The lost stations were even added to Tube maps before World War II shelved the plans
The size of London’s transport network means it’s more or less always shifting – by definition, ambitious plans haven’t all come off over the years, with many shelved.
In fact, there were major proposals for expansion, including a number of planned Tube stations that sadly never came to fruition. These stations were mapped out across North London as part of a bold scheme to extend the Northern line during the 1930s.
Had these plans come to pass, we would today have four additional stations at Crouch End, Cranley Gardens, Muswell Hill, and Alexandra Palace on a branch of the Northern line.
These stations formed part of the 1935 to 1940 London Passenger Transport Board New Works Programme, which also sought to connect the two branches of the Northern line via Mill Hill.
We previously reported on this link and another proposed extension from Edgware, traces of which remain visible to this day.
The very same plans also envisaged a new route linking the City of London and Moorgate station with Alexandra Palace. This route would have run from Moorgate via Finsbury Park, with stops at Crouch End, Highgate, Cranley Gardens, and Muswell Hill, before ultimately reaching Ally Pally.
The line between these stations was ready to accommodate Northern line trains, however the outbreak of the Second World War led to the entire New Works programme being abandoned due to insufficient funding, resulting in the deterioration of the proposed stations. The line came so close to joining the Tube network that it was even included on Tube maps before the war.
Signs of this remain visible today, with destination plates reading Alexandra Palace and via Moorgate on the reverse, which were intended to be displayed on the front of Tube stock.
The original Alexandra Palace station shut in 1954 and deteriorated over the following decades. However, it was saved in the 1980s and converted into a community centre, which continues to operate today.
Muswell Hill station met a similar fate a few years afterwards, closing entirely in 1956. The station was knocked down to make way for Muswell Hill Primary School in the early 60s.
Cranley Gardens station was closed in 1957, with its buildings replaced by a school and a care home in the late 60s and 70s.
Crouch End station also shut in 1954, leaving its station building, which sat atop a road bridge, to decay. When the road bridge was renovated in 1977, the station building was demolished.
Nevertheless, the station’s position remains readily identifiable as its two concrete platforms survive on either side of the Parkland Walk. During the 60s, when the line was no longer operational, it became an unofficial walkway for local residents.
This use was officially recognised by Haringey Council in the 70s when the remaining track was removed. Officially inaugurated in 1984 following substantial restoration work, the Parkland Walk extends from Finsbury Park to Highgate and from Cranley Gardens to Muswell Hill.
Spanning 3.9 miles, it holds the distinction of being London’s lengthiest nature reserve, making it an absolute must-visit destination.
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