The London Underground myths, or “The Tube,” is one of the most iconic and widely used public transport systems in the world. It’s also one of the oldest, with the first section opening in 1863. 

Given its age, it’s no wonder that a wealth of myths, urban legends, and mysteries have arisen over the years. Whether you’re a curious local or a fascinated visitor, these stories offer an intriguing look at what lies beneath the surface of London’s streets. 

In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into some of the most common Tube myths—some are fascinating, some unsettling, and others downright bizarre.

We’ll also take a close look at which stories have roots in reality and which are nothing more than urban legend.

Let’s explore and debunk (or confirm!) the most widespread myths about the London Underground.

Common Questions and Concerns About the Tube

Before we dig into the myths, it’s helpful to start with some of the most common questions people have about the London Underground myths. 

Whether you’ve heard a wild story from a fellow commuter or come across a spooky rumor online, you might have wondered about the following:

• Is the London Underground haunted?
• Are there really secret government tunnels beneath the Tube?
• Is the London Underground map misleading?
• Is it true that there’s a rat for every person riding the Tube?
• What’s the deal with abandoned stations—do trains still run through them?
• Are there any strange laws or codes that still apply to Tube passengers?
• What’s the real story behind the legend of the Black Nun at Bank station?

As we explore these and other myths, we’ll separate fact from fiction and uncover some surprising truths about London’s famous Tube system.

The Haunted Tube: Are Ghosts Roaming the Underground?

The idea of haunted Tube stations is one of the most popular myths surrounding the London Underground. 

With a history that spans over 160 years, it’s easy to imagine that the long tunnels and shadowy corners might be the perfect setting for ghost stories. 

Among the most famous haunted locations are Bank station, Covent Garden, and Farringdon.

Bank Station and the Legend of the Black Nun

The most famous ghost story on the London Underground myths is the tale of the Black Nun who is said to haunt Bank station.

 According to legend, this ghost is the spirit of a nun named Sarah Whitehead, whose brother was hanged for forgery in the early 19th century. 

Devastated by his death, Sarah is said to have wandered the streets near the Bank of England, dressed in black mourning clothes, asking passersby about her brother.

 Some say she never stopped searching for him—even in death—and that her spirit now roams Bank station, seeking answers.

• Fact check: While this story is well-known, there’s no real evidence to support the idea that Bank station is haunted by the Black Nun. The legend has likely been kept alive by the eerie atmosphere of the station, with its long, dimly lit corridors and its proximity to the Bank of England, where her brother’s execution supposedly took place.

Covent Garden’s Resident Ghost

Covent Garden station has its own ghost story: the spirit of William Terriss, a popular actor who was murdered nearby in 1897. 

His ghost is said to haunt the station, with reports of strange occurrences, including cold drafts and the sensation of being watched.

• Fact check: Again, no solid evidence exists to confirm the presence of a ghost at Covent Garden. But that hasn’t stopped the rumors from spreading. Many who work at the station have reported unsettling experiences, keeping this legend alive.

Personal story: I once overheard a commuter mentioning that they felt an inexplicable cold breeze at Covent Garden station, even though there were no trains coming or going. It’s these little moments of unease that keep ghost stories like these alive.

Secret Government Tunnels: Fact or Fiction?

For decades, rumors have circulated about secret tunnels beneath the London Underground myths. 

According to these stories, a vast network of tunnels exists for use by the government, connecting important buildings such as the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, and various military sites. 

These tunnels are said to be used in times of emergency or war, allowing VIPs to move around the city without being seen.

Is There Any Truth to This?

The truth behind this myth is partly confirmed. During World War II, the British government did indeed build deep-level shelters under some Tube stations, which were designed to protect government officials, military personnel, and the public from air raids. 

Some of these shelters still exist today and are occasionally opened to the public.

Additionally, there are service tunnels used by the London Underground, but they aren’t the grand secret passageways people imagine.

One real example is the Post Office Railway, also known as Mail Rail, which ran beneath the streets of London from 1927 to 2003, carrying mail between post offices and sorting facilities.

 While not exactly a government tunnel in the way many myths suggest, it’s an example of an underground network that was kept largely out of public view for decades.

Fun fact: You can now ride a section of Mail Rail as part of the Postal Museum’s exhibition in London.

The Tube Map: Geographically Accurate?

If you’ve ever used the Tube map to navigate London, you may have noticed that some stations seem closer or farther apart than they are in reality. 

This has led to the widespread belief that the Tube map is not geographically accurate.

Is the Tube Map Misleading?

This myth is true, but it’s not really a myth—it’s a design choice. The Tube map is a simplified diagram designed to help passengers easily navigate the system, not to serve as a geographically accurate representation of London. 

The map was famously redesigned in the 1930s by Harry Beck, who created a layout based on a circuit board rather than a street map. 

His version made the complex web of Tube lines more readable, but it distorted distances between stations.

Real-Life Example

One of the most famous examples of this distortion is the distance between Covent Garden and Leicester Square. On the map, they appear to be two distinct stations on separate parts of the Piccadilly Line, but in reality, the stations are just a five-minute walk apart. Many tourists have unknowingly hopped on a train, only to find that walking would’ve been faster!

A Rat for Every Passenger?

Here’s a myth that’s sure to make your skin crawl: the claim that there’s a rat for every person riding the Tube at any given time.

If you’ve ever waited on a platform and seen a scurrying rodent, you might be tempted to believe it.

The Truth About Rats in the Underground

This myth is exaggerated. While there are certainly rats in the Tube, especially in the tunnels and near food vendors, the idea that there’s one for every passenger is a stretch. 

The number of rats in the Underground is hard to estimate, but pest control efforts are continually in place to keep their population under control.

Some pest control experts suggest that you’re more likely to find rats near station tracks than on platforms, where the bustle of human activity keeps them away.

 And while sightings do happen, it’s unlikely you’ll encounter one up close unless you’re down in the tracks late at night.

Abandoned Stations: Do Trains Still Pass Through Them?

One of the more mysterious aspects of the London Underground is the existence of abandoned stations, sometimes called “ghost stations.” Many Underground stations have been closed to the public. Yet these ‘ghost stations’ are rumored to remain intact. Trains still pass through them silently on their way to other destinations

Are There Really Ghost Stations?

This myth is mostly true. The London Underground has several closed or disused stations. Many of these have not been in operation for decades.

Some of these stations, such as Aldwych, are occasionally opened for tours or used for film shoots. 

Others, like British Museum station, have been sealed off entirely, although urban explorers have occasionally found ways to access them.

Famous Examples of Abandoned Stations

• Aldwych Station: Closed in 1994, this station is occasionally used for filming and is often open to the public for special events and tours.
• Down Street Station: Closed in 1932, this station was used as a bunker for Winston Churchill and his war cabinet during World War II.
• British Museum Station: Closed in 1933, this station was replaced by the nearby Holborn station. It’s rumored to be haunted by an ancient Egyptian mummy, which only adds to its mystique.

While some trains do pass through these disused stations, passengers won’t see much of them—they’re usually hidden in the shadows, far from public view.

Strange Laws and Codes on the Tube

Over the years, there have been plenty of rumors about odd rules that supposedly apply to Tube passengers.

The Underground has inspired some bizarre urban myths. One claims that eating on the Tube is illegal. Another suggests you could be fined for kissing on the platform.

So, what’s the truth behind these strange laws?

Weird Tube Laws: True or False?

While there are certainly rules about behavior on the Tube, most of the stranger ones are false. 

For example, no law prohibits kissing on the platform. While eating might be discouraged during rush hour out of courtesy, it’s certainly not illegal.

That said, some laws and codes of conduct do exist to keep things running smoothly. Here are a few examples:

• It’s illegal to play a musical instrument or busk on the Tube without a permit. This one’s true—if you want to entertain passengers, you need to apply for a license.
• The use of flash photography on the Tube is banned. True again—this rule exists to avoid blinding drivers and disturbing other passengers.
• It’s illegal to carry a dog on an escalator unless you’re holding it. This might sound strange, but it’s true. Escalators can pose a risk to pets, so owners are required to carry them to prevent accidents. This rule is in place to ensure the safety of both pets and passengers.

The Underground Flood Myth

A persistent urban legend about the London Underground is that the entire system could flood due to its proximity to the River Thames. 

Some versions of this myth claim that certain stations frequently flood and that pumps work constantly to prevent disasters.

Could the Tube Actually Flood?

This myth is partly true. There are indeed sections of the Underground that run very close to the Thames, and flooding has always been a concern. 

Modern engineering and flood prevention systems now minimize the risk of flooding.

Pumps are in operation in many low-lying areas of the Tube, but the idea that the system is on the verge of flooding at any moment is an exaggeration.

One real incident happened in 1928 when the Thames flooded and water entered the tunnels at Charing Cross station. Since then, flood defenses have been significantly upgraded, making a repeat of that scenario unlikely.

Conclusion

From haunted stations to secret tunnels and mysterious laws, the London Underground has no shortage of myths and urban legends. 

Some of these stories contain a kernel of truth. However, many tales simply spring from imagination. The eerie atmosphere of the Tube itself often sparks these ghostly legends.

The myths of the London Underground add mystery to every journey. Whether you believe in ghosts or simply enjoy a good story, these tales are fascinating. They bring extra intrigue to your daily commute or city visit

Next time you’re on the Tube, keep an eye out—you never know what you might see or hear beneath the streets of London.

Answer

Are there really ghosts haunting the London Underground?

While there’s no scientific evidence of ghosts, the London Underground has a rich folklore of supernatural sightings:

• Actor William Terris’s ghost is said to haunt the platforms at Covent Garden Station. Sightings were especially common back in 1955, adding to the station’s eerie reputation. According to legend, Terris, who was murdered near the station in 1897, has been spotted by staff and passengers alike.
• At Liverpool Street station, staff have reported seeing a man in white overalls waiting on the eastbound Central Line platform after hours, who disappears when approached.
• Covent Garden station is believed to be haunted by William Terris, who died near the station in 1897.
• Farringdon station supposedly has a “Screaming Spectre” believed to have been a milliner.

While these stories add to the Underground’s mystique, there’s no concrete proof of paranormal activity.

Is it true that parts of the Underground were used as secret facilities during World War II?

Yes, this is largely true:

• Many Tube stations were used as air-raid shelters during World War II.
• A section of the Central Line was converted into a secret fighter aircraft factory stretching over two miles. It had its own railway system and remained an official secret until the 1980s.
• Down Street, a “ghost” station, was used by Winston Churchill as a bunker during World War II.

Are there really abandoned or “ghost” stations on the London Underground?

Yes, there are numerous abandoned stations:

• There are approximately 49 abandoned Tube stations.
• The British Museum station, located between Tottenham Court Road and Holborn, hasn’t been used since 1932.
• Down Street is another “ghost” station, famously used by Churchill during WWII.

Is it true that the Underground is built on plague pits?

This is partially true:

• Bank, Liverpool Street, and Aldgate Stations were all rumored to have been built on plague pits.
• Crossrail work near Liverpool Street station made a grim discovery in 2015. Workers unearthed a mass grave containing 30 skeletons. These remains are believed to be victims of the 1665 Great Plague outbreak.
• Aldgate Station is indeed built above a huge plague pit containing over 1,000 bodies.

Has anyone ever been born on the London Underground?

Yes, this has happened:

• Three babies have been born on the Tube.
• The first baby born on the Tube was initially rumored to have been named Thelma Ursula Beatrice Eleanor (T.U.B.E.), but this turned out to be false. Her actual name was Marie Cordery.
• Jerry Springer, the American talk show host, has a unique connection to London. He was born at East Finchley station. His mother was taking shelter there during World War II.