Aldgate Station, London
Aldgate Station – London Underground Guide
Aldgate Station is a London Underground station located in the historic City of London, close to the eastern edge of London’s financial district. It sits just over 2 miles (approximately 3.4 km) east of Charing Cross by road, making it centrally placed for exploring both the Square Mile and the vibrant East End.
Location and Borough
Aldgate Station lies within the boundaries of the City of London, the historic and financial heart of the capital. It is located near Aldgate High Street and serves as a gateway between the ancient City and the more modern districts of Tower Hamlets and Whitechapel to the east.
History of Aldgate Station
Aldgate Station was opened on 18 November 1876 by the Metropolitan Railway (the world’s first underground railway), serving as the eastern terminus of the line at the time. The line was later extended further, and Aldgate became an important interchange hub on the network.
It was one of the early deep-level stations on the Underground and forms part of the Circle and Metropolitan lines today. Despite being relatively small, Aldgate played a central role in the evolution of the underground system and is one of the few termini located deep in the city’s financial zone.
Origin of the Name “Aldgate”
The name Aldgate comes from one of the ancient gates in the old London Wall, which surrounded the City of London during the Roman and medieval periods. The gate itself was referred to in historical records as early as the 11th century, though the origins of the word are debated. Some believe it means “Old Gate”, derived from Anglo-Saxon roots.
The modern pronunciation is typically “AWLD-gate”, and the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) rendering is /ˈɔːlɡeɪt/.
Services and Lines
London Underground Services
Aldgate Station is served by the following London Underground lines:
- Metropolitan Line: This line terminates at Aldgate. The preceding station is Liverpool Street.
- Circle Line: This line runs through Aldgate. The preceding station is Tower Hill, and the subsequent station is Liverpool Street.
Although Aldgate East is located nearby and shares a similar name, it is a separate station entirely, served by the District and Hammersmith & City lines.
National Rail and Other Services
While Aldgate Station itself does not serve National Rail or Overground lines, it is within a short walk of Fenchurch Street Station, which provides National Rail services to Essex and East London. Additionally, Liverpool Street Station is one stop away and offers connections to the Elizabeth Line, Overground, and mainline services to East Anglia and Stansted Airport.
Nearby Landmarks and Attractions
Aldgate is ideally positioned for exploring a variety of key London landmarks and areas of interest, including:
- The Tower of London – a short walk to the south.
- Leadenhall Market – a historic Victorian market close by.
- Brick Lane – famous for its curry houses and street art, just a short walk east.
- The Gherkin (30 St Mary Axe) – a modern architectural icon located nearby.
Fun Fact
One lesser-known fact about Aldgate Station is that it was the site of a tragic event in 2005, during the 7/7 London bombings. A device exploded on a Circle Line train just outside the station, and a commemorative plaque now honours the victims. Despite this dark chapter, Aldgate remains a symbol of London’s resilience and determination.
Also, beneath Aldgate lies an extensive network of disused tunnels and service rooms from the earliest days of the Underground. Some of these hidden spaces are occasionally accessed by TfL engineers and featured in rare behind-the-scenes tours.
Accessibility and Station Layout
Aldgate Station has two entrances—the main one on Aldgate High Street and another to the rear on Dukes Place. The station is partially step-free, with lifts serving some platforms, but passengers with full mobility needs should check TfL’s accessibility map for detailed guidance.
Connections and Nearby Stations
In addition to Underground services, Aldgate is within easy walking distance of:
- Aldgate East Station – for District and Hammersmith & City lines
- Fenchurch Street Station – for National Rail
- Liverpool Street Station – for Central, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, Circle, Overground, and National Rail services
Quick Facts
- Station Name: Aldgate
- Borough: City of London
- Distance from Charing Cross: ~2 miles (3.4 km)
- Opened: 18 November 1876
- Lines Served: Metropolitan (terminus), Circle
- Preceding/Following Stations: Liverpool Street (Met), Tower Hill & Liverpool Street (Circle)
- Nearby Stations: Aldgate East, Fenchurch Street, Liverpool Street
- Nearby Landmarks: Tower of London, Brick Lane, The Gherkin
- Name Origin: Named after the historic “Aldgate” in the old City wall
- Pronunciation: “AWLD-gate” /ˈɔːlɡeɪt/
- Fun Fact: Has hidden underground tunnels and was affected during the 7/7 London bombings
References
- London Transport Museum – Aldgate Station History
- Transport for London – Aldgate Station
- Wikipedia – Aldgate Tube Station
Aldgate Station is 
on the Map of London Underground
Painting of Aldgate Station, London (View image in full size)