<strong>Down Street station:</strong> Down Street opened as a London Tube station in 1907. It served the Piccadilly line until closing in 1932.
Down Street station: Down Street opened as a London Tube station in 1907. It served the Piccadilly line until closing in 1932.
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<strong>Station map: </strong>The disused station is in Mayfair, between today's Hyde Park Corner and Green Park stations.
Station map: The disused station is in Mayfair, between today's Hyde Park Corner and Green Park stations.
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<strong>Second life: </strong>"All of the things that made it not viable as a station made it absolutely perfect for secret bunkers during the Second World War," says London Transport Museum's Siddy Holloway.
Second life: "All of the things that made it not viable as a station made it absolutely perfect for secret bunkers during the Second World War," says London Transport Museum's Siddy Holloway.
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<strong>New HQ: </strong>In 1939, the newly reformed Railway Executive Committee (REC) took over Down Street as their wartime headquarters.
New HQ: In 1939, the newly reformed Railway Executive Committee (REC) took over Down Street as their wartime headquarters.
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<strong>Typing pool:</strong> This was the typing pool where eight secretaries would sit working at their typewriters. Plasterboard still clings to the tiles.
Typing pool: This was the typing pool where eight secretaries would sit working at their typewriters. Plasterboard still clings to the tiles.
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<strong>Lift shaft: </strong>The former lift shaft today provides ventilation to the Piccadilly line.
Lift shaft: The former lift shaft today provides ventilation to the Piccadilly line.
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<strong>The descent: </strong>The platforms at Down Street are 73 feet below ground level, making them excellently positioned for a bomb-proof shelter.
The descent: The platforms at Down Street are 73 feet below ground level, making them excellently positioned for a bomb-proof shelter.
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<strong>Sheltering Churchill: </strong>British Prime Minister Winston Churchill took shelter here overnight at least five times in the winter of 1940.
Sheltering Churchill: British Prime Minister Winston Churchill took shelter here overnight at least five times in the winter of 1940.
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<strong>Mind the gap: </strong>When Piccadilly trains race past during public tours, tour group members have to switch off all their lights so as not to blind the drivers.
Mind the gap: When Piccadilly trains race past during public tours, tour group members have to switch off all their lights so as not to blind the drivers.
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