Stratford Tube Station is a major transportation hub located in the London Borough of Newham. The station is served by the Central and Jubilee lines of the London Underground, as well as the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and National Rail services. It is one of the busiest stations in London, with over 60 million people passing through each year.
The history of Stratford Tube Station dates back to 1839 when the Eastern Counties Railway opened its line from London to Romford. In 1846, the Northern and Eastern Railway was completed, connecting Stratford with Norwich and Great Yarmouth. The station was originally known as Stratford Market and was located on the site of the current station’s forecourt.
In 1868, the Great Eastern Railway (GER) opened a new station building, which was later replaced with a more modern structure in 1887. The GER also built a large locomotive works and carriage sidings near the station, which helped to establish Stratford as an important railway center.
During World War II, the station was severely damaged by bombing and had to be rebuilt. The current station building dates back to the 1960s and was designed by architect Frederick Gibberd. It features a distinctive curved roof and is one of the few remaining examples of modernist architecture in London.
Stratford has a number of local landmarks that are worth visiting. One of the most famous is the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, which was built for the 2012 Summer Olympics and Paralympics. The park covers an area of 560 acres and includes a number of venues such as the London Stadium, the Aquatics Centre, and the Velodrome.
Another popular attraction is the Westfield Stratford City shopping center, which is one of the largest urban shopping centers in Europe. The center features over 250 shops, restaurants, and cafes, as well as a cinema and bowling alley.
For those interested in history, the Discover Children’s Story Centre is a must-visit. The center is dedicated to promoting literacy and storytelling and features interactive exhibits and workshops for children aged 0-11.
Other notable landmarks in the area include the Theatre Royal Stratford East, which has been a cultural hub for over 130 years, and the Abbey Mills Pumping Station, a Victorian-era sewage pumping station that is now a popular filming location for movies and TV shows.
In conclusion, Stratford Tube Station and the surrounding area have a rich history dating back to the early days of the railway. Today, it is a major transportation hub and a popular destination for shopping, entertainment, and cultural activities. Whether you’re a tourist or a local resident, there is always something new to discover in Stratford.
