Can anyone imagine if Jago made the in-train announcements ... "Next stop Hammersmith ... Change here for another Hammersmith station; yes we know it's a pain in the arse but tough luck" "Mind the Gap! Actually I don't mind any gap to be honest but there's a bloody big hole between the train & the platform... so now you know" Any more suggestions?! :)
The next station is Catford Bridge - the train will stop here both because of a signalling issue and just so you can appreciate the stupidity of this sticky situation. Change here for Cat....YOU TWO AGAIN....
Back in the early 2000s someone I was meeting tried to negate this by saying 'meet in the Starbucks near Hammersmith' five people then all waited for the others in five different Starbucks.
I used to live in a block of flats in Shepherd's Bush built on the trackbed of the LSWR Richmond-Addison Road line; the flats were built in 1933, and there was an urban myth that the basement flats were built to accommodate trains if they ever needed to reopen the line (completely untrue). However, there's a squash club that occupies the bridge under Shepherd's Bush Road. When I came to live in London in 1967 I went to Sudbury Hill on the Piccadilly line, and was interested to see that the Hammersmith Grove station was full of ventilated wagons; presumably it was being used for storage, as I know was done with other closed stations.
I have fond memories of the two Hammersmiths. In 1971 I lived for a short time in Staines, and worked in a hospital not far from Paddington. Every day I would have to take three different trains each way to and from work. I got the main line British Rail train from Staines to Richmond, transferred to the Metropolitan Line which took me from Richmond to Hammersmith, then would have to leave the station which is on the south side of Hammersmith Broadway, cross the road, and enter the other Hammersmith station on the north side of the Broadway and get the H & C Line to Royal Oak. This was of course before they built the shopping centre which eliminated the need to cross the busy road. In the evening on the way home, I would always buy my copy of the Evening Standard from the same vendor (The Standard wasn't a free paper in those days) I love trains, so commuting to me was enjoyable and I could almost always find a seat in those far off (nearly half a century!) days.
You mean the district line from Richmond to Hammersmith then the Metropolitan line from Hammersmith to Royal Oak. And are you telling me there’s a connection now between the two Hammersmith stations? I haven’t found one.
Just one small point about the Hammersmith & Chiswick branch, this did indeed close to passengers in 1917 but it remained open for freight until 1965. In its passenger life, three halts were opened at Rugby Road, Woodstock Road and Bath Road to try and boost numbers without much success. Bath Road was by a busy level crossing and its signal box, with a street nameplate affixed to it, was I believe still there until the complete closure of the line. Also, on the LSWR route through Hammersmith which opened in 1869 with Hammersmith Grove Road station, a further station at Shepherd's Bush was opened in 1874 on the wide curve of the north side of the line soon after it curved away from the West London Line and also closed in 1916. Again, its ruins survived for 40 years until demolished in 1956 and a bus garage now stands on its site. Alan A. Jackson took a photo of the ruins on a snowy day in 1955 just before demolition which has been often published. So Shepherd's Bush also once had more than two stations (which it still has) but no more than three. The plan for an extension of the Central London Railway tube to takeover the LSWR line would have seen this line turn south and join the LSWR somewhere between Shepherd's Bush and Hammersmith Grove Road (which might have been reopened) for Central Line tube trains to run to Richmond but the Piccadilly Line got in first so the Central Line concentrated on its extensions further into west London, reaching West Ruislip in 1947, truncated from Denham, the intended terminus under the 1935 New Works scheme. Kind regards, David, Crouch End, N8.
There's a lot of physical reminders of the history of the underground, but I think few are as obvious and in your face as the old viaduct west of Hammersmith District line station. I remember very often approaching Hammersmith from the west looking at all the brickwork the sheer size of it all, the amount of effort that had been put into it and now it was a thorn in the side of TfL in terms of maintenance and keeping the District/Piccadilly lines up and running. And it was a reminder of just how old this city is, the layers upon layers of history we have around us. Great video as always!
One of the nice things about starting your commute to work from Hammersmith (H&C) is that you always get a seat on the way in to London - and if you're lucky - after Paddington on the way back. Paddington might be an interesting topic - there are two stations there too.
It's an interesting thought that the H&C/Circle goes to three locations which have "twin" stations - Hammersmith, Paddington and Edgware Road. In fact, the Circle goes to *both* Paddingtons!
In the early 70s lots of lines that had been closed had still not been dismantled. Hammersmith H and C being joint Metropolitan and Great Western always reminds me of a lot of the closed Great Western stations in the West Midlands. Great as always keep it up !
As somebody who comes from a country that has a shamefully small investment in public transit (the U.S.A. in case you couldn't guess), I love watching and learning about the wonderful public transit in London and its history from your videos! And it makes me want to live in London so I can ride its double-decker buses, underground, overground, suburban rail, and boat transit the rest of my life! Don't ever take your transit for granted!
I have a passing interest in trains and I have a fair interest in history. These videos are great. Thanks for making them. Brief, concise and to the point with excellent narration and videos.
Used to start my commute every day at the Hammersmith and City Line Hammersmith Station and had no idea it was one of the oldest still-serving stations in London - always thought it was beautiful but never noticed those little details!
The Hammersmith & City station actually had several shops on the concourse. There used to be a little music store that sold supplies like instrument strings, sheet music and even blank manuscript paper. It was a bit of an Aladdin's Cave and definitely one of the more eccentric shops in the area.
On the morning school trip, up from Northfields on the Hounslow line to Ravenscourt Park, I would sometimes duck into the Piccadily line train for an uninterrupted run from Acton Town to Hammersmith, in the hope that I would be able to catch a District line back to Ravenscourt Park and make up a little time and avoid copping detention for being late to school. It never worked out right though, I was often later still and I think this article has explained it in part for me.
I too was at school in Hammersmith, from Autumn 1955 to Summer, 1965, and usually went on the bus from Osterley to Studland Street,(Ravenscourt Park). In those days we were all collecting bus and trolleybus numbers in our Ian Allan books, the big excitement being the sighting of early Routemasters around Chiswick Works. It took ages to spot RML3, the first Leyland built Routemaster. However, I did like taking the train as well, and can remember standing on Ravenscourt Park Station, the westbound platform, on my way home one afternoon, when a small tank engine came from the Richmond direction travelling east with a short goods train. I have no more recollection of it than that, but it presumably went up on to the now derelict viaduct on the old loop. I only ever saw it once. Does anyone have more information on what sort of engine it would have been, and what was it doing? Alec Atchison
I'm not even particularly interested in trains, but this channel's videos are truly delightful! Have watched every single one since I subscribed a few months back.
Holy cow. Went to school in Hammersmith from 84/89 got the old met line from Shepherd’s Bush. Totally forgot what the other station looked like until 1:41 into this video! Thanks buddy great video 👍👍👍
I always wondered about that dead viaduct between Hammersmith and Ravenscourt Park, so thanks! There's a really mean station controller at Hammersmith who likes to hold the District line trains on the platform just until the doors on the incoming Piccadilly line open, so if you need to change you can only watch as your District line train waltzes off and you have to wait up to seven minutes, rather than just holding the District line train another twenty seconds. Whoever they are they've been doing it for decades, and I hate them with all my heart.
And just like that, I now know more about my local stations! Would you ever consider doing a talk on the history of the London Underground? I think having a short film followed by a Q&A session or presentation at an indie venue (e.g. picturehouse) would be well attended.
I often feel ,when watching these videos , that i am taking a stroll through a familiar part of London but with an interesting well informed and amusing friend feel cheers Jago
When I moved to London back in 1977, my first job was in Hammersmith. I commuted there every day from Highgate (via the Northern & Piccadilly lines). Oh & the company I was working for back then had their offices in - Hammersmith Grove !! 😎👍👍
The building of the Broadway Shopping Centre (1:47) appears in the opening credits of the original series of Bottom. It is barely off the ground. Richie & Eddie are seen looking out of a lonely window frame. Additional scenes were shot outside the station's side entrance.
From the man who brought you "too many Blackfriars" comes "too many Hammersmiths". Great video as always. Back in the day it was like the wild west for train companies: get your act of Parliament build your line and stations and hope for the best.
i note the original shopping centre from the days of local shops that defined an area. Timothy Whites, J. Lyons and Co.none of those Prets that get eveywhere.
This is why I like Jago. As the video commenced, he says we'll start with the Hammersmith station servicing Piccadily and District and I immediately thought "oh that's a shame, the other one is much nicer".....then as the video progressed, I find validation for me view. That's Jago, another top video!
Stephen conneil. Just wait until we build a tube to Oz !! (direct to down under,of course) and no jokes about diggers please !! Great to hear from our Australian friends
Many thanks for this. As a young boy I had a mad interest in level crossings and I recall the level crossing gates for the Hammersmith and Chiswick branch (I can’t remember whether the track had been lifted) on the Bath Road between the present-day Abinger Road and Emlyn Road. You can easily follow the line of that railway on today’s street plan as it curved round from today’s North London Line through the site of Beardsley Way to run parallel to Greenend Road and then Abinger Road, eventually to go under the viaduct of the District and Piccadilly Lines just west of Stamford Brook. Likewise the branch to Addison Road can be traced, outside the curve of Sinclair Road, Minford Gardens, Sulgrave Road and Grove Mews. The underbridge on the Shepherds Bush Road is still visible, next to The Grampians just south of Shepherds Bush Green, as are the abutments of the railway bridge over Trussley Road (visible from the Hammersmith and City Line). It’s fascinating to see how the lines of old railways are preserved on today’s street plans.
My favourite summer in UK 🇬🇧 ... the summer of ‘95 I worked in Hammersmith (didn’t fancy the rail commute across London, so bought a used bike for £50 and cycled from Russell Square to Hammersmith) ‘Twas magic. A gorgeous hot dry summer - London was like L.A. (sans palm trees)
Wonderful! I was born in Hammersmith and never knew these things! I still remember the old Piccadilly and District line station with a ‘real’ station atmosphere and that J Lyons restaurant! Glad to see the Metropolitan station hasn’t changed much. I love how you dig out the detail.
Fascinating, as always. Nearest I've ever been to Hammersmith, is listening to 'White Man In Hammersmith Palais', by The Clash. Saved myself a whole lot of bother there, I think. Dinky little station entrance at Stamford Brook, though. I like that.
I very much enjoy your videos!! I miss GB so very much! It’s been far too long since I’ve been, but your videos allow me to live vicariously through your eyes
I knew about three (the two current and Grove Road) but not the other two. Really interested in your take on the N&SWJR, certainly a fascinating outfit with some strange working ideas. Excellent videos, thanks for posting Mr Hazzard.
More fabulous railway history. Brought back fond memories of stations from my student days. I recall the kerfuffle when they built that hideous shopping centre.
Shepherd's Bush is another place with a goodly selection of stations, past and present. You could also do a video about all the Acton stations (North, South, East, West, Town, Central and Mainline).
4 stations serving one area, incredible. I knew about Hammersmith (Grove Road) personally but not the other two - there was a point where I got interested in seeing what the former extent of the present day Tube lines were, and that's how I learnt about it. I don't know that it would have been particularly useful given that it was next to a more direct route into the area. Perhaps if there was some way to link it to one of the Overground lines, maybe... but oh well. Also shout out to the footage at 7:03 - I don't know, I really like footage and images that shows just how different the itty bitty Deep tube stock and the comparatively gargantuan Sub-surface stock are by having them side-by-side, it amuses me. Great video!
This video implements a convolution from its source to its destination. Well done Jago -- and thank you. What do we want? More convolution. When do we want it? Now.
Very Good I would agree the Hammersmith & City station is along with Bromley North my favourite small London Terminus. In the late 1970's I was at university in Roehampton and I explored the various locations that you have mentioned. Also I would agree that the subject of the lines between Clapham Junction and Wilesden Junction aka "Mr Punch's Railway" is well worth a long video. As it has everything!
Back in the day....There was always a mad rush of people running from one platform to another.... at the H&C Hammersmith station....with 2 trains sitting there...you never knew which was going out first.
Yep...years back went to Hammersmith on one line from central London...made the mistake of getting on another lone to go back, thinking, obviously naively, that the station I walked into linked to the other somewhere underground...and found myself heading around the circle/district...very frustrating...!!
As always, interesting and leavened by Jago's dry wit. I certainly didn't know there were that many Hammersmiths, numbers 3 and 5 had escaped my orbit. But oh, this was an episode that would really have benefited from the oft-requested map. Investment in the Pre-Grouping Atlas and the Railway Junction Diagrams books would really have helped here, assuming that copyright issues don't prevent the maps being displayed on TH-cam. Sorry, the Underground strip map isn't an adequate substitute in these convoluted locations.
Years ago, when I wore a younger man's clothes, ( as the song goes ) I'd take a train from Shepherds Bush Metropolitan station to Hammersmith on a Saturday night, and walk around the corner to the Hammersmith Palais de Dance. What memories!
Great video jago, I'm with you on your favourite hammersmith station, beautiful architecture, I didn't know of all those stations, but its great to know the history of them, thanks 👍😀👌
I’ve spent an inordinately excessive amount of my life standing/sitting at the Hammersmith End at Craven Cottage. Years ago during a particularly dreary second half I occupied my mind on the subject of Hammersmith tube stations. It really took my mind off the football. This video finally puts my mind at rest.
I like your understated enthusiasm. I like how informed you are. I like rail- and metro systems (actually the business I'm in). I like londoniana. I liked this video. I subscribed to your channel. I thank you for this!
I too love the little Hammersmith station. It has lots of old world charm. I used to always wondered about the history of the viaduct to Hammersmith when I went passed it. Testament to those who built it that it’s still there after all these years despite not being in use.
Thank you, I use the H&C station without reserving a minute or two to look more closely. Though I lived around the corner, I never knew about Ravenmede Way's history.
I remember getting very lost in Hammersmith back in 2017 because I needed to be in London while the Grenfell disaster was happening, so the Tube was closed and the buses confused the hell out of me. I ended up in Clapham Junction! By that time I was so fed up I ended up getting a cab to my hotel. (Cost a lot but was worth it.) I always get lost in London, I shouldn't be allowed to go there without adult supervision. 😁
I watch Jago’s videos because I’m interested in trains, history and London. I don’t live in London so I’m not familiar with Hammersmith so I don’t know the places Jago mentions. As Jago mentions each station and where each lines goes, I’d find it helpful and interesting if a map was displayed showing the line in question. I know some maps are displayed but I’m thinking one map showing the same geographical area so we see how it developed and where each line was in retaliation to the others.
When the new Broadway centre was planned there was a project, designed by Terry Farrell, that would have linked D/P and H&C lines. About the 'fifth' station it was possible for several years to walk the length of the line. The line and its trains appear in some of the paintings of the Pissarro family, as they lived near by.
I use Hammersmith to get to Liverpool st station from heathrow. As travel with about 30 +k of baggage I take Piccadilly to Hammersmith, lift to street level, crossover to met and circle line. What's great is I do from point a to point z without having to lift my bags off the ground.
The video would have been much easier to follow with a map showing all the Hammersmiths and their coming and going. Ashley Rabot did a very good video on "The History of Hammersmith and West London (Railways)" that is map-based. Something between this video and Ashley Rabot's would be perfect.
you can actually still see the bridge where the district line crossed over the branch line to the old hannersmith and chiswick station! they now just cross over a car park near stamford brook.
Years ago I used to live in Bedford Park and one Sunday afternoon I tried to walk as closely as possible the route from South Acton to Hammersmith and Chiswick.
There used to be a pedestrian subway between the two stations, or at least the pavements nearby. It's probably still there under the road, but the entrances have long been filled in.
They closed it after someone was stabbed in there in the 90s apparently. You can still see where one of the entrances was in the pavement outside Nandos, it's just covered over with metal
It should be reconstructed with the entrances and exits inside the stations and behind the turnstiles. Then it could only be used by bona fide Underground passengers. Or is that too simple for TfL to figure out.
@@Twittler1 : The subway was the responsibility of the local council and not TfL. In any case it was there for all pedestrians to cross what is a busy road junction, not just for Underground passengers.
Was it pointed out that Hammersmith District Line is needed to go to walk to Charing Cross Hospital. But you need to go to East Acton Tube Station to be closest to Hammersmith Hospital.
Thanks for this intriguing piece of research. I had never heard of Hammersmith Grove Road Station, so I've obviously been reading the wrong books. Perhaps some kind TFL subscriber could tell us why they don't rename Hammersmith (Piccadilly/District) as Hammersmith Broadway to avoid the confusion of two stations with the same name. It seems such an obvious thing to do.
I was told the over bridge at the end of the old Met platforms 1,2&3 did give access to Grove Rd station. I could never understand why the old road bride was not re built and the station re opened after the War. The sheer mass of people changing from the Broadway station to the Met was unbelievable in the morning rush hour when I was trying to go to school in the opposite direction. At the time this inter change required a transit round a narrow arcade (with the music shop) cross a pavement at 90 degrees, then a dive down into a narrow subway (with smelly toilets) then an assent to cross a second pavement at 90 degrees. All in all a very interesting start to ones day. I never did find out how many small boys were crushed under foot in a term.
Hammersmith has two separate stations with identical names, Hammersmith on the District & Piccadilly and Hammersmith on the Hammersmith & City. Ruislip however has Ruislip and four other stations with variations on the name, those being; Ruislip Manor on the Metropolitan & Piccadilly, Ruislip Gardens on the Central and South Ruislip & West Ruislip both served by Chiltern Railways and the Central. The same applies to Acton with Acton Town on the Piccadilly & District, Acton Central and South Acton on London Overground, West Acton, North Acton and East Acton on the Central and Acton Main Line on TfL Rail.
“I’d like a ticket from Hammersmith to Acton, please?”
“Oh god”.
All of them? ;-)
Hahaha a good chuckle created. Thank you fellow member of mankind.
Lol
Here's your bus ticket sir.
"How much charge would you like on your Oyster card?"
Can anyone imagine if Jago made the in-train announcements ...
"Next stop Hammersmith ... Change here for another Hammersmith station; yes we know it's a pain in the arse but tough luck"
"Mind the Gap! Actually I don't mind any gap to be honest but there's a bloody big hole between the train & the platform... so now you know"
Any more suggestions?! :)
"Now arriving at Embankment, no, not that one. No not that one either. Yes, that one. Well done."
@Kyle TnT You’ve obviously not attempted the one at Bank/Embankment. Green Park - an amateurish pretender!
The next station is Catford Bridge - the train will stop here both because of a signalling issue and just so you can appreciate the stupidity of this sticky situation. Change here for Cat....YOU TWO AGAIN....
@@Heruss100 "Now arriving at Charing Cross, no, it's not one stop down. This isn't Trafalgar Square you idiot, it's 2022 not 1972!"
"This is Hammersmith. Opened in 1856. Extended in 1861. Shuttered in 1904. Re-opened in NO, DON'T SHUT THE DOORS YET. I'M NOT FINISHED."
Telling someone "I'll meet you outside Hammersmith Station" must have caused a few problems!
It still causes problems now, with its many exits!
Back in the early 2000s someone I was meeting tried to negate this by saying 'meet in the Starbucks near Hammersmith' five people then all waited for the others in five different Starbucks.
@@Djarra 😂😂😂
Where are you?
At Hammersmith station.
No, where are you?
It does - best bet is to meet out side the lyric instead.
"Mum I want a Hammersmith!"
"You don't need another Hammersmith, you have one at home"
I used to live in a block of flats in Shepherd's Bush built on the trackbed of the LSWR Richmond-Addison Road line; the flats were built in 1933, and there was an urban myth that the basement flats were built to accommodate trains if they ever needed to reopen the line (completely untrue). However, there's a squash club that occupies the bridge under Shepherd's Bush Road.
When I came to live in London in 1967 I went to Sudbury Hill on the Piccadilly line, and was interested to see that the Hammersmith Grove station was full of ventilated wagons; presumably it was being used for storage, as I know was done with other closed stations.
I have fond memories of the two Hammersmiths. In 1971 I lived for a short time in Staines, and worked in a hospital not far from Paddington. Every day I would have to take three different trains each way to and from work. I got the main line British Rail train from Staines to Richmond, transferred to the Metropolitan Line which took me from Richmond to Hammersmith, then would have to leave the station which is on the south side of Hammersmith Broadway, cross the road, and enter the other Hammersmith station on the north side of the Broadway and get the H & C Line to Royal Oak. This was of course before they built the shopping centre which eliminated the need to cross the busy road. In the evening on the way home, I would always buy my copy of the Evening Standard from the same vendor (The Standard wasn't a free paper in those days) I love trains, so commuting to me was enjoyable and I could almost always find a seat in those far off (nearly half a century!) days.
You mean the district line from Richmond to Hammersmith then the Metropolitan line from Hammersmith to Royal Oak. And are you telling me there’s a connection now between the two Hammersmith stations? I haven’t found one.
Jago's released my inner nerd! I absolutely love your videos, thank you. Your time, content, knowledge and humour are greatly appreciated x
Thanks!
Good morning, Jago.
Good morning
Good evening all.
Good day all viewers xx
Subh prabhat ❤️
@Mag Nothing you can't catch up with! Happy new year.
Just one small point about the Hammersmith & Chiswick branch, this did indeed close to passengers in 1917 but it remained open for freight until 1965. In its passenger life, three halts were opened at Rugby Road, Woodstock Road and Bath Road to try and boost numbers without much success. Bath Road was by a busy level crossing and its signal box, with a street nameplate affixed to it, was I believe still there until the complete closure of the line. Also, on the LSWR route through Hammersmith which opened in 1869 with Hammersmith Grove Road station, a further station at Shepherd's Bush was opened in 1874 on the wide curve of the north side of the line soon after it curved away from the West London Line and also closed in 1916. Again, its ruins survived for 40 years until demolished in 1956 and a bus garage now stands on its site. Alan A. Jackson took a photo of the ruins on a snowy day in 1955 just before demolition which has been often published. So Shepherd's Bush also once had more than two stations (which it still has) but no more than three. The plan for an extension of the Central London Railway tube to takeover the LSWR line would have seen this line turn south and join the LSWR somewhere between Shepherd's Bush and Hammersmith Grove Road (which might have been reopened) for Central Line tube trains to run to Richmond but the Piccadilly Line got in first so the Central Line concentrated on its extensions further into west London, reaching West Ruislip in 1947, truncated from Denham, the intended terminus under the 1935 New Works scheme. Kind regards, David, Crouch End, N8.
Short line, to a converted house, single loco and carriage, sounds like the basis of a model railway
There's a lot of physical reminders of the history of the underground, but I think few are as obvious and in your face as the old viaduct west of Hammersmith District line station. I remember very often approaching Hammersmith from the west looking at all the brickwork the sheer size of it all, the amount of effort that had been put into it and now it was a thorn in the side of TfL in terms of maintenance and keeping the District/Piccadilly lines up and running. And it was a reminder of just how old this city is, the layers upon layers of history we have around us. Great video as always!
Currently in 2020 it should be titled “Two many Hammersmiths”
Or even "Three many Hammersmiths"?
@@dvdvnr Just say "LOL"...
One of the nice things about starting your commute to work from Hammersmith (H&C) is that you always get a seat on the way in to London - and if you're lucky - after Paddington on the way back.
Paddington might be an interesting topic - there are two stations there too.
It's an interesting thought that the H&C/Circle goes to three locations which have "twin" stations - Hammersmith, Paddington and Edgware Road. In fact, the Circle goes to *both* Paddingtons!
In the early 70s lots of lines that had been closed had still not been dismantled.
Hammersmith H and C being joint Metropolitan and Great Western always reminds me of a lot of the closed Great Western stations in the West Midlands.
Great as always keep it up !
I wonder if there is an ancient guild of Hammersmith's?
As somebody who comes from a country that has a shamefully small investment in public transit (the U.S.A. in case you couldn't guess), I love watching and learning about the wonderful public transit in London and its history from your videos! And it makes me want to live in London so I can ride its double-decker buses, underground, overground, suburban rail, and boat transit the rest of my life! Don't ever take your transit for granted!
I have a passing interest in trains and I have a fair interest in history. These videos are great. Thanks for making them. Brief, concise and to the point with excellent narration and videos.
Thanks!
I live in Hammersmith so find this fascinating and explains why we still have so many links. Thanks
Used to start my commute every day at the Hammersmith and City Line Hammersmith Station and had no idea it was one of the oldest still-serving stations in London - always thought it was beautiful but never noticed those little details!
Out of the stations in this video, I like Hammersmith the most
I worked in Hammersmith Broadway and it feels scary when it shakes. The bus station with the buses rumbling above you, the underground... below...
So you worked in a cellar? 😂
@@Twittler1 felt like it lol.
If you'd had a pint for every time 'hammersmith' is mentioned, you'd be well and truly hammered by now!
I would.. but pubs are closed
@@mats7492 I won't drink to that !!
But let's have a drink indoors to Jago for yet another great video.
Cheers Mat and Jago !!
Well and truly “hammersmithed” surely? 🤣
@@redswasted8624 Yeah maybe - and if your name was Smith, you'd be a hammered Smith!
@@mats7492 Probably just as well then!
The Hammersmith & City station actually had several shops on the concourse. There used to be a little music store that sold supplies like instrument strings, sheet music and even blank manuscript paper. It was a bit of an Aladdin's Cave and definitely one of the more eccentric shops in the area.
I love those old buildings and stations!
On the morning school trip, up from Northfields on the Hounslow line to Ravenscourt Park, I would sometimes duck into the Piccadily line train for an uninterrupted run from Acton Town to Hammersmith, in the hope that I would be able to catch a District line back to Ravenscourt Park and make up a little time and avoid copping detention for being late to school.
It never worked out right though, I was often later still and I think this article has explained it in part for me.
I too was at school in Hammersmith, from Autumn 1955 to Summer, 1965, and usually went on the bus from Osterley to Studland Street,(Ravenscourt Park). In those days we were all collecting bus and trolleybus numbers in our Ian Allan books, the big excitement being the sighting of early Routemasters around Chiswick Works. It took ages to spot RML3, the first Leyland built Routemaster.
However, I did like taking the train as well, and can remember standing on Ravenscourt Park Station, the westbound platform, on my way home one afternoon, when a small tank engine came from the Richmond direction travelling east with a short goods train. I have no more recollection of it than that, but it presumably went up on to the now derelict viaduct on the old loop. I only ever saw it once. Does anyone have more information on what sort of engine it would have been, and what was it doing?
Alec Atchison
I'm not even particularly interested in trains, but this channel's videos are truly delightful! Have watched every single one since I subscribed a few months back.
Thanks!
Holy cow. Went to school in Hammersmith from 84/89 got the old met line from Shepherd’s Bush. Totally forgot what the other station looked like until 1:41 into this video! Thanks buddy great video 👍👍👍
I always wondered about that dead viaduct between Hammersmith and Ravenscourt Park, so thanks! There's a really mean station controller at Hammersmith who likes to hold the District line trains on the platform just until the doors on the incoming Piccadilly line open, so if you need to change you can only watch as your District line train waltzes off and you have to wait up to seven minutes, rather than just holding the District line train another twenty seconds. Whoever they are they've been doing it for decades, and I hate them with all my heart.
And just like that, I now know more about my local stations! Would you ever consider doing a talk on the history of the London Underground? I think having a short film followed by a Q&A session or presentation at an indie venue (e.g. picturehouse) would be well attended.
You never fail to entertain all of the underground fans watching 👍🚂
I often feel ,when watching these videos , that i am taking a stroll through a familiar part of London but with an interesting well informed and amusing friend feel cheers Jago
When I moved to London back in 1977, my first job was in Hammersmith. I commuted there every day from Highgate (via the Northern & Piccadilly lines). Oh & the company I was working for back then had their offices in - Hammersmith Grove !! 😎👍👍
The building of the Broadway Shopping Centre (1:47) appears in the opening credits of the original series of Bottom. It is barely off the ground. Richie & Eddie are seen looking out of a lonely window frame. Additional scenes were shot outside the station's side entrance.
Pre Shopping Centre Hammersmith, can be seen in the opening credits to TV Sitcom Bottom.
I live near hammersmith used both stations hundreds if not thousands of times they link up to almost every major station 🚜🚜🚜🚜🚜
From the man who brought you "too many Blackfriars" comes "too many Hammersmiths". Great video as always. Back in the day it was like the wild west for train companies: get your act of Parliament build your line and stations and hope for the best.
i note the original shopping centre from the days of local shops that defined an area. Timothy Whites, J. Lyons and Co.none of those Prets that get eveywhere.
Used these a lot when I worked there. I try to forget a lot those seven years.....
This is why I like Jago. As the video commenced, he says we'll start with the Hammersmith station servicing Piccadily and District and I immediately thought "oh that's a shame, the other one is much nicer".....then as the video progressed, I find validation for me view. That's Jago, another top video!
Fascinating and thank you for the content. I'm fr0m Australia and love this type of historical info.
Stephen conneil.
Just wait until we build a tube to Oz !! (direct to down under,of course) and no jokes about diggers please !!
Great to hear from our Australian friends
@@simonwinter8839 Thanks Simon. Love to travel along some of these train routes.
Many thanks for this. As a young boy I had a mad interest in level crossings and I recall the level crossing gates for the Hammersmith and Chiswick branch (I can’t remember whether the track had been lifted) on the Bath Road between the present-day Abinger Road and Emlyn Road. You can easily follow the line of that railway on today’s street plan as it curved round from today’s North London Line through the site of Beardsley Way to run parallel to Greenend Road and then Abinger Road, eventually to go under the viaduct of the District and Piccadilly Lines just west of Stamford Brook. Likewise the branch to Addison Road can be traced, outside the curve of Sinclair Road, Minford Gardens, Sulgrave Road and Grove Mews. The underbridge on the Shepherds Bush Road is still visible, next to The Grampians just south of Shepherds Bush Green, as are the abutments of the railway bridge over Trussley Road (visible from the Hammersmith and City Line). It’s fascinating to see how the lines of old railways are preserved on today’s street plans.
Living in Blackpool, every now snd then I see places I have been to in London travelling on the tube, train spotting! Thank you.
My favourite summer in UK 🇬🇧 ... the summer of ‘95 I worked in Hammersmith (didn’t fancy the rail commute across London, so bought a used bike for £50 and cycled from Russell Square to Hammersmith) ‘Twas magic. A gorgeous hot dry summer - London was like L.A. (sans palm trees)
Wonderful! I was born in Hammersmith and never knew these things! I still remember the old Piccadilly and District line station with a ‘real’ station atmosphere and that J Lyons restaurant! Glad to see the Metropolitan station hasn’t changed much. I love how you dig out the detail.
Fascinating, as always. Nearest I've ever been to Hammersmith, is listening to 'White Man In Hammersmith Palais', by The Clash. Saved myself a whole lot of bother there, I think. Dinky little station entrance at Stamford Brook, though. I like that.
I very much enjoy your videos!! I miss GB so very much! It’s been far too long since I’ve been, but your videos allow me to live vicariously through your eyes
I knew about three (the two current and Grove Road) but not the other two. Really interested in your take on the N&SWJR, certainly a fascinating outfit with some strange working ideas. Excellent videos, thanks for posting Mr Hazzard.
More fabulous railway history. Brought back fond memories of stations from my student days. I recall the kerfuffle when they built that hideous shopping centre.
That “new” Hammersmith station on the Piccadilly Line is just hideous. Guess that’s what they considered to be “futuristic” in 1990.
Agreed. It’s terrible and already dated. At least they kept the tiles though from the original station.
@@aldhous I don't even have click the link to know what it is 😀
But Hammersmith *really* needed a second shopping centre 5 minutes walk from the first one!
The late 20th century has much to answer for globally in the destruction of railway heritage. Most of it in the name of greed , sorry I mean progress.
Does anyone remember the underpass at Hammersmith with the green tiled dragon on the wall?
Shepherd's Bush is another place with a goodly selection of stations, past and present. You could also do a video about all the Acton stations (North, South, East, West, Town, Central and Mainline).
Good morning, and thank you. I always enjoy your longer videos, and look forward to the next.
4 stations serving one area, incredible. I knew about Hammersmith (Grove Road) personally but not the other two - there was a point where I got interested in seeing what the former extent of the present day Tube lines were, and that's how I learnt about it. I don't know that it would have been particularly useful given that it was next to a more direct route into the area. Perhaps if there was some way to link it to one of the Overground lines, maybe... but oh well.
Also shout out to the footage at 7:03 - I don't know, I really like footage and images that shows just how different the itty bitty Deep tube stock and the comparatively gargantuan Sub-surface stock are by having them side-by-side, it amuses me.
Great video!
This video implements a convolution from its source to its destination. Well done Jago -- and thank you. What do we want? More convolution. When do we want it? Now.
Very Good I would agree the Hammersmith & City station is along with Bromley North my favourite small London Terminus.
In the late 1970's I was at university in Roehampton and I explored the various locations that you have mentioned.
Also I would agree that the subject of the lines between Clapham Junction and Wilesden Junction aka "Mr Punch's Railway" is well worth a long video. As it has everything!
It’s a shame that the H&C Hammersmith has now gone ATO the lack of signals has lost its charm a bit now ☹️
Is it fully ATO or Semi ATO meaning only half can be driven automatic
@@aaronthompson1354 its ATO from Hammersmith to Euston Square only (for now)
Two of my favorite TH-camrs!
In Singapore our MRT (subway/metro) uses both ATO & lineside signals (2 aspect ones at switches, buffers, & both ends of underground platforms)
Back in the day....There was always a mad rush of people running from one platform to another.... at the H&C Hammersmith station....with 2 trains sitting there...you never knew which was going out first.
Yep...years back went to Hammersmith on one line from central London...made the mistake of getting on another lone to go back, thinking, obviously naively, that the station I walked into linked to the other somewhere underground...and found myself heading around the circle/district...very frustrating...!!
As always, interesting and leavened by Jago's dry wit. I certainly didn't know there were that many Hammersmiths, numbers 3 and 5 had escaped my orbit. But oh, this was an episode that would really have benefited from the oft-requested map. Investment in the Pre-Grouping Atlas and the Railway Junction Diagrams books would really have helped here, assuming that copyright issues don't prevent the maps being displayed on TH-cam. Sorry, the Underground strip map isn't an adequate substitute in these convoluted locations.
I find your voice, talking about trains, very soothing
Years ago, when I wore a younger man's clothes, ( as the song goes ) I'd take a train from Shepherds Bush Metropolitan station to Hammersmith on a Saturday night, and walk around the corner to the Hammersmith Palais de Dance. What memories!
Thanks for the video Jago. I really appreciate all the research you did to make it. Best wishes.
Great video jago, I'm with you on your favourite hammersmith station, beautiful architecture, I didn't know of all those stations, but its great to know the history of them, thanks 👍😀👌
I’ve spent an inordinately excessive amount of my life standing/sitting at the Hammersmith End at Craven Cottage. Years ago during a particularly dreary second half I occupied my mind on the subject of Hammersmith tube stations. It really took my mind off the football. This video finally puts my mind at rest.
I like your understated enthusiasm. I like how informed you are. I like rail- and metro systems (actually the business I'm in). I like londoniana. I liked this video. I subscribed to your channel. I thank you for this!
I too love the little Hammersmith station. It has lots of old world charm.
I used to always wondered about the history of the viaduct to Hammersmith when I went passed it. Testament to those who built it that it’s still there after all these years despite not being in use.
I love all of this. I live here and never knew. Thank you
6:29 - Nice Bentley Continental!
Thank you, I use the H&C station without reserving a minute or two to look more closely.
Though I lived around the corner, I never knew about Ravenmede Way's history.
I remember getting very lost in Hammersmith back in 2017 because I needed to be in London while the Grenfell disaster was happening, so the Tube was closed and the buses confused the hell out of me. I ended up in Clapham Junction! By that time I was so fed up I ended up getting a cab to my hotel. (Cost a lot but was worth it.) I always get lost in London, I shouldn't be allowed to go there without adult supervision. 😁
which bit of london were you looking for
There have been five Shephard's Bush stations too.
What Hammersmith really needed was a Monorail with connections to Zeppelin service.
I used to park at Kings Mall and walk to one or the other station, thought it was rather pleasant especially when the street food market was running.
Great, but confusing. One of Geoff Marshall's maps would have been handy. Keep up the good work!
Loved watching this, hope you post more videos about London Underground!
marvellous entertainment for railway nerds ( like me ) must take hours to research
You should do a video like this for the craziness that is Hounslow stations. Please also include the SWR station at Hounslow as well. Thanks x
Hounslow is on my list! Fun fact: Hounslow SWR station was originally named Whitton Park.
@@JagoHazzard wow. I learn so much from your videos and i live 10 mins drive from Hounslow station
I loved Baker Street Station . Memories. Keeping London, English is always beautiful.
And yet, the chord through Hammersmith Grove would make complete sense in 21st century London. Fascinating stuff.
heyyyy I've been to Stamford Brook station when I was in London in Sep '19 ! loved Chiswick and its vibe !
I watch Jago’s videos because I’m interested in trains, history and London. I don’t live in London so I’m not familiar with Hammersmith so I don’t know the places Jago mentions. As Jago mentions each station and where each lines goes, I’d find it helpful and interesting if a map was displayed showing the line in question. I know some maps are displayed but I’m thinking one map showing the same geographical area so we see how it developed and where each line was in retaliation to the others.
When the new Broadway centre was planned there was a project, designed by Terry Farrell, that would have linked D/P and H&C lines. About the 'fifth' station it was possible for several years to walk the length of the line. The line and its trains appear in some of the paintings of the Pissarro family, as they lived near by.
A lot of closed stations in the Wood Lane/White City/Shepherd’s Bush area, and not that far from Hammersmith area. Might be worth another video.
Thanks again for a fantastic video.
1:32 i think it is impressive that THEY BUILT A STATION IN A SHOPPING MALL LIKE HOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
See the title sequence of ‘Bottom’ for details.
Roman'sEpicFans: The shopping centre was built over the station! The station was there first!
@@robertgriffith8857 but still
A Hammersmith here, a Hammersmith there, everywhere a Hammersmith!......
E-I-E-I-O-O. 😂😂😂
I use Hammersmith to get to Liverpool st station from heathrow. As travel with about 30 +k of baggage I take Piccadilly to Hammersmith, lift to street level, crossover to met and circle line. What's great is I do from point a to point z without having to lift my bags off the ground.
Bit unrelated to the video, but I love the Hammersmith area. It's such a great microcosm of London. I would love to live there.
As a local, totally agree! And you'd be most welcome.
I need to rewatch this with the map.
The video would have been much easier to follow with a map showing all the Hammersmiths and their coming and going.
Ashley Rabot did a very good video on "The History of Hammersmith and West London (Railways)" that is map-based. Something between this video and Ashley Rabot's would be perfect.
Interesting, and well researched. I knew nothing much about the N&SWJR until now, and I lived in the area for many years. So please delve further.
Lovely informative video cheers Sir.
i used to work there, knew about the 4 of them did not know about the 5th :) awsome !!
1:13 WHAT A RAINBOW ROUNDEL I WANT IT
where can i buy one
Superb videos. Very impressive work.
Thanks!
you can actually still see the bridge where the district line crossed over the branch line to the old hannersmith and chiswick station! they now just cross over a car park near stamford brook.
Years ago I used to live in Bedford Park and one Sunday afternoon I tried to walk as closely as possible the route from South Acton to Hammersmith and Chiswick.
There used to be a pedestrian subway between the two stations, or at least the pavements nearby. It's probably still there under the road, but the entrances have long been filled in.
Yes, it happened all over London. They found that people get up to bad habits in subways.
They closed it after someone was stabbed in there in the 90s apparently. You can still see where one of the entrances was in the pavement outside Nandos, it's just covered over with metal
It should be reconstructed with the entrances and exits inside the stations and behind the turnstiles. Then it could only be used by bona fide Underground passengers. Or is that too simple for TfL to figure out.
I remember the subway very well. Do you have any recollection of the green dragon tile mosaic that was on the wall?
@@Twittler1 : The subway was the responsibility of the local council and not TfL. In any case it was there for all pedestrians to cross what is a busy road junction, not just for Underground passengers.
Was it pointed out that Hammersmith District Line is needed to go to walk to Charing Cross Hospital. But you need to go to East Acton Tube Station to be closest to Hammersmith Hospital.
Thanks for this intriguing piece of research. I had never heard of Hammersmith Grove Road Station, so I've obviously been reading the wrong books. Perhaps some kind TFL subscriber could tell us why they don't rename Hammersmith (Piccadilly/District) as Hammersmith Broadway to avoid the confusion of two stations with the same name. It seems such an obvious thing to do.
I was told the over bridge at the end of the old Met platforms 1,2&3 did give access to Grove Rd station. I could never understand why the old road bride was not re built and the station re opened after the War. The sheer mass of people changing from the Broadway station to the Met was unbelievable in the morning rush hour when I was trying to go to school in the opposite direction. At the time this inter change required a transit round a narrow arcade (with the music shop) cross a pavement at 90 degrees, then a dive down into a narrow subway (with smelly toilets) then an assent to cross a second pavement at 90 degrees. All in all a very interesting start to ones day. I never did find out how many small boys were crushed under foot in a term.
Thanks for this. Are you up for tackling the historic mess of lines and stations that was/is the Shepherd's Bush/Wood Lane area?
I’m working up the courage...
@@JagoHazzard Geoff's beaten you to it, I see: th-cam.com/video/Lphpv2q53u4/w-d-xo.html
You should come to Ruislip, we have five active stations
I didn't know this. Wow!
...or Acton which has seven!
Hammersmith has two separate stations with identical names, Hammersmith on the District & Piccadilly and Hammersmith on the Hammersmith & City. Ruislip however has Ruislip and four other stations with variations on the name, those being; Ruislip Manor on the Metropolitan & Piccadilly, Ruislip Gardens on the Central and South Ruislip & West Ruislip both served by Chiltern Railways and the Central. The same applies to Acton with Acton Town on the Piccadilly & District, Acton Central and South Acton on London Overground, West Acton, North Acton and East Acton on the Central and Acton Main Line on TfL Rail.
@@PhilSmith71 You Missed the Ruislip Lido Railway for more stations
@@highpath4776 True, with the exception that none of the stations in Ruislip Lido have Ruislip in the name.
Change my mind about "Acton" stations!