Transport for London (TfL) has renamed its London Overground lines, honouring a significant piece of LGBTQ+ history with the introduction of the Mildmay Line.
Running between Richmond, Clapham Junction, and Stratford, the line now commemorates Mildmay Mission Hospital in Shoreditch, which played a pivotal role during the HIV/AIDS crisis of the 1980s. The hospital, a specialist facility for HIV care, gained prominence for its compassionate work during a time of great fear and stigma.
Princess Diana, known for her groundbreaking advocacy during the HIV/AIDS crisis, visited Mildmay Hospital on multiple occasions, both officially and privately. Her iconic gesture of shaking hands with an AIDS patient helped challenge widespread stigma. Prince Harry also visited the hospital in 2015, continuing the royal family’s engagement with its vital work.
Today, Mildmay Hospital remains at the forefront of HIV care. Geoff Coleman, CEO of Mildmay, expressed the hospital’s gratitude for the recognition, saying:
“More than just tracks and stations, the Mildmay Line symbolises a journey of acceptance, love, and belonging – a vibrant thread connecting our collective past, present, and future.”
Richard Angell, CEO of HIV charity Terrence Higgins Trust, praised the renaming on social media, calling it a “lovely tribute to those with HIV, those lost to AIDS, and everyone who cares/d for them.”
Mildmay Hospital’s origins date back to the 1860s, addressing a cholera outbreak in East London. It officially became a hospital in 1892 and, in 1988, was approved as Europe’s first hospice for AIDS-related illnesses.
The line renaming is part of a broader effort by Mayor Sadiq Khan to celebrate London’s cultural and historical diversity while simplifying navigation for passengers. Other renamed lines include the Windrush Line, Lioness Line, Liberty Line, Suffragette Line, and Weaver Line.
Speaking about the changes, Khan said:
“The new names and colours have been chosen through engagement with passengers, historians and local communities, reflecting the heritage and diversity of our amazing city.”
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