Broad Street station in 1865

Broad Street station was a major railway station in the City of London, which served as the terminus for the North London Railway. It was closed in 1986 and demolished.

The station was opened in 1865 to serve as the terminus of a network of commuter railways linking east and west London via the looping route of the North London Line. With nine platforms at its peak, it became the third busiest London station (after Liverpool Street – which was virtually next door – and Victoria). At the start of the 20th century, more than one train a minute arrived or left the station during the morning rush hour, with over 27 million passengers in 1902 alone. The Great Northern Railway also used Broad Street for a while, as a supplement to its Kings Cross terminal some miles to the west.

However, the North London Line lost most of its passengers to the expansion of the bus, tram and Tube network and the station became increasingly poorly used. It was badly damaged in World War II but was never fully repaired, and in 1950 the main part of the station was closed. It declined steadily thereafter, becoming increasingly dilapidated, with all but two platforms disused. It was earmarked for closure under the Beeching Axe of 1963, but local opposition persuaded the government to give it a reprieve.

By 1985, only 6,000 passengers per week were using Broad Street station and only about 300 arrived daily in the morning peak. In June 1985, it was agreed that Broad Street would be closed and in November that year demolition of the station began. A single platform remained in use until 30 June 1986, when the station was finally closed along with the other stations on the North London Line's City Branch.

Broad Street station was replaced with the giant Broadgate office and shopping complex. Nothing now remains of the station itself. However, the viaduct leading from Dalston to Broad Street is still largely intact. It is currently in the process of being restored to carry the East London Line along the old City Branch trackbed as far as Highbury & Islington station.

See also

• List of London railway stations