Aldgate East Station, London
Aldgate East Underground Station: Gateway to London's East End
Location and Borough
Aldgate East Underground Station is situated in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, at the junction of Whitechapel High Street and Commercial Street. This location places it at the heart of London's East End, serving as a vital link between the City of London and the diverse neighborhoods of Whitechapel and Spitalfields.
Distance from Charing Cross
The station lies approximately 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) east of Charing Cross by road. Depending on traffic conditions, the journey typically takes around 15 to 20 minutes by car or bus.
Historical Background
Aldgate East Station was originally opened on 6 October 1884 as part of an eastern extension to the District Railway. The initial station was located about 500 feet west of the current site, near the Metropolitan Railway's Aldgate station. Due to operational challenges, including a sharp curve connecting the lines, a decision was made to relocate the station.
As part of the London Passenger Transport Board's 1935–1940 New Works Programme, the station was moved eastward and reopened on 31 October 1938. This relocation allowed for a gentler curve in the tracks and improved operational efficiency. The new station was constructed entirely underground, providing a much-needed pedestrian underpass beneath the busy Whitechapel High Street. Notably, during the reconstruction, over 900 workers lowered the existing tracks by more than 7 feet in a single night to accommodate the new station design.[1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aldgate_East_tube_station)
Origin of the Name
The name "Aldgate East" derives from its proximity to the historic Aldgate, one of the original gates in the London Wall that marked the eastern boundary of the City of London. The term "Aldgate" is believed to originate from the Old English words "eald" (old) and "geat" (gate), meaning "old gate." The "East" suffix distinguishes it from the nearby Aldgate station and indicates its location to the east of the original gate.
Pronunciation of "Aldgate"
The word "Aldgate" is commonly pronounced as "AWLD-gate". In the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), it is transcribed as /ˈɔːldɡeɪt/. 
Rail Services
Aldgate East Station is served exclusively by the London Underground network. It does not provide services for the London Overground or National Rail.
London Underground Lines
- District Line: The station lies between Tower Hill (westbound) and Whitechapel (eastbound).
- Hammersmith & City Line: The station is situated between Liverpool Street (westbound) and Whitechapel (eastbound).
Fun Fact
A unique aspect of Aldgate East Station is its artistic tiling. When the station was rebuilt in 1938, a series of decorative tiles were installed, each representing various symbols and emblems. One notable tile depicts a rearing horse from the coat of arms of the county of Kent. These tiles add a distinctive artistic touch to the station's platforms.[2](https://symbolsandsecrets.london/2019/09/05/a-visit-to-aldgate-east-underground-station/)
Quick Facts
- Location: Whitechapel High Street, London Borough of Tower Hamlets
- Opened: Original station in 1884; relocated and reopened in 1938
- Distance from Charing Cross: Approximately 2.5 miles (4 kilometers)
- Pronunciation: "AWLD-gate" (/ˈɔːldɡeɪt/)
- Services: London Underground (District Line, Hammersmith & City Line)
- Adjacent Stations: Tower Hill (District Line), Liverpool Street (Hammersmith & City Line), Whitechapel (both lines)
- Notable Feature: Decorative tiles featuring symbols like the Kentish horse
References
- Aldgate East tube station - Wikipedia
- A visit to Aldgate East underground station - Symbols & Secrets
Aldgate East Station is 
on the Map of London Underground
Painting of Aldgate East Station, London (View image in full size)