SideTracked Caches
This cache belongs to the SideTracked series. It is not designed to take you to a magical place with a breath taking view. It's a distraction for the weary traveller, but anyone else can go and find it too. More Information can be found on the SideTracked Series website at www.sidetrackedseries.info https://www.sidetrackedseries.info
KING WILLIAM STREET STATION
When King William Street Station opened on 18 December 1890, it was the world's first deep level, electric underground station. The London Underground, being the first railway of its kind, was innovative and experimental. The station was accessed from the surface by a lift shaft or spiral staircase.
As the network grew, some of its early stations quickly became unfit for purpose. This was the fate of the King William Street Station and it closed on 24 February 1900, less than 10 years after it opened.
Why this station closed
The King William Street Station was the terminus of the City & South London Railway (C&SLR). It initially ran between Stockwell, south of the River Thames, and King William Street, near Bank on the northern side.
The station tunnel runs east to west across King William Street, situated under Monument Street and ending underneath Arthur Street. In order to pass under the Thames, the approach tunnels had tight curves and steep gradients.
Its capacity to expand was limited by a combination of the station layout and the poor alignment of the running tunnels.
When the C&SLR decided to extend the line northwards, the platforms at King William Street Station (the northern termminus) were facing the wrong direction. A new northward tunnel was built which completely bypassed King William Street.
When the northbound Moorgate extension opened, King William Street station closed from Monday 26 February 1900.
Other Uses
During World War II, King William Street station, like many active and unused stations, was used as an air raid shelter.
It was largely left empty and abandoned in the decades since,
Its running tunnels are now used as a ventilation shaft.
The major upgrade to neighbouring Bank Station has absorbed much of the remaining station. The original metal spiral staircase pf King William Street station, which provided access to platform level, was used for access to the Bank work site, gradually removing the last traces of the original station.
PLEASE USE STEALTH WHEN LOOKING FOR THE CACHE.
TO FIND THE CACHE:
The cache is not at the posted coordinates. It is a multi cache.
At the listed coordinates, turn to face the Monument and you will see a large stone engraving.
Count the figures as follows to obtain numbers to work out the final coordinates:
A = the number of large figures sitting above + the number of small figures on the right-hand side
B= on the right hand side, the number of large figures + the number of animals
C = the number of birds
D = the number of large figures sitting above
E = the number of figures laying down
F = the number of figures on the left - 2
Using the above numbers, the final coordinates are:
N 51 30.ABC W 000 05.DEF
Check sum of all digits in the final coordinates = 35
Congratulations to badstagram and MikeXB70 for the joint FTF.