There are many underground stations in the world that run underneath rivers.
There are very few where you can see where the river flows over the platform in a pipe.
But that is just what happens at Sloane Square Underground station, where the River Westbourne is carried across the platform and tracks in a large iron pipe supported by girders.
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The River Westbourne rises in Hampstead and flows down through London until it joins the Thames near Chelsea Bridge. The river has been known by many names including the Kilburn, giving the name to an area of North London.
The Westbourne flowed through Hyde Park until 1730 when it was dammed to create the Serpentine. The river then flows south through Knightsbridge (named after a bridge over the Westbourne) and through Chelsea.
Like several other of London's subterranean rivers (including the Effra, Fleet and Walbrook), the Westbourne was turned into an underground river, flowing through pipes and culverts, by the Victorians.
This caused problems for the builders of Sloane Square station, who were forced to construct a huge pipe, supported by girders, to carry the river across the District Line platforms.
Location
Sloane Square Underground Station, visible from the platform near the exits
Recommended Reading
The Lost Rivers of London: A Study of Their Effects Upon London and Londoners, and the Effects of London and Londoners on Them
Tags
Railway, transport, rivers
