Save the Broad Street / Richmond Line (Hampstead) Committee

In 1850 the North London Railway began operating services from Camden Town to Poplar, and then on into the East End. In 1851 the line was extended to Hampstead where it joined with the London and North Western Railway, and in 1858 it was connected to a branch of the London and South Western Railway to Richmond. In 1865 the line was further extended in the east so that the terminus was Broad Street station, situated adjacent to Liverpool Street Station.

By 1900 Broad Street station was the third busiest in London (after Liverpool Street and Victoria). During the Second World War the line was badly bombed and the East End portion was closed. Trains continued to run to the badly damaged Broad Street station, but the development of Tube and bus networks had significantly reduced the passenger numbers. The station was not repaired and the main part of it was closed in 1950, although two platforms continued to operate.

In 1963 Richard Beeching was appointed Chairman of the British Transport Commission with the brief to reduce British Rail spending. He achieved this by announcing extensive cuts in what has become known as the 'Beeching Axe'. Broad Street was one of the stations earmarked for closure. However, local opposition saved the station and it continued running until 1985 when it was finally closed. The Broadgate office development stands on the site.

In 1979 the line between Richmond and Dalston via Gospel Oak became the North London Line, and in 2010 is part of the London Overground network.