Hubbry Logo
Goodge Street tube stationGoodge Street tube stationMain
Open search
Goodge Street tube station
Community hub
Goodge Street tube station
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Goodge Street tube station
Goodge Street tube station
from Wikipedia

Goodge Street (/ˈɡ ˌstrt/) is a London Underground station. It is located on Tottenham Court Road in Fitzrovia, in the London Borough of Camden. The station is on the Charing Cross branch of the Northern line, between Warren Street and Tottenham Court Road stations. It is in London fare zone 1.[6]

Key Information

Location

[edit]

The station is on the western side of Tottenham Court Road, a short distance north of the junction with Goodge Street. It is one of three stations that directly serve the Fitzrovia area, the others being Warren Street and Great Portland Street.

History

[edit]

It was opened on 22 June 1907 as Tottenham Court Road by the Charing Cross, Euston and Hampstead Railway, but changed to the present name on 9 March 1908[7][8] before an interchange was built between the previously separate (and differently named) Northern line and Central line stations at the present Tottenham Court Road station. Goodge Street is named after John Goodge, who developed the land in the early 18th-century.[9]

Deep-level air-raid shelter

[edit]

Goodge Street has a Second World War deep-level air-raid shelter underneath it, and is one of eight such stations.[10] From August 1943 until the end of the Second World War the Goodge Street shelter was used by the Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF) as an alternative headquarters to Norfolk House and the offices on Grosvenor Square, to be used in the event of successful bombing or rocket attack on those locations. The shelter has two entrances, one on Chenies Street (pictured below) and the other on Tottenham Court Road next to the American International Church.

In the invasion preparations, Goodge Street station was used only as a signals installation by the United States Army Signal Corps. It was one of a number of signals installations for communications in and around London. Among these installations were SHAEF headquarters at 20 Grosvenor Square and the basement of the Selfridges department store on Oxford Street; both buildings exist today.

After the war the shelters were used as a hostel that could accommodate up to 8,000 troops. Goodge Street continued in use as an army transit centre until it was damaged by fire on the night of 21 May 1956. The fire coincided with Parliamentary consideration of a Government Bill seeking power to take over the shelters (The Underground Works [London] Bill) and the Minister of Works assured the Commons they would not again be used for human occupation in peacetime (although no one was killed, the fire had caused some alarm and proved difficult to put out).[citation needed] Another fire, on 21 June 1981, caused by burning rubbish, killed a man and injured 16 people, and resulted in a recommendation of a smoking ban on the Underground. There was a tardy response with London Transport finally introducing a one-year trial smoking ban on 9 July 1984. Almost halfway through the trial a major fire occurred at Oxford Circus, resulting in a full smoking ban on all subterranean stations and Underground trains.[11]

Design

[edit]

It is one of the few tube stations that still rely on lifts rather than escalators to transport passengers to and from street level.[12] In addition, it is one of the few such tube stations that still use the original scheme of separate exit and entrance areas.[citation needed] Alternatively, passengers can use the 138-step staircase to get down to the platforms.[12] The surface building was designed by the Underground Electric Railways Company of London's (UERL's) architect Leslie Green.

Services

[edit]

Goodge Street station is on the Charing Cross branch of the Northern line in London fare zone 1. It is between Warren Street to the north and Tottenham Court Road to the south. Train frequencies vary throughout the day, but generally operate every 3–7 minutes in both directions.[13][14]

Preceding station London Underground Following station
Warren Street Northern line
Charing Cross Branch
Tottenham Court Road

Connections

[edit]

Day and nighttime London Buses routes serve the station.[15][16]

[edit]

The station appeared in the 1942 feature film Gert and Daisy's Weekend.[17] The former shelter is the setting for much of the 1968 Doctor Who serial The Web of Fear.[17] Dialogue in the story mentions the shelter's former use in the Second World War, and the exit in Chenies Street.[18]

The station is the setting of the song "Sunny Goodge Street", from the 1965 album Fairytale by singer-songwriter Donovan. The station exterior also appeared in the 2005 music video for "Believe" by The Chemical Brothers.[17][19]

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Goodge Street tube station is a station on the Charing Cross branch of the , situated in Travelcard Zone 1 at the junction of and Goodge Street in the district of the London Borough of Camden. Opened on 22 June 1907 by the as , it was renamed Goodge Street on 9 March 1908 to avoid confusion with the nearby Central line station of the same name. The station's surface building, designed by architect Leslie Green, features his characteristic ox-blood red glazed terracotta facade and semi-circular windows, a style common to early 20th-century Underground stations. Access to the deep-level platforms is provided by four lifts from street level to an intermediate concourse, followed by stairs, as the station lacks escalators; an emergency spiral staircase descends over 130 steps to the platforms. Notably, during the Second World War, a deep-level constructed beneath the station served as a center and was used by General as a base for planning the D-Day landings in 1944. The station remains an important transport hub for the area's offices, universities, and theaters, handling significant passenger traffic despite its compact design.

Geography

Location

Goodge Street tube station is situated on in the area of , within the London Borough of Camden. The station's entrance is at 75 Tottenham Court Road, London W1P 9PA. It serves as an intermediate stop on the Charing Cross branch of the , positioned between Warren Street to the north and to the south. The station falls within Zone 1, the innermost zone of London's fare system, facilitating easy access to the city's core transport network. The precise geographical coordinates of the station are 51°31′15″N 0°08′04″W. This location places it in close proximity to key landmarks, including (UCL), a constituent college of the , which is approximately a 4-minute walk to the east. The lies about 0.5 miles (800 meters) southeast, reachable by an 8- to 12-minute walk.

Site and Surroundings

Prior to the construction of the tube station in 1907, the site on formed part of an area developed during the by John Goodge, a carpenter and speculative builder who acquired land known as Crab Tree Field and Walnut Tree Field through marriage. Goodge granted building leases for properties in the vicinity, including on the south side of what became Windmill Street, starting in 1723–1724, though substantial building activity did not conclude until around 1762. This development contributed to the early of the region, transforming open fields into residential and small-scale commercial structures that characterized the pre-industrial landscape. The station lies within the neighborhood, an area known for its balanced mix of residential homes, commercial premises, and educational institutions, alongside medical facilities that support the area's diverse functions. Fitzrovia's Georgian streetscape and proximity to central hubs foster a blend of quiet living spaces and bustling workspaces, reflecting its evolution from a historically bohemian enclave to a multifaceted urban district. Nearby landmarks enhance the station's local context, with Goodge Street running parallel just to the east, the Dominion Theatre situated approximately 650 meters south on , and the vibrant district beginning less than 800 meters to the southwest. These features underscore the station's embedding in a compact, walkable environment of cultural and venues. Goodge Street tube station plays a key role in urban integration by providing essential connectivity to central London's office districts and retail corridors in Fitzrovia, facilitating daily commutes for workers in media, technology, and professional services amid the neighborhood's commercial vitality.

History

Construction and Opening

The Charing Cross, Euston and Hampstead Railway (CCE&HR), also known as the Hampstead Tube, was established to construct a deep-level underground line linking central London areas including Charing Cross, Euston, and Hampstead. The project received parliamentary authorization through the Charing Cross, Euston and Hampstead Railway Act 1893, which granted powers for the route's development despite earlier proposals dating back to 1891. Initial plans faced delays due to financial constraints, but the scheme progressed under the oversight of the Underground Electric Railways Company of London. Construction commenced in July 1902 after American financier acquired control of the project through his newly formed Underground Electric Railways Company of London, injecting capital and expertise from his transit experience. Yerkes' involvement accelerated the work, involving the excavation of twin bored tunnels approximately 3.2 meters in diameter using shield tunneling methods typical of early 20th-century tube . The station at Goodge Street was part of this effort, situated along the line's central section to serve the area. The CCE&HR line, including the Goodge Street station, opened to the public on 22 June 1907, initially named . The opening was marked by significant public interest, with the service providing a direct electric rail link from northward. To prevent confusion with the nearby on the Central London Railway (which opened shortly after in July 1907), the name was changed to Goodge Street on 9 March 1908. The station featured deep-level platforms at approximately 27 meters (89 feet) below ground, accessed via lifts and stairs from a surface building designed by architect Leslie Green. Trains operated using electric traction on a third-rail system, with multiple-unit gate stock.

Wartime and Post-War Developments

During , Goodge Street tube station was adapted into a deep-level air-raid shelter, with construction beginning on 27 November 1940 and completing in 1942, consisting of two parallel tunnels approximately 1,200 feet (370 meters) long and capable of accommodating up to 8,000 people. The shelter was part of a network of eight such facilities built beneath stations to provide bomb-proof refuge during and subsequent air raids. From late 1943 until June 1944, the Goodge Street shelter served as a key facility for the (SHAEF), housing a bombproof signal center equipped with telephone, radio, and telegraph systems critical for D-Day planning under General . The center's communications infrastructure was activated on 11 March 1944, supporting Allied coordination until the Normandy invasion on 6 June. It later accommodated public sheltering during V-1 and V-2 attacks starting in July 1944. Post-war, the shelter functioned as an army transit centre for troops until a major fire broke out on the night of 21 May 1956, causing extensive damage and leading to its decommissioning for human occupancy under the Underground Works (London) Act. The incident, which required a 22-hour firefighting effort, highlighted safety concerns in the aging infrastructure and coincided with parliamentary debates on the shelters' future use. In , a separate fire occurred near the station on 21 , ignited by smoldering rubbish in a , resulting in one fatality and 16 injuries among passengers. The official inquiry into the blaze recommended an immediate ban on smoking in the Underground, prompting to implement a prohibition starting in July 1984, which was later made permanent following the 1987 . Ongoing maintenance has included significant upgrades to the station's , such as the full refurbishment and replacement of its four escalator-linked lifts between 2017 and 2019 to improve reliability and . Temporary closures for essential works continued into the 2020s, including restricted operating hours during the recovery in 2020 and periodic shutdowns as part of broader improvements, with further enhancements planned under Transport for London's long-term modernization programme through 2025.

Architecture and Design

Surface Building

The surface building of Goodge Street tube station, located at 81–85 , was designed by architect Leslie Green and constructed in 1907 as part of the Charing Cross, Euston and Hampstead Railway. Green, commissioned by the Underground Electric Railways Company of in 1903, developed a standardized design for over 50 stations, utilizing a two-storey clad in ox-blood red (sang-de-boeuf) glazed terracotta blocks from the Leeds Fire Clay Company to provide fire resistance, rapid prefabricated construction, and a bold visual identity. This facade exemplifies Green's Edwardian Baroque style, characterized by its ornate yet functional aesthetic with semi-circular arched windows on the upper storey and rectangular openings below, divided by robust columns that originally framed shop units and entrances. The building features a single primary entrance on , marked by the characteristic semi-circular bays and topped with the traditional "Underground" signage in green lettering, a feature added in the to unify branding. Originally, the ground floor included two retail spaces flanking the entrance, though these have since been infilled; during peak times, the left bay serves as an additional exit to manage passenger flow. The design allowed for potential future commercial development above the station, a practical consideration in Green's template. Four of the original six cast-iron lamp standards, featuring globe lights, remain in place, enhancing the building's historical integrity. Inside, the ticket hall is compact and retains much of its original layout, including a historical ticket office that has been partially modernized with automated barriers and machines. Deep green Art Nouveau-style tiling from the early survives on the walls at ground level, though some decorative elements were removed during a refurbishment to accommodate lift upgrades. Access to the platforms below relies solely on lifts and stairs, with no escalators installed, preserving the station's Edwardian-era vertical circulation via a spiral staircase lined with original light green tiling. In the 21st century, minor updates have focused on improved lighting, , and compliance with modern safety standards while respecting the building's heritage features.

Platforms and Infrastructure

Goodge Street tube station features a single located approximately 27 metres below street level, serving both northbound and southbound trains on the Northern line's branch. This configuration allows efficient passenger flow across the two tracks, with the platform design reflecting early 20th-century engineering standards for deep-level tube stations. Access to the platform is provided exclusively by lifts and stairs, as the station lacks escalators—a rare feature among central London Underground stops. Four passenger lifts connect the ticket hall to the platform level, originally installed upon the station's opening in 1907 and subsequently upgraded for reliability; a major refurbishment of all lifts was completed in 2019 to ensure continued operation. Complementing the lifts is a 136-step emergency staircase, offering an alternative route in case of lift failure. The hydraulic elements of the original lift system, powered by early electric infrastructure, were modernized in the 1920s to handle increasing passenger volumes. The running tunnels adhere to the standard deep-tube diameter of 3.56 metres (11 feet 8 inches), facilitating the passage of 1907-era tube stock and its successors. Beneath the station lies an extensive deep-level air-raid , constructed between 1940 and 1942 with parallel tunnels approximately 400 metres long, equipped with bunk beds and ventilation shafts; this network was repurposed as (SHAEF) communications centre under General . The shelter tunnels connect via access shafts to the station infrastructure, adding structural complexity to the site's subsurface layout. Platform amenities include the original 1907 tiling scheme in green and white, featuring distinctive friezes with the station name for clear identification, preserved as part of the station's historical integrity. In 2023, and mobile coverage was installed at the station and in adjacent tunnels, improving connectivity for passengers.

Operations

Line Services

Goodge Street tube station is served exclusively by the , specifically on its branch between Warren Street and stations. Northbound services from the station head towards or High Barnet via Euston and , while southbound services proceed to via , Waterloo, and . The two platforms at the station handle these opposing directions, with typical dwell times allowing for efficient passenger exchange. Service frequencies on the Northern line at Goodge Street reflect the line's high-capacity operations in central London. During peak hours (Monday to Friday, 06:30–09:30 and 16:00–19:00), trains run every 2–3 minutes, equating to up to 24 trains per hour on the Charing Cross branch. Off-peak frequencies, applicable at other times including weekends, range from every 3–7 minutes, with combined services across branches providing 20 trains per hour through the core section. These patterns ensure reliable connectivity for commuters in the Fitzrovia area. Journey times from Goodge Street are brief due to the station's central location on the route. Southbound to takes approximately 2 minutes, while northbound to Warren Street requires about 4 minutes. As part of the network, Goodge Street benefits from 24-hour service on the every Friday and Saturday night, with trains operating at reduced frequencies of around 8 per hour between and (every 7–8 minutes) and less frequent on outer branches. This extension supports late-night travel without interruption, aligning with the line's role in serving and early-morning shifts in .

Passenger Usage

Goodge Street tube station has seen a recovery in usage following the , with entries and exits estimated at around 5.4 million for the year ending March 2024 based on typical daily counts (e.g., approximately 8,000–10,000 on weekdays). As of November 2025, partial indicates continued growth in 2025 driven by economic rebound and service improvements. Peak usage occurs predominantly during weekday rush hours, with morning inbound and evening outbound flows dominated by office workers accessing and nearby business districts. This pattern underscores the station's role as a key node on the 's Charing Cross branch for daily commutes. The station faced several temporary closures in 2024 and 2025 due to staff shortages and routine engineering maintenance, including brief closures due to staff unavailability in May 2025. These incidents, while brief, contributed to localized disruptions on the . Goodge Street has benefited from broader Northern line enhancements, such as the rollout of new signaling technology completed in July 2025 as part of the project, aimed at reducing delays and increasing train frequencies for more consistent passenger flow.

Access and Connections

Accessibility Features

Goodge Street Underground Station lacks full step-free access from street level to platforms, requiring passengers with mobility impairments to navigate stairs in addition to lifts. Specifically, entry involves descending 20 steps from the street to the lift landing, followed by a lift to the platforms; the reverse applies for exits. This configuration avoids the majority of the station's 136-step emergency staircase but still presents barriers for users and those unable to use stairs. The station is served by four lifts connecting the surface ticket hall directly to the platforms, with a vertical rise of approximately 26 meters. These lifts operate during standard Tube hours, typically from around 05:00 to 00:00, though exact times may vary with service patterns. No dedicated ramps are available for wheelchair access from the surface level. Additional aids include along platform edges to assist visually impaired passengers in detecting the train-platform gap, a standard feature across the London Underground network. Help points are also provided on platforms for assistance requests. does not list Goodge Street as step-free in its 2025 Step-Free Tube Guide, noting that stairs and/or escalators are required for full access. For users, TfL recommends alternative nearby stations such as Warren Street, which offers complete step-free access. Goodge Street tube station provides connections to several bus routes operated by (TfL), with stops located on nearby . Daytime services include routes 24 (to or ), 29 (to or ), 73 (to or ), and 390 (to Archway or Victoria). Night bus services, operating after the last tube trains, comprise routes N5 (to or ), N20 (to Barnet Church or ), N29 (to Enfield or ), N73 (to Central or ), N253 (to Aldenham or ), and N279 (to or ). These routes facilitate travel across and beyond, with frequent services during peak hours. The station is within walking distance of major National Rail termini, offering interchange opportunities for intercity and regional services. London Euston station is approximately 800 meters north, reachable in about 10 minutes via and . King's Cross station lies roughly 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) northeast, taking around 15-20 minutes on foot through similar routes toward Euston Road and Pentonville Road. These connections are useful for passengers transferring from services to mainline trains. Cycle hire facilities are available immediately adjacent to the station through the TfL scheme, with docking stations on Gower Street and nearby streets providing access to thousands of bikes for short urban journeys. A designated rank is situated at the station entrance on , accommodating black cabs 24 hours a day with two spaces available for pick-up. TfL tickets, including Oyster cards and contactless payments, are valid for interchange across multiple modes such as tube, bus, and Overground within the London fare zones, allowing seamless travel from Goodge Street without additional fares on compatible routes. However, there is no direct connection to the (DLR) or ; the nearest Elizabeth line station is at , approximately 500 meters south.

Cultural Significance

In Film and Television

Goodge Street tube station has appeared in several films and television productions, often leveraging its historical role as a deep-level air-raid shelter during to evoke underground atmospheres. In the 1942 British comedy film Gert and Daisy's Weekend, directed by Maclean Rogers, the station's entrance features prominently in a wartime scene depicting civilians navigating the Underground amid air-raid precautions, highlighting the era's everyday disruptions. The station's platforms and adjacent deep-level shelter served as key filming locations for the 1968 Doctor Who serial The Web of Fear, the fifth story of the show's fifth season, where they represented fortified Underground bases overrun by the villainous Great Intelligence and its Yeti robots, capturing the tension of a London under siege. The 2005 music video for "Believe" by The Chemical Brothers, directed by Dom & Nic, was partially shot in the station's ticket hall and lifts, as well as its exterior, contributing to the video's claustrophobic, urban electronic aesthetic with scenes of commuters and abstract visuals.

In Music and Literature

Goodge Street tube station and its surrounding area have been referenced in mid-20th-century music as emblematic of London's emerging countercultural scene. Donovan's 1965 song "Sunny Goodge Street," from the album Fairytale, portrays the locale as a vibrant hub for folk influences and youthful experimentation, with lyrics alluding to acquiring near the station and embarking on a mind-expanding journey through the streets. The track, blending folk, jazz, and blues elements, captured the era's bohemian spirit and contributed to Donovan's reputation as a pioneer in pop's subtle nods to use, amid the 1965 Dangerous Drugs Act. More recently, the station has tied into contemporary music promotions. On September 25, 2025, the launch campaign for The Divine Comedy's thirteenth album, Rainy Sunday Afternoon, was filmed at Goodge Street tube station, leveraging its atmospheric underground setting to promote the record's introspective themes recorded at . The area's historical association with , including haunts like the One Tun pub, reinforces the station's enduring symbolism of London's artistic undercurrents.

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.