The London Underground station that's built on top of 1,000 dead bodies
Aldgate London Underground station is one of the network’s most famous, and many thousands of people use the stop every day. But the interchange has a dark secret that many commuters remain blissfully unaware of.
The station opened on November 18, 1876 as part of the eastern portion of the Metropolitan District Railway, which is now known as the District line. The building was designed by the architect William Clark and featured a distinctive ornamental facade with turrets and a large dome.
But underneath Aldgate lay more than 1,000 bodies, as the station was constructed over a plague pit of victims dating back to the Great Plague of London in 1665. Experts from the National Archives say that 68,596 deaths were officially recorded in the city, but the true number was probably over 100,000.
The population of the capital at that point in time was only around 460,000, so nearly 22 per cent of Londoners perished according to academics’ estimations. Over more recent years, the station underwent several renovations and modifications.
In the 1920s, the station's facade was simplified and the original dome was replaced. During World War II, the station suffered significant damage from bombing raids, and its rebuilding was delayed until after the war. The station was reopened in 1946, with a more utilitarian design.
In 1962, Aldgate became an interchange station with the newly constructed Metropolitan line branch to Hammersmith. This allowed passengers to transfer between the Circle and Metropolitan lines without having to travel into central London.
In 2007, the station was equipped with new lifts and other accessibility features to make it easier for passengers with mobility challenges to use the station.
Aldgate station is also known for its historical and cultural significance. It is located near the site of the former Aldgate, one of the original gates in the London Wall, which was demolished in 1761. The area around the station has seen significant urban development and regeneration, transforming from a predominantly industrial and commercial district to a vibrant residential and business area.
Nowadays, Tube users are completely unaware of the area’s grisly history as Aldgate station acts as a vital connection between central London and the city’s eastern suburbs. Its central location and proximity to various attractions make it a popular destination for both commuters and tourists exploring the city.
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