241]

@@johncrwarner it was a very poor 'bear' joke, 🐻😩 Barings didn't make it very far anywhere in the industry after Nick Leeson's infamous 'investments'

[@maryapatterson]

Hang on where's your diagram?

[@dessmith1387]

I didn't think Bielefeld even existed, according to some accounts.

[@andyoncam1]

And next to the site of the demolished old Post Office building is, of course, the wonderful 'Postman's Park'.

[@roguechemists2781]

It's been a rough couple weeks across the pond from you. That diagram gave me the biggest laugh I've had all week, so cheers. Keep up the cool videos.

[@Beansontoast93911]

Postman Pat. Postman Pat. Postman Pat and his black and white cat. Early in the morning, just as day is dawning, he picks up all the post bags in his van. Postman Pat. Postman Pat. Postman Pat and his black and white cat. All the birds are singing, and the day is just beginning. Pat feels he's a really happy man.

[@cargy930]

He's retired now. They just call him Pat.

[@taraelizabethdensley9475]

I remember that cartoon

[@simonwinter8839]

@@taraelizabethdensley9475 Stop go animation, surely.

[@SK_3PT1]

4:09 manument bonk lol

[@AndreasEldhSweden]

Love the diagram! Reminds me of when I was visiting in 1992 and there was a security alert. I got off and walked to the next station just to be announced another security alert. This time I just got on a random train conveniently at the other platform. I didn't know which line this was, neither which direction. When I finally worked out all the possibilities of where I was going and how I would get to where I wanted, I had drawn almost the complete map!

[@richardpotter712]

"I drew this diagram to help", ha ha very good. Don`t forget the new/old Post Office HQ at King Edward Buildings, in King Edward St. which later was a postal sorting office for overseas mail. I think it was called FOMO (foreign and overseas mail office.) now part of Merrill Lynch. I know this because I used to drop off and pick up mail from there. Thanks Jago.

[@chrislascelles1]

Brilliant Jago - made me laugh out loud - thank you.

[@misterthegeoff9767]

With all of these stations being renamed to and from St. Paul's every few years one wonders how often they receive each other's post.

[@andrewgwilliam4831]

You've reminded me of something said on one of the "Futurama" DVD commentaries. Someone on it asked David X. Cohen (one of the show's co-creators) about his unusual middle initial. His response was that another writer was already called David Cohen, the writers' union doesn't allow the same name to be used by more than one person, so he added the middle initial. So he was then asked if he knew the other David Cohen; his answer was "We exchange cheques every now and then.". 😁

[@2H80vids]

It must have happened, more than once. Good comment.😁

[@18robsmith]

Thanks Mr.Hazzard. The constant naming and re-naming of London's stations is a process of great wonder to all who stand back and watch - your little diagram illustrates it all so well :-)

[@martinross5521]

Brilliant Jago, love all the intellectual challenge of absorbing this one!

[@phobsdsr4326]

This is great, loved it! I’m under 40 but worked in Farringdon from 2002-2014 so this was very interesting to learn the history of the stations I commuted to and through as a lot of transformation occurred up until the late 90’s. Thanks for this one!

[@annstewart4731]

Great diagram! So unexpected I laughed. Great start to my day! Thank you.

[@keepingitrealandtruthful.5081]

I did not know nothing about this yet I used to pass by St Paul's daily, very interesting indeed. I learned something today. Thanks.

[@Steven_Rowe]

Jago you are one funny geezer. Luv yer week. Interesting as you said inthe video the Central line follows streets, the downside is sharp curves and sharp curves wears rails badly so this is a high maintenance line, kind of like my wife too.

[@bentilbury2002]

What, she has sharp curves too?

[@andrewgwilliam4831]

@@bentilbury2002 She probably squeals a lot, too. TMI?

[@dammonbutler6951]

Absolutely loved this. Informative and the summary at the end gave me a good chuckle 🤣

[@michaelaskew6025]

The diagram certainly helped: It pushed me from confusion in to total insanity! Thanks! I'm a new subscriber too.

[@highpath4776]

Were you looking at that diagram askew?

[@lapiswake6583]

Best in-video diagram I've seen for a while. Thanks for using it to help clear up

[@LosWielebniakos]

Let's start the work today 5:38 minutes later....

[@Whothem]

Love the diagram, definitely helps to make sense of it all!

[@jeremypreece870]

I love your videos! They are interesting, well made and very much "bitesize". Best of all I love the understated humour. In this video the diagram tops it all!

[@kimleechristensen2679]

Last diagram, explained alot about British humor, lol, love it. 😂😂😂

[@mudmucks]

Thanks Jago, great info on the stacked tunnels and location of earlier Post Office/St Pauls station

[@DrewsRailwayWorld]

Great, so glad there is consistency in the chaos, I guess Post Office Station has no relationship to the Post Office Railway? Cheers ...Drew

[@JagoHazzard]

It doesn’t, but I do want to cover the Post Office railway some time.

[@LewisCollard]

"Alright, I hear you cry (not literally)" -- I like your narration as much as I like the interesting nuggets of Tube things I learn. Thanks for another great one!

[@paulnewman7654]

Holborn Viaduct is a blast from the past. I started working in Holborn in 1986 and there were only 1 or 2 trains in the morning from my home station to Holborn Viaduct (most went to either Cannon St or Charing Cross). I don't ever recall it being particularly busy in those days sadly.

[@juniordrive2057]

Love the content keep the work up

[@joncrawford3485]

One of Jago's more technically accurate diagrams at 4:56. Although I've been told it's upside down.

[@henkbarnard1553]

It is not upside down. It is rotated 90 degrees

[@cargy930]

@@henkbarnard1553 You're both wrong, It's been accidentally shown mirrored.

[@henkbarnard1553]

@@cargy930 Oh you are right, I stand corrected

[@andrewgwilliam4831]

The poor quality of information in these comments is exactly why you should be wary of what you read online. In actual fact, the diagram is rotationally offset by 360 degrees.

[@cargy930]

@@andrewgwilliam4831 Now, come on, we're simply going in circles here! :D

[@Ridhwan99]

I think this is the best video you've made, I couldn't stop laughing.

[@JagoHazzard]

Thank you!

[@nilo70]

Thank you for these !!

[@greatportlandstreetmodelra6513]

Another brilliant video! You once again made a great video!

[@andreamerciar3779]

I laughed out loud at the diagram, and the town planning quip, you crack me up you really do . . . ;-)

[@stephenpegum9776]

I think I'm correct in saying that the PO building you mentioned used to house the Postal Museum. I think I can (just !) remember a visit thereabouts 20 years ago.

[@brianartillery]

Your diagram made everything crystal clear. Thank you. If you have no objections, I'd like to take a screen grab of it, print it out, and glue it next to the underground map of my current London A-Z, as an aide memoire, and pub argument settler. (When the world gets it's shit together, of course.) Cheers.

[@theurchin65]

Brilliant!!! This has been your best video.

[@mortallious1234]

I'm working, honest.

[@eisemanrenyardjake]

The Central Line through the City must have seemed more like a local high street, with a Bank and a Post Office just next to each other

[@highpath4776]

and a Chancery Lane and a Museum. Such a twee place is London.

[@Phil6219]

The Luftwaffe and their "town planning" got me chuckling, the summary of the names at the end got me laughing and the diagram outright killed me. Don't ever lose your wit mate ;)

[@groupcaptainbonzo]

Thanks for the diagram. It was unbelievably useful 😆

[@stratford27]

The diagram was a very helpful addition - thank. you.

[@no_one_of_that_name_here]

Your channel has been promoted in our house from just me watching it in my phone to us watching it on the telly! Honestly, you should get a plaque for that, cause yours is the first youtube channel to get to go on the big screen.

[@JagoHazzard]

I’m honoured!

[@steves5172]

I’ve booked a nervous breakdown for mid February, I’m really looking forward to it! P.S. your video started to make sense so I know I’m due!!! Thanks for uploading.

[@ElectraProductions225]

Brilliant Video as always!

[@channelsixtysix066]

I have been beaten into submission with the naming of stations. I don't even try to figure it all out now. It is just meek acceptance on my part - it is what it is.

[@maryapatterson]

You're done!

[@channelsixtysix066]

@@maryapatterson From now on, it will be: "That's Nice, Jago", or, "Uh Huh", or "Yes, Very Good".

[@maryapatterson]

@@channelsixtysix066 😆

[@maryapatterson]

I think, which only happens occasionally, its best that I nod!😁

[@KateRVN]

Jago, your diagram was just perfect! That's how you've left my brain feeling after explaining about the station names. 😆🤣

[@ROCKINGMAN]

Very nice mini film on the complications of St.Pauls stations. I have old undergrond maps with Post Office, which I always thought strange. A bit like naming a station Shop or Park as opposed to being more specific. Love the LT 'To Street' sign at 4:01. These had the same column design as the uplighters on the old wooden escaltors, which were common when I was a child.

[@dandandan389]

I live in the North and rarely visit London, I do find your videos fascinating still.

[@ianhelps3749]

In Munich, Marienplatz S-bahn station has the west bound line stacked on top of the east bound line.

[@elizabethspedding1975]

Thank,-you for another great video.

[@michaeldwyer3352]

Congrats on a wonderful 'clarification'. One wonders why at some point the authorities didn't step in and resolve the confusion by simply merging the Cathedral and the Post Office into one grand new building.

[@highpath4776]

Well the mint put a picture of wren on the back of a tenner ?

[@1258-Eckhart]

Nobody dislikes your videos Jago, those are people who come home late at night rather the worse for wear and accidentally hit the wrong button.

[@skullyranking5268]

Goodmorning Jago bless up brother nice info from you 🤜🏾🤛🏾

[@PeterVerbeek]

The video was so confusing but that diagram at the end made it clear as crystal. More of those, please.

[@randomchannelrandomvideos]

I passed City Thameslink on two different Thameslink services twice yesterday, but had no idea that station was back then called St Paul's. Thank you.

[@Castlebank_Sidings]

You forgot about the cathedral called St Pauls that one day might be called Ludgate Hill shopping center.

[@martynnotman3467]

This is hilarious Jago thank you 😂

[@wooble73]

Haha that’s great! Used to work in the area so appreciate this! 👏

[@protozero7]

aaahhhh it's all clear as the river thames now....

[@noondayx2011]

Honestly was completely lost until you showed us the diagram, really cleared things up, thanks Jago ☺️

[@steviep1965]

Brilliant, had me in stitches!

[@CorvoFG]

Well that diagram certainly cleared things right up. Must have taken you ages!

[@sirmeowthelibrarycat]

😂 But it took longer than expected because of pencils needing urgent repairs. . . !

[@highpath4776]

@@sirmeowthelibrarycat Do you have any felt tips ? No- I should be so lucky.

[@dtvfan24]

thanks for the history lesson, quite interesting and still remember riding thru st pauls thameslink and holbon viaduct 3:33

[@binarysignals9593]

Luftwaffe town planning 🤣🤣🤣

[@mindthegap636]

Loved the diagram at the end, excellent, as ever.

[@garavental]

Brilliant! Five minutes of pure enjoyment!

[@JagoHazzard]

Thanks!

[@stevebeal73]

Back in the days of lettered telephone dials, you could ring up Post Office Headquarters by dialling HEA followed by the extension number eg HEA 1234. When STD was introduced this became, rather satisfyingly I think, 01 432 1234. In 1967, as a schoolboy in the autumn half term holiday, I attended the St Martins Le Grand building to take the Post Office Morse Test. In the day, this was an essential prerequisite for obtaining an Amateur Radio Transmitting licence. Anyway, I passed the test and have held my licence ever since. Nice video, as usual!

[@iankemp1131]

A Sir-Humphrey-style summary explanation at the end and I love the diagram - lol (genuinely). The people who were worried about vibration from the tubes had a point - the Central London's original 44-ton bogie locomotives had to be hurriedly replaced due to this, leading to the first multiple-unit trains. CLR tubes were quite close to the surface at stations, with gradients at either end to help acceleration and braking.

[@corinheathcote9868]

One of your best explanation of a station name, I think you was on about St. PAUL'S or Post Office, I wasn't sure until I so the diagram.

[@melgardner8316]

There is a nearby abandoned Central Line station between Holborn and TCR - British Museum. I’ve visited it, walking in from Holborn as there’s no longer direct access from street. There are lots of signs and posters remaining from the time when British Museum was an air raid shelter, after closure.

[@ianmoseley9910]

Mel Gardner Interesting - I got the idea from maps that the British Museum station actually overlapped the current TCR.

[@melgardner8316]

@@ianmoseley9910 there is a good article on British Museum Station on Wikipedia. Between TCR and British Museum there were some reversing sidings, which have been decommissioned recently. The claim that joining it to Holborn Station was a tunnelling challenge would no longer be the case and would have given Holborn an entrance nearer Shaftesbury Avenue and the north side of Covent Garden. Providing escalators at British Museum would have resulted in a useful entrance further west along New Oxford Street, however this would have produced a spread out station equally as bad as present day Green Park, Waterloo and Bank/Monument.

[@chrisrichmond403]

Never thought one name could add so much confusion over the years in London .. “ Oh my brain hurts “ 😂😂🤣