The familiar London Tube map, a masterpiece of design guiding millions, has not always told the full story. For years, a key piece of the network was deliberately omitted, its existence a closely guarded secret tied to the highest levels of Allied command during the Second World War.
A Station Shrouded in Secrecy
That station is Kensington (Olympia), located in West London's Zone 2. Today, it is served by the London Overground and the District line, offering a useful orbital route that bypasses the busy heart of Zone 1. However, its journey to the map was anything but straightforward.
Originally opening as simply Kensington station in 1844, its initial life was brief and unsuccessful, leading to closure within the same year. It returned in 1862, welcoming services including the Metropolitan line, and was later renamed Kensington Addison Road in 1868.
The Pivotal War Years and a Famous Passenger
The station's destiny changed dramatically during the Second World War. After bombing damaged the Metropolitan line, forcing the closure of its West London stations, Kensington's strategic value became apparent.
Its location was ideal: it had comprehensive rail links across the capital and was situated conveniently close to the headquarters of the Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force, General Dwight D. Eisenhower. This made it his preferred and discreet point of departure when travelling to Wales in 1944 to prepare for the D-Day Normandy landings.
Following the war, in 1946, the station was renamed Kensington (Olympia) and began a new role transporting staff of the Post Office Savings Bank. Crucially, its continued existence was kept off public maps and concealed under the Official Secrets Act by the Post Office. It was not until 1958 that the station's presence was officially announced to the public.
From Secret Stop to Part-Time Station
That same year, 1958, marked a new chapter as Kensington (Olympia) was granted a permanent platform and a dedicated District line shuttle service to Earl's Court. Subsequent refurbishments have introduced more regular schedules, a community garden, and station improvements.
Despite these upgrades, services remain infrequent, cementing its status as one of London's few part-time Underground stations. Its story, however, is a permanent and fascinating footnote in the history of London's transport and its clandestine role in shaping world events.
