A commemorative bronze plaque. Did it really exist? That’s the mystery surrounding Oakwood Station. Right here before us stands this Grade II* listed building. Oakwood Station opened in 1933. Its original name was Enfield West a name soon changed to Enfield West (Oakwood). The name eventually became simply Oakwood. This wasn’t just any station. It was part of Charles Holden’s vision for the Piccadilly line extensions. The architectural style mirrors classical proportions but with a distinctly 20th-century feel. The ticket hall is a striking example of this. Its dimensions are approximately a double-cube. That means the front elevation is roughly double its height and width. Oakwood Station resembles Holden’s designs for Sudbury Town and Acton Town stations.
The station’s construction wasn’t without its bumps in the road. Oakwood Station wasn’t even on the original plans for the Piccadilly line extension. It became the line’s temporary terminus before Cockfosters station opened. This extension significantly changed the surrounding landscape. Open countryside quickly transformed into a new housing development. Think of the impact of transportation on urban growth. This is a perfect illustration of that. Oakwood Station is a key element in Enfield’s history and development.
But back to that plaque. It claimed Oakwood Station was the highest point in Europe on a direct line west from the Ural Mountains. A curious claim isn’t it? Topographic maps suggest otherwise. The station sits at about 318 feet above sea level. A direct line west across Europe would pass over significantly higher terrain. There’s some debate about this inscription. Did it exist at all? Was it a joke? Or perhaps a slightly exaggerated reflection of the station’s elevated location.
In 2006-2007 Oakwood Station underwent upgrades. A new lift was installed for step-free access. The public address system improved. The station also got 27 new CCTV cameras. This reflects the evolution of transport infrastructure. The station continually adapts to modern needs. Today Oakwood Station stands as a testament to architectural design. It’s a reminder of London’s suburban expansion and the mysteries that can surround even the most ordinary-looking places. Now let’s continue our tour.