The Piccadilly line was extended to Cockfosters in 1933 as part of London Underground’s northern expansion.
The extension ran from Finsbury Park through new suburban stations including Arnos Grove, Southgate and Oakwood. It helped open northern districts to rapid transport and encouraged new housing and development along the route.
Many stations on the extension were designed by Charles Holden. Their modernist buildings used brick, concrete and strong geometric shapes, creating a consistent visual identity while adapting each station to its site.
Cockfosters remains the northern terminus of the Piccadilly line. It is sometimes confused with nearby stations on the planned or extended Northern line, but the Cockfosters branch belongs to the Piccadilly route.