Archway Station: A London Underground Gem

Uncovering Archway Station: More Than Just a Stop

Nestled in the heart of North London, Archway Station stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of the London Underground. Originally known by a different name, this Northern Line station boasts a rich history, unique architectural elements, and operational quirks that set it apart from many of its counterparts. Whether you're a daily commuter, a curious tourist, or a history enthusiast, understanding the story behind Archway Station offers a fascinating glimpse into the development of London's iconic transport network.

From Holloway Road to Highgate: The Early Days

When the station was first constructed, the area was simply the northern extremity of Holloway Road, lacking a distinct name. In a strategic move to attract more passengers, the terminus was initially christened 'Highgate', borrowing the name from the picturesque village situated uphill. At that time, the pioneering first cable tramway in Europe was operational, offering non-stop journeys up Highgate Hill to the village, originating from a point just outside the renowned Archway Tavern. This strong association with the tavern even led to the name 'Archway' being considered for the station during its inception.

The primary entrance to the station is now situated beneath Archway Tower, a building now known as Vantage Point, on Junction Road. Complementing this, a secondary entrance is located on Highgate Hill, providing convenient access from different directions.

A Name Change Odyssey: Archway (Highgate) and Beyond

The station's identity underwent a significant transformation on June 11, 1939, when it was renamed 'Archway (Highgate)'. This change was inspired by the nearby road bridge that spanned the deep cutting containing Archway Road. The renaming coincided with a major expansion of the Northern Line as part of the New Works Programme. On July 3, 1939, the line was extended to connect with the Great Northern Railway's station at Highgate and East Finchley station.

A further renaming occurred on January 19, 1941, when the station became 'Highgate (Archway)'. However, this iteration was short-lived. In December 1947, the station was finally settled on its current name, 'Archway', with the 'Highgate' designation being reallocated to the newly constructed station beneath the London and North Eastern Railway's (LNER) high-level station of the same name.

Architectural Flourishes: Charles Holden's Legacy

The 1930s marked a period of significant upgrade for Archway Station. In 1930, the original lifts were replaced with modern escalators, improving passenger flow and accessibility. The secondary entrance also received a notable redesign by the acclaimed architect Charles Holden. Holden's design was virtually a mirror image of the station entrance he was simultaneously constructing at Hammersmith, showcasing a consistent and distinctive architectural style.

Holden's contribution extended to the platform interiors. The platform walls were once adorned with the characteristic and elegantly simple tiling schemes that defined many of the Underground stations he designed during this era. A ubiquitous cream tile formed the base, with the station name band ingeniously crafted from individual letter-shaped tiles set against a background of cream tiles that were incised to accept the lettering. These distinctive tiling schemes are still visible at neighbouring Highgate station, as well as at Bethnal Green and the stations on the tunnelled section of the Central line's Hainault branch, such as Gants Hill, all of which were constructed in the late 1930s and early 1940s. Sadly, the original tiles at Archway were replaced several years ago during refurbishment works.

Modern Accessibility and Unique Platform Design

As of 2015, passengers arriving at Archway Station are greeted with escalators providing access to the platforms. For those seeking a more traditional or perhaps a more vigorous descent, there are also 113 steps available, offering an alternative route to the platform level.

An unusual and noteworthy feature of Archway Station, particularly for a Northern Line station, is the length of its platforms. Both platforms are substantial enough to accommodate nine-car trains, a departure from the usual seven-car capacity found on most of the line. This was an early initiative aimed at alleviating overcrowding issues that plagued the line.

Innovative Operations: The Nine-Car Experiment

For many years following Archway's opening, a novel operational strategy was employed. The last two carriages of each train were exclusively reserved for passengers travelling between Archway and Tottenham Court Road. This meant that at all other stations, these two carriages remained within the running tunnel, allowing passengers using them a seamless, uninterrupted journey. At Tottenham Court Road, the train would pause beyond the station's platform. This allowed the front two cars to enter the running tunnel beyond the station, facilitating the embarkation and disembarkation of passengers in the rear seven cars.

A curious consequence of this arrangement was that the front two cars were inaccessible to passengers intending to alight at Tottenham Court Road from either direction. Furthermore, the rear two cars ran empty south of Tottenham Court Road, as Archway was the northern terminus at the time. This innovative, albeit complex, system aimed to maximise passenger capacity and comfort on a busy route.

The success of this nine-car arrangement spurred its implementation on a wider scale between Kennington and Edgware. However, this extended operation came with limitations. Only a select number of stations were accessible from the rear two cars, including stations from Kennington to Leicester Square, and Golders Green to Colindale. Notably, nine-car trains did not stop at Mornington Crescent during this period, as all Edgware trains adhered to this restriction at the time. Stations south of Tottenham Court Road continued to operate with the two-car arrangement within the running tunnel.

North of Hampstead, stations were adapted to accommodate nine-car platforms, as these stations were not situated within tunnels. The service was eventually extended to Edgware. However, site constraints at Edgware meant that only seven and a half cars could be accommodated on platform 1. This led to either Edgware being a non-nine-car station or passengers being permitted to disembark via the communicating doors between carriages.

The End of an Era: Nine-Car Operation Suspended

The pioneering nine-car operation at Archway and across the Northern Line was ultimately suspended on September 6, 1939. This decision was made shortly after the declaration of World War II, as the line was divided into two sections for the installation of crucial flood gates. The operational complexities and the wartime necessity meant that this innovative system was never reinstated.

Archway Station Today: A Hub of Activity

Archway Station remains a vital interchange on the Northern Line, serving a bustling community in North London. While the distinctive Holden tiling may be a memory, the station's architectural heritage and its unique operational past continue to captivate. The longer platforms, a legacy of the nine-car experiment, still stand as a reminder of the constant efforts to improve and adapt London's transport infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions about Archway Station

Q1: Where is Archway Station located?
Archway Station is located in the London Borough of Islington, North London, on the High Barnet branch of the Northern Line.

Q2: What Tube line serves Archway Station?
Archway Station is served by the Northern Line.

Q3: What was Archway Station originally called?
Archway Station was originally named Highgate to attract patronage, with the area then being the northern end of Holloway Road.

Q4: Who designed the secondary entrance at Archway Station?
The secondary entrance was designed by the renowned architect Charles Holden.

Q5: What is unusual about the platforms at Archway Station?
Archway Station's platforms are longer than average, capable of accommodating nine-car trains, unlike the usual seven-car capacity on the Northern Line.

Q6: Was there a special service using the longer platforms?
Yes, for a period, the last two cars of trains were exclusively for passengers travelling between Archway and Tottenham Court Road, with specific operational arrangements at Tottenham Court Road.

Q7: When was the nine-car train operation suspended?
The nine-car train operation was suspended on September 6, 1939, due to wartime measures.

Q8: Can I still see the original tiling schemes at Archway Station?
The original tiling schemes designed by Charles Holden were replaced during retiling works several years ago.

Archway Station, with its layered history and distinctive features, offers more than just a journey on the Underground; it provides a fascinating narrative of London's urban development and the enduring legacy of its transport pioneers.

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