Victorian waterway still crosses Sloane Square station above the tracks

A section of the River Westbourne passes through Sloane Square station, crossing above the District and Circle line tracks in an iron channel. The water is not visible, but the structure marks the river’s passage through the area.

The channel was built during the Victorian-era railway works to keep the river flowing across the route. It has remained there for over 150 years, including after the station was badly damaged by bombing in November 1940.

Where to spot the conduit

The structure can be seen above the tracks towards the western end of the platforms, near the exits. Painted green, it spans the railway. Sloane Square lies between South Kensington and Victoria and is served by the Circle and District lines.

The station opened on 24 December 1868 as part of the District Railway’s first route between South Kensington and Westminster. It was rebuilt following wartime damage, with the work finished by 1951; the river channel stayed in place.

The River Westbourne’s route

The Westbourne rises near Hampstead and travels south through Kilburn, Bayswater, Hyde Park and Chelsea. It was once linked to the Serpentine in Hyde Park, formed in the 18th century.

During the 19th century, urban growth and pollution led to the river being covered and incorporated into pipes and sewers. Its lower stretches are now largely part of London’s drainage system. The old course heads towards the Thames near Chelsea Bridge, where an outlet connected with the Ranelagh Sewer is visible at low tide.

This report draws on information from London Now and Yahoo News UK.