It’s certainly no secret that here at Secret Londonwe’re partial to a bit of transport talk. Particularly when it comes to trains. We just can’t seem to get enough of those loveable locomotives that ferry us around the city and whizz us across the country. But where there are trains, there must also be stations. And in London, stations are not something we’re particularly lacking in.
The origins of the humble train station actually date all the way back to the early 19th century. And whilst many of the world’s very first station did not stand the test of time; some are still going strong to this very day. And a fair few of them are right here in our capital city. So, without further ado, folks – here are the oldest train stations in London.
Deptford Railway Station
The oldest train station in London (and the fourth oldest in the whole wide world) is, in fact, Deptford. It may be fairly unassuming at first glance, but this south London station boasts a pretty extensive history. It opened originally as part of the London and Greenwich Railway (which is widely considered to be the first ever suburban passenger railway system). What I will say though, is that the station di close between 1915 and 1926, and the original building was demolished. As was the second. Third time lucky, I guess?
London Bridge Station
Next up on the list of London’s ancient stations is the oldest operating train station in central London. It’s London Bridge, of course. Yes, the station has been updated and modernised a fair few times over the years, but having originally set up shop on December 14, 1836; it’s the second oldest train station in the capital, and the sixth oldest in the world. Not too shabby, hey?
Euston Railway Station
Okay look, I know it’s not exactly London’s best-loved station. But it is the third oldest – and surely that has to count for something. London Euston is another on of the capital’s oldest stations, having been built on July 20, 1837. Euston Station was, however, completely rebuilt in the in sixties, so I don’t think there’s actually much of the original station building still kicking about to this day. The 19th-century station building featured some rather impressive architectureand so the modern refurb wasn’t exactly welcomed with open arms.
Harrow & Wealdstone Station
July 20, 1837 sure was a big day in the London station world, because it was also the date on which another of London’s earliest train stations was built. Harrow & Wealdstone is the fourth oldest station in the city, and the eighth oldest in the world, having been opened by the London and Birmingham railway way back when the area was so rural; Harrow was its closest settlement. The Wealdstone part wasn’t shoved onto the name until the end of the 19th centuryonce the area had been expanded and developed. The station did undergo a minor refurb in the 1960s when part of it was rebuilt. But this north London station is no spring chicken, to say the least.
Paddington Station
Last but by no means least, we have one of the capital’s busiest transport hubs: London Paddington. Built on June 4, 1838 and designed by engineer, Isambard Kingdom Brunel (who also designed the rather gorgeous Clifton Suspension Bridge); Paddington is the fifth oldest station in London, and perched at number 10 on the list of the oldest stations in the whole world. It was originally built as a temporary station to reduce costs. But it later because a permanent fixture of the capital’s transport next work, and the rest really is history, I suppose. Despite undergoing an extension renovation in the nineties, parts of the station are a whopping 187 years old. Blimey.
The world’s oldest train stations
- Liverpool Road Station, Manchester (built in 1830)
- Broad Green Railway Station, Liverpool (built in 1830)
- Hexham Railway Station, Northumberland (built in 1835)
- Deptford Railway Station, London (built in 1836)
- Liverpool Lime Street, Liverpool (built in 1836)
- London Bridge Station, London (built in 1836)
- Euston Railway Station, London (built in 1837)
- Harrow & Wealdstone Station, London (built in 1837)
- Vitebsky Railway Station, St Petersburg (built in 1837)
- Paddington Station, London (built in 1838)
