20/270 - Mill Hill East

Consisting of just one platform, Mill Hill East is the least used station on the Northern line, however, it was never supposed to be like this. Opening in 1867 on the Edgware, Highgate and London Railway (EH&LR), World War Two had an influential impact on railways in this part of north London. The approach to the station, on the Dollis Brook Viaduct, is the highest point above ground on the London Underground.

The EH&LR built a branch line between Finsbury Park and Edgware in the 1860s, however, the line was purchased by the Great Northern Railway who operated services from King’s Cross through Finsbury Park and on to Potters Bar. Mill Hill East was originally called Mill Hill. This section of railway was intended to be double track, but only a single track was laid as the Great Northern Railway prioritised building a double track formation on the more popular Finsbury Park to High Barnet line in 1872. The formation of the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) in the 1920s, which took over Great Northern Railway services, saw Mill Hill change its name to Mill Hill East in 1928.

The London Passenger Transport Board announced a plan to take over some LNER lines in 1935, which became known as the North Heights project. As works began between Finchley Central and Edgware in 1938, the outbreak of World War Two considerably slowed progress, and only the single track between Finchley Central and Mill Hill East was electrified. This work was mainly completed to provide a service to the nearby Inglis Barracks. The electrification of the single branch line was completed by 1941 when the station re-opened as part of the Northern Line. 

After World War Two, a review of the North Heights project was conducted, but the majority of funds was spent on London Underground maintenance. As a result, works were never re-started, although the line between Finchley Central and Edgware appeared on London Underground maps as under construction until the 1950s. 

The building at Mill Hill East is the original EH&LR station building, and as a result is one of the oldest parts of the London Underground system. 2007 saw refurbishment of the station, with new CCTV cameras, help points and re-decoration of walls and floors. 

Mill Hill East receives a service every 11 to 15 minutes, with shuttle services off-peak to Finchley Central. During peak hours, Northern Line trains do extend to Morden. Mill Hill East is well worth a visit. The station building is impressive and historic, and it is interesting to think railways in this area could have been very different.