Barbican had three different names before reopening with its current one in 1968.

On construction of the station building, the residential property at 134 Aldersgate Street was demolished. For several years a sign outside claimed ‘This was Shakespeare’s House’, but there was no documentary evidence for this.

Near to the Barbican station is the Barbican Estate. A grade-II listed complex that is a beautiful example of 1970s British ‘Brutalist’ architecture, it houses the Barbican Centre – comprising a cinema, theatre, galleries and restaurants – as well as residential apartments.

Also nearby are the Museum of London and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.