01
 "01")
Finsbury Park.
Looking southbound, these are the tracks onto the bridge that used to carry this line over the main line at Finsbury Park.
In this and picture 02, the right hand track is the northbound one.
This picture was taken from the steps of the box (pictures 03 and 04).
Looking southbound, these are the tracks onto the bridge that used to carry this line over the main line at Finsbury Park.
In this and picture 02, the right hand track is the northbound one.
This picture was taken from the steps of the box (pictures 03 and 04).
 "1970 OS Map © Crown copyright"){kind=small}
02
 "02")
Finsbury Park.
Again looking southbound, these are the tracks onto the bridge that used to carry this line over the main line at Finsbury Park.
The dismantled track was designated the 'Carriage Line', and used for empty E.R. stock movements going to Finsbury Park Carriage sidings.
Again looking southbound, these are the tracks onto the bridge that used to carry this line over the main line at Finsbury Park.
The dismantled track was designated the 'Carriage Line', and used for empty E.R. stock movements going to Finsbury Park Carriage sidings.
 "02a")
 "02a")
1980 Finsbury Park photos © Andy Armitage.
These two photos were taken from the Up/Southbound trackbed on the east side of the East Coast Main Line.
In the foreground is the abandoned expanse of the former Finsbury Park carriage sidings which closed 1975-76.
These two photos were taken from the Up/Southbound trackbed on the east side of the East Coast Main Line.
In the foreground is the abandoned expanse of the former Finsbury Park carriage sidings which closed 1975-76.
03
 "03")
Finsbury Park No. 7 Box.
Some fairly primitive block-signalling equipment is visible.
Some fairly primitive block-signalling equipment is visible.
04
 "04")
Finsbury Park No. 7 Box.
The track circuit indicator board is visible.
Click the magnifying glass for a partial enlargement showing the diagram in greater detail.
The track circuit indicator board is visible.
Click the magnifying glass for a partial enlargement showing the diagram in greater detail.
 "04a")
Finsbury Park No. 7 Box - Track circuit indicator board.
The diagram has evidently been updated subsequent to the removal of the 'Carriage Line'.
Sorry, this is the best enlargement I can get from the original picture.
The diagram has evidently been updated subsequent to the removal of the 'Carriage Line'.
Sorry, this is the best enlargement I can get from the original picture.
05
 "05")
Looking north from No. 7 box with the trailing crossover outside it.
Visible in the distance is the Home/Distant semaphore for the Up/Southbound line which stands at the Upper Tollington Park road bridge.
Visible in the distance is the Home/Distant semaphore for the Up/Southbound line which stands at the Upper Tollington Park road bridge.
·
Stroud Green Station.
06
 "06")
This signpost is self-explanatory.
It was just a little out-of-date even in 1970.
The location is Haslemere Road, between Crouch Hill and Crouch End.
It was just a little out-of-date even in 1970.
The location is Haslemere Road, between Crouch Hill and Crouch End.
07
 "07")
Looking between the bridge that carries Crouch Hill over the line and the footbridge over the tracks at the southeast end of Crouch End station.
08
 "08")
Crouch End station building stood on the bridge directly over the line.
The windows were bricked up after closure, and the entire structure has long since been demolished.
See picture S02 for a comparison to its 'Great Northern Railway' days.
The windows were bricked up after closure, and the entire structure has long since been demolished.
See picture S02 for a comparison to its 'Great Northern Railway' days.
){kind=link}
 "2003 Photo by Mark Fulcher"){kind=small}
09
 "09")
Crouch End station platforms looking southbound (east).
Note the partial lowering of the platforms.
The area to the right of the platforms was the station goods yard.
Note the partial lowering of the platforms.
The area to the right of the platforms was the station goods yard.
10
 "10")
Crouch End station platforms looking northbound (west).
The station nameplate posts are visible at this end of each platform.
The station building is on the road bridge, and a trestle to support the weakened bridge has been built directly onto the southbound track.
The station nameplate posts are visible at this end of each platform.
The station building is on the road bridge, and a trestle to support the weakened bridge has been built directly onto the southbound track.
11
 "11")
Crouch End station platforms looking northbound (west).
The trestle supporting the road bridge has been built directly onto the southbound track.
Progressive weakening of the bridge would ultimately require demolition of the station building. The rebuilt bridge is now too low and narrow for the line to be reinstated.
The trestle supporting the road bridge has been built directly onto the southbound track.
Progressive weakening of the bridge would ultimately require demolition of the station building. The rebuilt bridge is now too low and narrow for the line to be reinstated.
 "2003 Photo by Mark Fulcher"){kind=small}
12
 "12")
View from Highgate south tunnels
This is the southbound track - looking south.
The south tunnels are 332 yards long.
This is the southbound track - looking south.
The south tunnels are 332 yards long.
13
 "13")
View from Highgate south tunnels
This is the northbound track - looking south.
Note the 'Catch Points'.
This is the northbound track - looking south.
Note the 'Catch Points'.
14
 "14")
Highgate surface station - northbound track - looking north.
15
 "15")
Highgate surface station platforms - looking north.
Nature is attempting to reclaim the land, and lack of attention to this matter will ultimately cause water seepage into the station below.
Nature is attempting to reclaim the land, and lack of attention to this matter will ultimately cause water seepage into the station below.
16
 "16")
Highgate surface station.
Looking north from the original southbound platform.
The sloping structure is the escalator shaft to the Archway Road, built in 1940, but not fitted with an escalator until 1957.
Looking north from the original southbound platform.
The sloping structure is the escalator shaft to the Archway Road, built in 1940, but not fitted with an escalator until 1957.
17
 "17")
Highgate surface station - southbound track - looking north.
The original GNR station building is just visible on the southbound side platform and survives as a private dwelling.
The original GNR station building is just visible on the southbound side platform and survives as a private dwelling.
18
 "18")
Highgate surface station - northbound track - looking south.
 "Photo © 1993 Mark Leigh"){kind=small}
19
 "19")
Highgate surface station - southbound track - looking south.
The tunnel bores are straight.
The track incline is visible and starts before the end of the platforms.
The tunnel bores are straight.
The track incline is visible and starts before the end of the platforms.
20
 "20")
Highgate surface station - southbound platform - looking north.
The lighter brickwork reveals the position of the L.T. roundel.
The lighter brickwork reveals the position of the L.T. roundel.
21
 "21")
Highgate surface station - northbound platform - looking north.
Signals NH1 and RNH2 are visible at the end of the outer platform.
Signals NH1 and RNH2 are visible at the end of the outer platform.
22
 "22")
Highgate station - stairs from low level booking hall.
The outer hand-rails were subsequently removed (as was the top half of the centre rail), presumably when the barrier grille was relocated from the bottom of this stairway.
This was practically the only (sanctioned) desecration to this fine structure in the next 25 years of abandonment.
The outer hand-rails were subsequently removed (as was the top half of the centre rail), presumably when the barrier grille was relocated from the bottom of this stairway.
This was practically the only (sanctioned) desecration to this fine structure in the next 25 years of abandonment.
23
 "23")
Highgate station - looking south along the platforms from the southern end waiting room (which is devoid of glass).
A similar structure ot the northern end is just visible in picture 25.
A similar structure ot the northern end is just visible in picture 25.
24
 "24")
Highgate surface station - signals NH1 and RNH2 - northbound track.
Note also the trackside telephone cabinet.
The white 'D' plate above the telephone denotes the signal has a telephone or 'Fireman's call plunger' located at the signal, and is not an L.T. fixture.
There was allocation for one empty L.T. stock movement per week over this line from 1966 to 1970 (battery loco hauled). See picture S01.
Note also the trackside telephone cabinet.
The white 'D' plate above the telephone denotes the signal has a telephone or 'Fireman's call plunger' located at the signal, and is not an L.T. fixture.
There was allocation for one empty L.T. stock movement per week over this line from 1966 to 1970 (battery loco hauled). See picture S01.
25
 "25")
Highgate surface station - as visible from the public footpath.
26
 "26")
Highgate north tunnels - southbound track - looking south.
The island platform capping has started to deteriorate on the slope.
The north tunnels are 139 yards long.
All four tunnel mouths have since been secured at the station ends.
The island platform capping has started to deteriorate on the slope.
The north tunnels are 139 yards long.
All four tunnel mouths have since been secured at the station ends.
27
 "27")
Highgate north tunnels - southbound track - looking north.
The front of signal 'NH2' is visible, corresponding to repeater 'RNH2' in photo 24. Traction electrification carried on for just a few yards into the southbound north tunnel.
The front of signal 'NH2' is visible, corresponding to repeater 'RNH2' in photo 24. Traction electrification carried on for just a few yards into the southbound north tunnel.
28
 "28")
The sidings nearest the camera were known as 'Highgate Wood' sidings and paralleled the Alexandra Palace branch which diverged here.
Consisting of 6 electrified sidings for tube stock, with hand-worked points controlled by a shunter, these sidings closed in December 1982.
Consisting of 6 electrified sidings for tube stock, with hand-worked points controlled by a shunter, these sidings closed in December 1982.
 "1970 OS Map © Crown copyright"){kind=small}
29
 "29")
Highgate Depot, viewed from Woodside Avenue.
30
 "30")
The opposite direction from photo 29, looking north from the Depot towards East Finchley.
The track at the extreme right is the line giving entrance/exit to the Depot at the north end. The other two tracks are the original 'Main Lines' going up to the Highgate tunnels.
Stock could access the Depot at this end (outside Park Junction signal Box) by setting back from the Up/Southbound track, or could leave this way by accessing the Down/Northbound track via a trailing crossover at Park Junction.
The track at the extreme right is the line giving entrance/exit to the Depot at the north end. The other two tracks are the original 'Main Lines' going up to the Highgate tunnels.
Stock could access the Depot at this end (outside Park Junction signal Box) by setting back from the Up/Southbound track, or could leave this way by accessing the Down/Northbound track via a trailing crossover at Park Junction.
31
 "31")
Cranley Gardens station.
This unattractive rusting piece of L.T. infrastructure is a cable gantry over an alternative (pedestrian) entrance/exit on Woodside Avenue.
This unattractive rusting piece of L.T. infrastructure is a cable gantry over an alternative (pedestrian) entrance/exit on Woodside Avenue.
32
 "32")
Cranley Gardens station.
The station once boasted fine buildings and a goods yard, but by 1970 only the platforms remained.
The Alexandra Palace branch tracks were lifted in 1957.
The station once boasted fine buildings and a goods yard, but by 1970 only the platforms remained.
The Alexandra Palace branch tracks were lifted in 1957.
33
 "33")
Cranley Gardens station, now completely demolished.
There is a primary school built on this site now.
There is a primary school built on this site now.
34
 "34")
The course of the track from under the road bridge just outside Cranley Gardens station, on the Muswell Hill/Alexandra Palace side.
35
 "35")
The course of the track just outside Cranley Gardens station on the Muswell Hill/Alexandra Palace side.
A continuous line of L.T. signal cable support posts can be seen to the left of the track bed.
A continuous line of L.T. signal cable support posts can be seen to the left of the track bed.
36
 "36")
The location is the western end of the viaduct between St. James's Lane and a point about a hundred yards short of Muswell Hill station.
The view is facing west towards Cranley Gardens station.
My thanks to Pendar Sillwood for researching the precise position and supplying the 2003 photograph of this location.
The view is facing west towards Cranley Gardens station.
My thanks to Pendar Sillwood for researching the precise position and supplying the 2003 photograph of this location.
 "Photo © 2003 Pendar Sillwood"){kind=small}
37
 "37")
Part of the line between Cranley Gardens and the viaduct approaching Muswell Hill station, viewed further forward from picture 36.
This point is about equidistant between the two stations.
This point is about equidistant between the two stations.
38
 "38")
The viaduct between Cranley Gardens and Muswell Hill which still stands, and is now open to the public.
In 1970 the public were quite definitely being kept out.
In 1970 the public were quite definitely being kept out.
39
 "39")
The viaduct between Cranley Gardens and Muswell Hill which still stands, and is now open to the public.
40
 "40")
The viaduct between Cranley Gardens and Muswell Hill which still stands and is now open to the public.
The large building on the left is (was!) probably the Muswell Hill ABC cinema.
The large building on the left is (was!) probably the Muswell Hill ABC cinema.
41
 "41")
Ground level views of the viaduct in pictures 38, 39, and 40.
The ironwork on the bridge parapet is to stop would-be trespassers circumventing the track-bed barrier.
The ironwork on the bridge parapet is to stop would-be trespassers circumventing the track-bed barrier.
42
 "42")
Ground level views of the viaduct in pictures 38, 39, and 40.
43
 "43")
Ground level views of the viaduct in pictures 38, 39, and 40.
·
Muswell Hill Station.
·
Alexandra Palace Station.
N01
 "N01")
Crouch End station goods yard.
By 1970 the yard site had become (Bill) 'Burton's Station Garage'.
Where did the crossing gates come from?
By 1970 the yard site had become (Bill) 'Burton's Station Garage'.
Where did the crossing gates come from?
 "2003 Photo by Mark Fulcher"){kind=small}
N02
 "N02")
Highgate surface station.
Viewed from the north end, the station building is fairly well concealed by trees.
Viewed from the north end, the station building is fairly well concealed by trees.
N03
 "N03")
Highgate north tunnels - southbound track - looking north.
This point was the absolute limit of traction electrification.
The last few feet of the tunnel brickwork have been replaced with prefabricated sections. The matching northbound tunnel mouth was bomb damaged during WWII and rebuilt with a circular profile.
This point was the absolute limit of traction electrification.
The last few feet of the tunnel brickwork have been replaced with prefabricated sections. The matching northbound tunnel mouth was bomb damaged during WWII and rebuilt with a circular profile.
N04
 "N04")
Highgate Wood sidings.
Photographed on a Saturday, this 38 stock is having a day off.
Why are L.T. sidings always just that little bit short that trains have
to be parked on the points?
Photographed on a Saturday, this 38 stock is having a day off.
Why are L.T. sidings always just that little bit short that trains have
to be parked on the points?
N05
 "N05")
Highgate Wood sidings.
Pictured is 1938 TS car 10306 which was fitted with round windows.
A one-off experimental car, it was converted to this state in about 1949.
Pictured is 1938 TS car 10306 which was fitted with round windows.
A one-off experimental car, it was converted to this state in about 1949.
N06
 "N06")
Highgate Wood sidings.
Photographed on a Saturday, all six sidings are filled with 'spare' stock.
Photographed on a Saturday, all six sidings are filled with 'spare' stock.
N07
 "N07")
Highgate Wood sidings.
Photographed on a Saturday, all six sidings are filled with 'spare' stock.
Photographed on a Saturday, all six sidings are filled with 'spare' stock.
N08
 "N08")
Cranley Gardens station.
This is the station site as seen from the Muswell Hill Road bridge.
The gantry over the Woodside Avenue entrance is just visible.
This is the station site as seen from the Muswell Hill Road bridge.
The gantry over the Woodside Avenue entrance is just visible.
S01
 "S01")
Eastern Region 'Working Time Table' (May 1968).
An extract (see enlargement) shows that an L.T. train was booked to run on Tuesdays Only (TO), but pathways existed for this movement on Mondays and Wednesdays if required, (MW Q).
This and the extract image appear by kind permission of Andy Armitage whose assistance has been greatly appreciated.
© Copyright 2002 Andy Armitage.
An extract (see enlargement) shows that an L.T. train was booked to run on Tuesdays Only (TO), but pathways existed for this movement on Mondays and Wednesdays if required, (MW Q).
This and the extract image appear by kind permission of Andy Armitage whose assistance has been greatly appreciated.
© Copyright 2002 Andy Armitage.
S02
 "S02")
Crouch End Station in its 'Great Northern Railway' days.
Externally at least, the building was remarkably similar in 1970.
See photo 08 for a comparison to its appearance in 1970.
The copyright of this picture is unknown.
Externally at least, the building was remarkably similar in 1970.
See photo 08 for a comparison to its appearance in 1970.
The copyright of this picture is unknown.
S03
 "S03")
Highgate Station pictured here as it was originally built.
The date of this photograph is not known.
The copyright of this picture is unknown.
The date of this photograph is not known.
The copyright of this picture is unknown.
S04
 "S04")
Highgate Station, and a northbound N2 emerges from the south tunnel.
The lack of 6xxxx number plate on the smokebox door, and the whitewashed tunnel portals suggest this picture is from the late 1930's.
H C Casserley, from London's Local Railways by Alan A. Jackson.
The lack of 6xxxx number plate on the smokebox door, and the whitewashed tunnel portals suggest this picture is from the late 1930's.
H C Casserley, from London's Local Railways by Alan A. Jackson.
S05
 "S05")
Alexandra Palace Station pictured in 1980 in a state of neglect.
This image appears by kind permission of David Bradbury. Please see the links section for access to David's web page (Place Perception).
© Copyright 1980 David Bradbury.
This image appears by kind permission of David Bradbury. Please see the links section for access to David's web page (Place Perception).
© Copyright 1980 David Bradbury.
Sxx
 "Sxx")
Description.
Permission is presently being sought from the copyright holder to publish this picture.
Permission is presently being sought from the copyright holder to publish this picture.
Map
 "Map")
1948 Ordnance Survey map.
Reproduced from Ordnance Survey map data by permission of Ordnance Survey.
© Crown copyright.
Reproduced from Ordnance Survey map data by permission of Ordnance Survey.
© Crown copyright.
Map
 "Map")
1970 Ordnance Survey map.
Reproduced from Ordnance Survey map data by permission of Ordnance Survey.
© Crown copyright.
Reproduced from Ordnance Survey map data by permission of Ordnance Survey.
© Crown copyright.
Links to Related Material
One man and his camera tells it 'as it is'
From Nick Catford's photo archive
Mark Leigh's 1993 Highgate photos - a useful comparison
Highgate Wood to Alexandra Palace
A short series from March 1999
From the derelictlondon.com website
A series of quality photos taken in February 2003
A short series from 2004 [ German text ]
All the technical details - in words
Campaign group lobbying to re-open the line
Transport for London's synopsis of the 'Parkland Walk'
Merton Abbey - also pictured in 1970
Brentford Dock - again from 1970
Click this link for the OVERGROUND web site Home Page
External links on this page each open in their own window. Please notify broken links by .
Note : I accept no responsibility for the content of linked sites, or the opinions expressed therein.
Note : I accept no responsibility for the content of linked sites, or the opinions expressed therein.
Background Information
This railway ran from Finsbury Park via Stroud Green and Crouch End to Highgate,
with a branch from Highgate via Cranley Gardens and Muswell Hill to Alexandra Palace.
The gradient of the line caused problems for locomotives from the outset, resulting in unreliability.
London Transport had planned to take over the line running tube trains along it instead of
steam engines, but although these works were advanced, they were disrupted by the
second world war and ultimately abandoned.
The major part of the line now lies relatively intact as the Parkland Walk.
If you choose to visit the walk, you should be aware that it is reputedly a high crime area.
You would be well advised not to carry valuable personal items, nor to venture there alone.
This ground is now designated 'Metropolitan Open Land' and as such cannot be reclaimed,
so anybody who thinks the railway will ever be reinstated is not living in the real world.
Nevertheless, the 'Muswell Hill Metro Group' have been lobbying to re-open this route as
a light rail service. To date there has been no sign of movement on the issue.
If you want to publish any of my pictures - ask me first!
I must also insist that you respect the copyright of owners of other works appearing on this site.
Film : Ilford FP4 (bulk load), developed in 'Definol' to uprate the film speed to 160 ASA.
Original prints on Ilford 'Ilfobrom' (IB4.26K) paper.
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Please me if it doesn't seem to work for you.
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Railways are dangerous places. Never trespass on railway property.
A member of the Doeth group
