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The District & Circle lines currently share an island platform, one side for eastbound trains, the other for westbound. The layout of the station was originally somewhat different (as illustrated here). The part of the station viewed here was for District line trains only. What is currently the westbound platform used to be the eastbound District line platform. The westbound District platform has been demolished and stood where the scaffolding is in the photo. (photo: 2009) |
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View of the area where the westbound District Line platform was. It was taken out of use in 1969. A photo of it in its open days can be viewed here. (photo: 2009) |
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The other side of the station. This side was used for Metropolitan line trains. What is now the eastbound District/Circle line platform was the westbound Metropolitan line. The eastbound Met line platform was taken out of service in 1968. A photo of it in use is here. (photo: 2009) |
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Another view of the former eastbound Metropolitan line platform. (photo: 2009) |
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This view is of the wide central island platform that exists at South Kensington. In the position where the photographer is standing, there was an additional terminating bay for the Metropolitan line. It was removed from service in 1957 and the space filled in. A clue to its existence is in the two separate canopies; the gap between them was covered over when the track was filled in. Photos of it in existence are here and here. (photo: 2009) |
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The District Line obtained powers to build a deep level line along the route of its existing line to relieve overcrowding (the deep level line would have been an 'express' line i.e. would have had less stations). Construction work was actually started but was halted after it became apparent that the opening of the new Piccadilly Line was providing adequate alternate relief. A station and tunnel had been built at South Kensington - it was used for subterranean offices and a signal school until the station was remodelled for the installation of escalators (a photo of it is here). Most of the deep level District section is lost now, its space taken by the escalators and associated passageways to the Piccadilly line platforms, but this very small section still remains. The brick wall in the middle of the photo is relatively recent, and the top half of the tunnel has been cut off but the curve of the lower half is still evident. (photo: 2009) |
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The station building for the Piccadilly line. Situated next to the District entrance in Pelham Street, its lifts were taken out of service in 1974 when the replacement escalators were brought into service (though there is talk of reopening the lift shaft to provide for disabled access to the Piccadilly line platforms). The entrance and exit to this building were on the left hand side of it. Click here for a photo of it in use shortly after opening. (photo: 2009) |
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The disused lift shaft for the Piccadilly line. (photo: 2009) |
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The bottom of the lift shaft. (photo: 2009) |
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The lift shaft is on the left. This view is what you would see looking through the very dirty grill on the platform. (photo: 2009) |
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Facing the other way. (photo: 2009) |
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Part of the connecting passageways sealed up. (photo: 2009) |
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(photo: 2009) |
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A new ventilation shaft built post-closure. (photo: 2009) |
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As far as the ventilation route goes. The grilles on the left and right provide draught relief for the running tunnels. (photo: 2009) |
