London Director Exchange Names

In dial-numeric order

A list of all the codes in use in the London (England) Director system circa 1966.
Relist in exchange name order
Dialling code booklet 1964   |   Dialling code booklet 1968   |   Phone pages index
NameArea servedLocal justification for name
 
was267hANSon
was268hANVil
was100f*
100
Bletchingley (manual)
was968f* j
XM 8
Brasted
was295f*
BX 5
Burgh Heath (manual)
was382h lDUChess
was355f*
DL 5
Downland (manual)
was434f
GE 4
Gerrard's Cross (4 figure nos)
was100f*
100
Godstone (manual)
was406hHOMerton
was456f
HL 6
Hatfield (Herts, 4 figure nos)
was100f*
100
Headley (Surrey, manual)
was403f
HO 3
Hoddesdon (4 figure nos)
was469hINWood
was756f*
RL 6
Redhill (manual)
was749f
RH 9
Rickmansworth (4 figure nos)
was784f
RU 4
Ruislip (4 figure nos)
was768f
SM 8
Sunbury-on-Thames (4 figure nos)
was757f j
SK 7
Swakeleys
123was846s u
TIM
Speaking Clock [TIMe]
151was364s
ENG
Telephone out of order or broken [ENGineer]
160was867s u
UMP
Test Match score [UMPire]
191was463s
INF
Other Telephone Enquiries and Supervisor
192was347s
DIR
Directory Enquiries, Inland
196still196s l
Automatic director testing
190was835s
TEL
Inland telegrams and Enquiries
100still100f*
100
Bayford
100f*
100
Bletchingley (manual)
100still100f*
Chalvey Park
100f*
100
Godstone (manual)
100f*
100
Headley (Surrey, manual)
100still100f*
Iver Heath
100still100f*
100
North Weald
 
NameArea servedLocal justification for name
 
22Central sector
 
222still222ABBeyWestminsterWestminster Abbey
223spare
22.4still22f5
CA
Caterham
225now672BALhamTootingarea served
226still226CANonburyHighburyarea served
227now449BARnetBarnet
228still228BATterseaBattersea
229still229BAYswaterBayswater
220now992ACOrnActonAcorn Gardens
 
23Central sector
 
232now650BECkenhamBeckenham
233now654ADDiscombeAddiscombe and South Norwood
234now939f
BE 4
Betchworth (Surrey)
235still235BELgraviaBelgravia
236still236CENtralCity of LondonCentral Markets
237still237BERmondseyBermondsey
238now980ADVanceBow and Mile End
239now303BEXleyheathBexleyheath
230spare
 
24Central sector
 
242still242CHAnceryHolbornChancery Lane
243now540CHErrywoodMerton and South WimbledonCherry Wood (Shaldon Drive)
244now994CHIswickChiswick
245spare
246was275s u
ASK
Teletourist and Road Weather
246was932s u
WEA
Weather
247still247BIShopsgateCity of Londonstreet of this name
248still248CITyCity of London
249was772SPArtanDalston
240was208COVent GardenCovent Garden
 
25Central sector
 
252now476ALBert DockPlaistow and Canning TownAlbert Dock
253still253CLErkenwellClerkenwell
254still254CLIssoldDalstonClissold Park
25.5still25f5
Burgh Heath (automatic)
256spare
257now998ALPertonPerivale, Alperton and North Ealing
258now656BLUebellAddiscombe and South Norwood
259still259f*
BK 9
Bookham
250now552CLOcktowerEast Ham
 
26Central sector
 
262still262AMBassadorPaddingtonsome embassies
263was848h lVIVian
264now985AMHerstHackneyAmhurst Road
265still265f
BM 5
Bowmansgreen
266still266f
CM 6
Cobham (Surrey)
267hANSon
268hANVil
269still269f
BN 9
Biggin Hill
260still260f
CN 0
Chorleywood
 
27Central sector
 
272still272ARChwayHollowayroad viaduct
273now550CREscentBarkingside and Redbridge
274still274BRIxtonBrixton
275now246s u
ASK
Teletourist and Road Weather
276now904ARNoldNorth Wembley
277now679lAPPlewood
278still278BRUnswickKing’s Cross
279now659CRYstal PalaceSydenham and Pengeexchg. is in Crystal Palace Park Road
270now688CROydonCroydon
 
28Central sector
 
282now504BUCkhurstWoodford and Buckhurst Hill
283still283AVEnueCity of London (Monument)Throgmorton Avenue
284still284f
CU 4
Cuffley
285now568ATLasIsleworth
286still286CUNninghamMaida Vale
287now950BUShey HeathBushey Heath
288spare
289was507LORdsLords and Maida ValeLords Cricket Ground
280spare
 
29South East sector
 
292spare
293spare
29.4still29f5
BY
Byfleet
295f*
BX 5
Burgh Heath (manual)
29.5still29f5
CY
Crayford
296still296s l
Automatic director testing
297now422BYRonSouth Harrow
298still298f
AX 8
Ashtead
299now668BYWoodPurley and Kenleyseveral woods
290was878lTST
 
20North West sector
 
202was436HENdonHendon
203was786SUNnyhillHendon
204was379DRYdenKingsbury
205still205COLindaleColindale
206now864CONcordSouth Harrow
207now520COPpermillWalthamstowCoppermill Lane
208now240COVent GardenCovent Garden
209now888BOWes ParkWood Greenarea served
200now949COOmbe EndNew Maldenarea served
 
NameArea servedLocal justification for name
 
32Central sector
 
32.2still32f5
DA
Dartford (Kent)
323spare
324now644FAIrlandsSutton and Cheam
325now567EALingEaling
326now304DANson ParkBexleyheathDanson Park
327now987EAStPoplar“East End” of London
328was545KILburnKilburn and Maida Vale
329spare
320still320f
FA 0
Farningham
 
33South West sector
 
332still332f
DE 2
Denham (Bucks)
333spare
334now952EDGwareEdgware
335now890FELthamFeltham and East Bedfont
336now807EDMontonEdmonton
337still337DERwentWorcester Park
338spare
339now549h v lEDWardKingston
330was425GALleonWorcester Park
 
34North sector
 
342now359DICkensHighbury
343now868FIEld EndPinner and Eastcote
344now392f*
EH 4
Epsom
345now903DILigenceWembley
346still346FINchleyFinchley
347now192s
DIR
Directory Enquiries, Inland
348still348FITzroyHornsey and Highgate
349was847VIRginiaFinchley
340was608MOUntviewHornsey and Highgate
 
35Central sector
 
352still352FLAxmanChelsea
353still353FLEet StreetFleet Street
354now965ELGarHarlesdenElgar Avenue (off Mitchellbrook Way), NW10
355f*
DL 5
Downland (manual)
356now399ELMbridgeSurbitonElmbridge Avenue
357now953ELStreeElstree
358now850ELThamEltham
359was342DICkensHighbury
350now878FLOralMortlake
 
36North sector
 
362now398EMBerbrookThames Ditton
363still363ENFieldEnfield
364now151s
ENG
Telephone out of order or broken [ENGineer]
36.5still36f5
FN
Farnborough (Kent)
366was532KEAtsEnfield
367now603EMPressWest Kensington
368still368ENTerpriseSouthgate
369still369f*
FM 9
Farnham Common (Bucks)
360was522LABurnumWinchmore Hill
 
37Central sector
 
372now669mFRAnklinWallington and Carshalton
373still373dDREadnoughtEarls Court
373still373dFREmantleEarls Court
374spare
375still375f
EP 5
Epping
37.6still37f5
ES
Esher
377spare
378now908DRUmmondNorth Wembley
379now204DRYdenKingsbury
370still370FRObisherEarls Court
 
38Central sector
 
382h lDUChess
38.3still38f5
ET
Erith
384spare
385still385dDUKeFulham
385still385dFULhamFulham
386now690DUNcanCatford
387still387EUStonEuston
388spare
389still389f
ET 9
Egham
380spare
 
39South West sector
 
392was344f*
EH 4
Epsom
393still393EWEllEwell
394was489IVYdaleEwell
395still395f*
FX 5
Fulmer (Bucks)
396still396s l
Automatic director testing
397was509LOWer HookChessingtonarea served
398was362EMBerbrookThames Ditton
399was356ELMbridgeSurbitonElmbridge Avenue
390was524h v lLAGoonSurbitonSurbiton Lagoon
 
30South East sector
 
302was927WARing ParkSidcupWaring Park
303was239BEXleyheathBexleyheath
304was326DANson ParkBexleyheathDanson Park
305now450DOLlis HillCricklewood and Dollis Hill
306now592DOMinionDagenham
307now699FORest HillForest Hill
308now677FOUntainStreatham
309now882FOX LanePalmers Green
300still300FOOts CraySidcuparea served
 
NameArea servedLocal justification for name
 
42North West sector
 
422was297BYRonSouth Harrow
423now440HADley GreenBarnetarea served
424now500HAInaultHainault
425now330GALleonWorcester Park
426now435HAMpsteadHampstead
427still427HARrowHarrow
428still428HATch EndHatch End
429now573HAYesHayes (Middx) and Cranford
420still420f
HA 0
Harefield
 
43Central sector
 
432still432gHEAdquartersCity of LondonGPO Headquarters
432was577gLPRCity of LondonLondon Postal region
433still433f
HE 3
Hertford
434f
GE 4
Gerrard's Cross (4 figure nos)
435was426HAMpsteadHampstead
436now202HENdonHendon
437still437GERrardSohoGerrard Street
438spare
439spare
430now579GEOrgianEaling
 
44North sector
 
442now789GIBbonPutneyEdward Gibbon (Decline and Fall …) was born in Putney
443spare
444still444HIGhgate WoodMuswell Hillarea served
445still445HILlsideNorth Finchley
446was502h lLOCkwood
447now670GIPsy HillGipsy Hill and West Norwoodpublished
448now698HITher GreenCatford and Bellinghamarea served
449was227BARnetBarnet
440was423HADley GreenBarnetarea served
 
45North West sector
 
452still452GLAdstoneCricklewood and Dollis Hill
453now478ILFordIlford
45.4still45f5
IL
Ingrebourne
River Ingrebourne, serves Harold Wood
455was773SPEedwellGolders Green
456f
HL 6
Hatfield (Herts, 4 figure nos)
45.6still45f5
Hatfield (Herts, 5 figure nos)
45.7still45f5
Hatfield (Herts, 5 figure nos)
458was632MEAdwayGolders Green
459was945WILlesdenWillesden
450was305DOLlis HillCricklewood and Dollis Hill
450now675h lGLObe
 
46South East sector
 
462was487HURstwayHayes, KentHurstfield, Hurstdene Avenue or Hurst Close
463now191s
INF
Other Telephone Enquiries and Supervisor
464was943WIDmoreBromleyWidmore Road
465spare
46.6still46f5
Hoddesdon (5 figure nos)
467still467IMPerialChislehurst and BickleyLouis-Napoléon lived and died here
468spare
469hINWood
460was728RAVensbourneBromleyriver Ravensbourne
 
47East sector
 
472still472GRAngewoodEast Ham
473now858GREenwichGreenwich
474now954GRImsdykeStanmoresee note
475now560ISLeworthIsleworth and Brentford
476was252ALBert DockPlaistow and Canning TownAlbert Dock
476now640h lISMay
477still477f
GR 7
Garston (Herts)
478was453ILFordIlford
479still479f
GR 9
Greenhithe
470now499GROsvenorMayfairGrosvenor Square
 
48Central sector
 
482now505IVAnhoeWoodford and Buckhurst Hill
483now572HUDsonHounslow and Heston
484spare
485still485GULliverKentish Town
486still486HUNterSt Marylebone
487now462HURstwayHayes, KentHurstfield, Hurstdene Avenue or Hurst Close
488spare
489now394IVYdaleEwell
480spare
 
49Central sector
 
492spare
493still493HYDe ParkMayfairHyde Park
49.4still49f5
HX
Hornchurch
49.5still49f5
HX
Hornchurch
496still496s l
Automatic director testing
497now670GYPsy HillGipsy Hill and West Norwoodunpublished
49.8still49f5
Gerrard's Cross (5 figure nos)
499was470GROsvenorMayfairGrosvenor Square
490still490f*
IX 0
Iver
 
40Central sector
 
402spare
403f
HO 3
Hoddesdon (4 figure nos)
404now749HOGarthShepherds Bush
405still405HOLbornHolborn
406hHOMerton
407still407HOPSouthwarkhistorically several hop merchants
408now570HOUnslowHounslow and Heston
409now804HOWardPonders End
400now599GOOdmayesSeven Kings and Goodmayes
 
NameArea servedLocal justification for name
 
52East sector
 
522now360LABurnumWinchmore Hill
523now969LADbrokeKensal GreenLadbroke Grove
524now390h v lLAGoonSurbitonSurbiton Lagoon
525now947LAKesideWimbledonLake in Wimbledon Park
526now580LANghamBloomsburyLangham Place
527still527LARkswoodHighams ParkLarks Wood
528now802LATimerStamford Hill
529was745SILverthornChingford
520was207COPpermillWalthamstowCoppermill Lane
 
53East sector
 
532now366KEAtsEnfield
533now852LEE GreenLewishamarea served
534was627MARylandStratford and Forest GateTube Station, etc.
535now673KELvinBalham
536now589KENsingtonSouth Kensington
537still537f
LE 7
Leatherhead
538spare
539still539LEYtonstoneLeytonstone
530was762SNAresbrookWansteadarea served
 
54South West sector
 
542still542LIBertyMerton and South Wimbledon
543spare
544still544f
KG 4
King's Langley
545now328KILburnKilburn and Maida Vale
546still546KINgston-upon-ThamesKingston
547now857KIPlingMottingham and Grove Park
548now653LIVingstoneNorwoodLivingstone Road
549was339h v lEDWardKingston
540was243CHErrywoodMerton and South WimbledonCherry Wood (Shaldon Drive)
 
55East sector
 
552was250CLOcktowerEast Ham
553was873TREvelyanIlford
554was825VALentineIlfordValentine Public House, 27 Perth Road
555spare
556was724RAGlanLeytonstone
557still557s
557
Overseas Telegrams
5585still5585f3
LK 85
Long Cross
5587still5587f3
LK 87
Ottershaw (3 figure nos)
559still559s
559
Overseas Telegram Enquiries
550was273CREscentBarkingside and Redbridge
 
56West sector
 
562still562f
KN 2
Knockholt
563spare
564now584KNIghtsbridgeSouth KensingtonKnightsbridge
56.5still56f5
LN
St. Albans
56.6still56f5
LN
St. Albans
567was325EALingEaling
568was285ATLasIsleworth
5695still5695f3
KN 95
Colney Heath
560was475ISLeworthIsleworth and Brentford
 
57West sector
 
572was483HUDsonHounslow and Heston
573was429HAYesHayes (Middx) and Cranford
574was708SOUthallSouthall
575spare
576still576f
LP 6
Limpsfield Chart
577now432gLPRCity of LondonLondon Postal region
578was929WAXlowGreenfordWaxlow Crescent
579was430GEOrgianEaling
570was408HOUnslowHounslow and Heston
 
58Central sector
 
582now960j lJUBilee
583still583LUDgate CircusFleet StreetLudgate Circus
584was564KNIghtsbridgeSouth KensingtonKnightsbridge
585still585lLTK Kingsway Trunk Exchange
586still586JUNiperSt.Johns Wood
587still587gLTR (RHQ)VauxhallLondon Telephones Region
588was506LONdon WallCity of London (Moorgate)London Wall
589was536KENsingtonSouth Kensington
580was526LANghamBloomsburyLangham Place
 
59East sector
 
592was306DOMinionDagenham
593still593xLXDDagenham ?
594was747RIPplewayBarkingRipple Road
595spare
596still596s l
Automatic director testing
597spare
598spare
599was400GOOdmayesSeven Kings and Goodmayes
590was738SEVen KingsSeven Kings and Goodmayes
 
50East sector
 
502now446h lLOCkwood
503still503f
LO 3
Lodge Hill
504was282BUCkhurstWoodford and Buckhurst Hill
505was482IVAnhoeWoodford and Buckhurst Hill
506now588LONdon WallCity of London (Moorgate)London Wall
507now289LORdsLords and Maida ValeLords Cricket Ground
508still508LOUghtonLoughton
509now397LOWer HookChessingtonarea served
500was424HAInaultHainault
 
NameArea servedLocal justification for name
 
62Central sector
 
622still622MACaulayNine Elms
623was646MINcing LaneCity of London (Monument)Mincing Lane
624still624MAIda ValeLords (Kilburn, Maida Vale and South Hampstead)
625now942MALdenNew Malden
626still626MANsion HouseCity of London (Monument)Mansion House (building)
627now534MARylandStratford and Forest GateTube Station, etc.
628still628NATionalCity of London (Moorgate)
629still629MAYfairMayfair
620spare
 
63Central sector
 
632now458MEAdwayGolders Green
633spare
634spare
635now643MELvilleSutton and Belmont
636was687MUSeumBloomsburyBritish Museum
637still637lMERedith
638still638METropolitanCity of London (Monument)
639still639NEW CrossPeckham and New Cross
630spare
 
64South sector
 
642was844VIGilantSutton and Belmontdon’t know - see note
643was635MELvilleSutton and Belmont
644was324FAIrlandsSutton and Cheam
645now959MILl HillMill Hill
646now623MINcing LaneCity of London (Monument)Mincing Lane
647was925mWALlington (Surrey)Wallington and Carshalton
648still648MITchamMitcham and Morden
649still649f*
MH 9
Merstham
640was476h lISMay
 
65South sector
 
65.2still65f5
NL
Northwood (Middx)
653was548LIVingstoneNorwoodLivingstone Road
654was233ADDiscombeAddiscombe and South Norwood
655still655f
ML 5
Chertsey
656was258BLUebellAddiscombe and South Norwood
657was726mSANdersteadSanderstead and Selsdonphoto
658spare
659was279CRYstal PalaceSydenham and Pengeexchg. is in Crystal Palace Park Road
650was232BECkenhamBeckenham
 
66South sector
 
66.2still66f5
MM
Orpington
66.3still66f5
MM
Orpington
664spare
6658still6658f3
NM 58
Stapleford
666spare
667still667f
NN 7
Nazeing
668was299BYWoodPurley and Kenleyseveral woods
669was372mFRAnklinWallington and Carshalton
660was875UPLandsPurley and Kenleyhigh ground
 
67South sector
 
672was225BALhamTootingarea served
673was535KELvinBalham
674was885TULse HillTulse Hill and Brixton Hill
675was450h lGLObe
676spare
677was308FOUntainStreatham
678spare
679was277lAPPlewood
670was447GIPsy HillGipsy Hill and West Norwoodpublished
670was497GYPsy HillGipsy Hill and West Norwoodunpublished
 
68South sector
 
682still682f
NT 2
Nutfield Ridge
683now848NUFfieldHayes and Cranford
684was840THOrnton HeathThornton Heath
685now889MULberryWood Green
686still686MUNicipalCroydonsee note
687now636MUSeumBloomsburyBritish Museum
688was270CROydonCroydon
689spare
680spare
 
69South East sector
 
692was843TIDewayDeptfordThames tideway
693was809TOWnleyDulwich and CamberwellTownley Road
69.4still69f5
MX
Ashford (Middx)
69.5still69f5
MX
Ashford (Middx)
696still696s l
Automatic director testing
697spare
698was448HITher GreenCatford and Bellinghamarea served
699was307FORest HillForest Hill
690was386DUNcanCatford
 
60Central sector
 
602still602NOBleWest Kensington
603was367EMPressWest Kensington
604still604f
MO 4
Mogador
605now979MOLeseyEast Molesey and Hampton
606still606MONarchCity of London
607still607NORthBarnsburyarea is North of the City
608now340MOUntviewHornsey and Highgate
609spare
600still600MOOrgateCity of LondonMoorgate
 
NameArea servedLocal justification for name
 
71unallocated sector
 
71.3still71f5
Ruislip (5 figure nos)
71.5still71f5
Downland (automatic)
71.6still71f5
Redhill (automatic)
71.7still71f5
Ruislip (5 figure nos)
719still719f
Ottershaw (4 figure nos)
 
72Central sector
 
722was774PRImroseSt.Johns WoodPrimrose Hill
723still723PADdingtonPaddington
724now556RAGlanLeytonstone
725now886PALmers GreenPalmers Green
726now657mSANdersteadSanderstead and Selsdonphoto
727still727PARkBayswater and Notting HillHyde Park
728now460RAVensbourneBromleyriver Ravensbourne
729spare
720still720SCOttNine Elms
 
73Central sector
 
732still732PECkham RyePeckham and New Cross
733still733REDpostBrixtonRed Post Hill
734still734REGentSohoRegent Street
735still735RELianceKennington and Walworth (Vauxhall)
736still736RENownFulham
737now997PERivalePerivale, Alperton and North Ealing
738now590SEVen KingsSeven Kings and Goodmayes
739was740SHOreditchShoreditch
730was750SLOaneSloane Square
 
74West sector
 
742now940RIChmond (Surrey)Richmond (Surrey)
743still743SHEpherds BushShepherds Bush
74.4still74f5
RG
Reigate
745now529SILverthornChingford
746now866PINnerPinner and Eastcote
747now594RIPplewayBarkingRipple Road
748still748RIVersideHammersmithbeside the Thames
749was404HOGarthShepherds Bush
749f
RH 9
Rickmansworth (4 figure nos)
740now739SHOreditchShoreditch
 
75West sector
 
75.2still75f5
SL
Slough
75.3still75f5
SL
Slough
754spare
755still755f
SL 5
Swanley (Dartford)
756f*
RL 6
Redhill (manual)
757f j
SK 7
Swakeleys
758now855PLUmsteadWoolwich and Plumstead
759still759SKYportLondon Airport Heathrow and Harlington
750now730SLOaneSloane Square
 
76South sector
 
762now530SNAresbrookWansteadarea served
763spare
764was705POLlardsNorburyPollards Hill
76.5still76f5
Rainham (Essex, automatic)
766still766f
SM 6
South Mimms
767spare
768f
SM 8
Sunbury-on-Thames (4 figure nos)
76.8still76f5
Sunbury-on-Thames (5 figure nos)
769was787STReathamStreatham
760spare
 
77South sector
 
772now249SPArtanDalston
773now455SPEedwellGolders Green
774now722PRImroseSt.Johns WoodPrimrose Hill
77.5still77f5
PR
Potters Bar
776now0727 33f0
PR 6
Park Street
777still777SPRingparkWest WickhamSpring Park
778was793SYDenhamSydenham and Penge
779still779f
RR9
Radlett
770now876PROspectMortlake
 
78South West sector
 
782now800STAmford HillStamford Hill
783now790STEpney GreenStepney Green
784f
RU 4
Ruislip (4 figure nos)
785now799SULlivanWestminster
786now203SUNnyhillHendon
787now769STReathamStreatham
788still788PUTneyPutney
789was442GIBbonPutneyEdward Gibbon (Decline and Fall …) was born in Putney
780now958STOnegroveEdgwareStonegrove (Watling Street)
 
79Central sector
 
792still792f
PX 2
Purfleet
793now778SYDenhamSydenham and Penge
794still794SWIss CottageHampsteadarea served
79.5still79f5
SW
Staines
796still796s l
Automatic director testing
79.7still79f5
Rickmansworth (5 figure nos)
798still798f*
RX 8
Rainham (Essex, manual)
799was785SULlivanWestminster
790was783STEpney GreenStepney Green
 
70Central sector
 
702spare
703still703RODneyCamberwell and WalworthRodney Road
70.4still70f5
RO
Romford
705now764POLlardsNorburyPollards Hill
70.6still70f5
RO
Romford
707now892POPesgroveTwickenhamroad called Popes Grove named after Alexander Pope
708now574SOUthallSouthall
709still709ROYalCity of London and WappingRoyal Mint (building)
700still700f
SO 0
South Ockendon
 
NameArea servedLocal justification for name
 
82Central sector
 
822still822TABardFleet StreetTabard Inn (building)
823still823f
TA 3
Tadworth
824spare
825now554VALentineIlfordValentine Public House, 27 Perth Road
826now874VANdykeWandsworth
827spare
828still828TATe GalleryVictoriaTate Gallery
829still829gTCYWaterlooTelephones CitY
829was853g xTLDWaterlooTelephones London District
820still820f
UA 0
Upper Warlingham
 
83Central sector
 
832spare
833now977TEDdington LockTeddington
834was842VICtoriaVictoria
835now190s
TEL
Inland telegrams and Enquiries
836still836TEMple BarCovent GardenTemple Bar (monument)
837still837TERminusKings Crossrailway termini
838spare
839was872TRAfalgarWhitehallTrafalgar Square
830still830f
TF O
Otford
 
84West sector
 
842now834VICtoriaVictoria
843now692TIDewayDeptfordThames tideway
844now642VIGilantSutton and Belmontdon’t know - see note
845still845VIKingNortholt and YeadingViking Primary School, Radcliffe Way
846now123s u
TIM
Speaking Clock [TIMe]
847now349VIRginiaFinchley
848was683NUFfieldHayes and Cranford
848now263h lVIVian
849still849f
TH 9
Theydon Bois
840now684THOrnton HeathThornton Heath
 
85South East sector
 
852was533LEE GreenLewishamarea served
853now829g xTLDWaterlooTelephones London District
854was900WOOlwichWoolwich and Plumstead
855was758PLUmsteadWoolwich and Plumstead
856spare
857was547KIPlingMottingham and Grove Park
858was473GREenwichGreenwich
859spare
850was358ELThamEltham
 
86North West sector
 
862spare
863still863UNDerhillHarrowunder Harrow-on-the-Hill
864was206CONcordSouth Harrow
865still865f*
UM 5
Upminster (Essex)
866was746PINnerPinner and Eastcote
867now160s u
UMP
Test Match score [UMPire]
868was343FIEld EndPinner and Eastcote
869spare
860spare
 
87South West sector
 
872now839TRAfalgarWhitehallTrafalgar Square
873now553TREvelyanIlford
874was826VANdykeWandsworth
875now660UPLandsPurley and Kenleyhigh ground
876was770PROspectMortlake
877now806UPPer ClaptonClapton
878was350FLOralMortlake
878now290lTST
879still879gTSWWimbledonTelephones South West
870still870TROjanWandsworth
 
88North sector
 
882was309FOX LanePalmers Green
883still883TUDorMuswell Hill
884spare
885now674TULse HillTulse Hill and Brixton Hill
886was725PALmers GreenPalmers Green
887now995TURnham GreenChiswickTurnham Green
888was209BOWes ParkWood Greenarea served
889was685MULberryWood Green
880spare
 
89West sector
 
892was707POPesgroveTwickenhamroad called Popes Grove named after Alexander Pope
89.3still89f5
UX
Uxbridge
894still894TWIckenham GreenTwickenham
89.5still89f5
UX
Uxbridge
896still896s l
Automatic director testing
897spare
898spare
899spare
890was335FELthamFeltham and East Bedfont
 
80North sector
 
802was528LATimerStamford Hill
803spare
804was409HOWardPonders End
805spare
806was877UPPer ClaptonClapton
807was336EDMontonEdmonton
808still808TOTtenhamTottenham
809now693TOWnleyDulwich and CamberwellTownley Road
800was782STAmford HillStamford Hill
 
NameArea servedLocal justification for name
 
92Central sector
 
92.2still92f5
WA
Watford
923spare
92.4still92f5
WA
Watford
925now647mWALlington (Surrey)Wallington and Carshalton
926now989WANsteadWanstead
927now302WARing ParkSidcupWaring Park
928still928WATerlooWaterloo
929now578WAXlowGreenfordWaxlow Crescent
920spare
 
93Central sector
 
932now246s u
WEA
Weather
933still933f
WE 3
West Drayton
934spare
935still935WELbeckSt MaryleboneWelbeck Street
936now902WEMbleyWembley
937still937WESternKensingtonWestern part of central London
938spare
939was234f
BE 4
Betchworth (Surrey)
930was944WHItehallWestminsterWhitehall
 
94South West sector
 
942was625MALdenNew Malden
943now464WIDmoreBromleyWidmore Road
944now930WHItehallWestminsterWhitehall
945now459WILlesdenWillesden
946still946WIMbledonWimbledon
947was525LAKesideWimbledonLake in Wimbledon Park
948spare
949was200COOmbe EndNew Maldenarea served
940was742RIChmond (Surrey)Richmond (Surrey)
 
95North West sector
 
952was334EDGwareEdgware
953was357ELStreeElstree
954was474GRImsdykeStanmoresee note
95.5still95f5
WK
Windsor
95.6still95f5
WK
Windsor
957spare
958was780STOnegroveEdgwareStonegrove (Watling Street)
959was645MILl HillMill Hill
950was287BUShey HeathBushey Heath
 
96North West sector
 
96.2still96f5
WN
Welwyn Garden
96.3still96f5
WN
Welwyn Garden
964still964f
XM 4
Colnbrook
965was354ELGarHarlesdenElgar Avenue (off Mitchellbrook Way), NW10
966spare
9679still9679f3
XN 79
Essendon
968f* j
XM 8
Brasted
969was523LADbrokeKensal GreenLadbroke Grove
960was582j lJUBilee
 
97South West sector
 
972spare
97.3still97f5
WS
Waltham Cross
97.4still97f5
WR
Weybridge
975spare
976spare
977was833TEDdington LockTeddington
978still978f
WS 8
Westerham
979was605MOLeseyEast Molesey and Hampton
970still970f
XS O
Oxshott
 
98East sector
 
98.2still98f5
WT
Walton-on-Thames
983still983f
WT 3
Wraysbury
98.4still98f5
WT
Walton-on-Thames
985was264AMHerstHackneyAmhurst Road
986spare
987was327EAStPoplar“East End” of London
988still988f
XT 8
Oxted
989was926WANsteadWanstead
980was238ADVanceBow and Mile End
 
99West sector
 
992was220ACOrnActonAcorn Gardens
993spare
994was244CHIswickChiswick
995was887TURnham GreenChiswickTurnham Green
996still996s l
Automatic director testing
997was737PERivalePerivale, Alperton and North Ealing
998was257ALPertonPerivale, Alperton and North Ealing
999still999s
999
Emergency calls
990spare
 
90North West sector
 
902was936WEMbleyWembley
903was345DILigenceWembley
904was276ARNoldNorth Wembley
905still905f
WO 5
Woldingham (Surrey)
906spare
907still907WORdsworthKenton
908was378DRUmmondNorth Wembley
909spare
900now854WOOlwichWoolwich and Plumstead
 
NameArea servedLocal justification for name
 
0372 86still0372 86f0
Headley (Surrey, automatic)
0727 33was776f0
PR 6
Park Street
0883 87was0093 87f0 b
Bletchingley (automatic)
0883 84was0093 87f0 b
Godstone (automatic)
0959 7still0959 7f0
0WK 97
Badgers Mount
0959 8still0959 8f0
0WK 98
Tatsfield
0093 87now0883 87f0 b
Bletchingley (automatic)
0093 87now0883 84f0 b
Godstone (automatic)
 

Number of codes listed = 424

Counts
 
count% codes within the 2–9 first digit range
10316 director exchanges retaining their original code
16525 new director exchange codes
19029 old director exchange codes - see note
9314 director fringe codes
122 services - within the 2–9 first digit range
8513 spare codes

648100 total
 
648  =8 × 9 × 9 - digit 1 is not used in any code and digit 0 is not used on the first digit
 
Why the 'old' count is greater than the 'new' count:
  • 246 replacing ASK (275) and WEAther (932) is included in the services count
  • 432 replacing LPR (577) is a duplicate of HEAdquarters (432) which is included in the 'retaining their original code' count
  • 829 replacing TLD (853) is a duplicate of TCY (829) similarly
  • GYPsy (497) was duplicate code for GIPsy Hill (447)
  • TIM - Speaking Clock (846) → 123 outside the range of these counts
  • UMP[ire] - Test Match score (867) → 154 similarly
  • no idea what or even whether EDWard (339) and LAGoon (524) had new codes
 
Sources
 
The basis of this list is the booklet: "Dialling codes and call charges  London  1964  51-9469" (LDCB64)
The booklet: "Dialling Instructions and Call charges  London  1968" Dd. 35/438939  1/68 (LDCB68) has also been examined and differences between it and LDCB64 are noted.
Entries in the 'Area served' column are from telephone directories of the period.
 
Also on show is a London Call Office Notice "CO7   DIR LON Issue 5   Wt. F76303 15m 9/63 Ed (317)   Frame No. 29" (LCON63). ++++ incomplete
Sam Hallas’ list with extensive annotation.
Also on Sam Hallas’ site: this list (marked at the bottom "Retirement Homes for ex-Police Officers" !). Possibly early 1970s - includes some DDi codes, eg. "906 J. Laing Ltd & Mill Hill.
This 1982 list includes an interesting map of the Director and finge areas.
 
Notes
 
§ "Some subscribers on these exchanges were given a new telephone number or had their exchange name replaced by figures other than those shown above when they were given their all-figure number." LDCB68
 
d DREadnought and FREmantle both map on to 373. Both names were published - why? Likewise DUKe and FULham.
 
g DDI to GPO PABX's. LPR mapped on to HEAdquarters and TLD mapped on to TCY.
 
h Seen in an Hitchin list of 1966 - not in LDCB68. Note that the codes for GLObe, ISMay and VIVian were re-used for new codes so clearly these exchanges closed before 1966. Each exchange appears twice in this list: first under new code which is blank and then under old code.
 
m In LDCB68 FRAnklin and WALlington (FRA and WAL in caps but not bold) are listed in the Local Calls section (ie. codes for adjacent non-director exchanges) rather than in the Director section. But there is no asterisk against each name, indicating that the exchange has already been automated. This is probably because it was the last manual exchange in London. Images.
 
v LAGoon and EDWard - information from Vauxhall Victor not in LDCB68.
 
s Services
 
u Recorded Information Services - see this write-up.
 
x LXD and TLD are not listed in LDCB68 but have been seen elsewhere.
 
670447 GIPsy Hill Both GIP (447) and GYP (497) were routed to Gipsy Hill for the benefit of bad spellers! Information from Tony Scott ex Director exchange engineer.
670497 GYPsy
 
954474 GRImsdyke When the GPO named this exchange they were probably thinking of Grim's Dyke the house and estate on Oxhey Lane, Harrow Weald which is best remembered as being the house where W. S. Gilbert of Gilbert and Sullivan lived and died. But the house is in turn named after Grim's Ditch, a Romano-British earthwork which runs near the house.
 
686686 MUNicipal The main phone number for the London Borough of Croydon offices was MUNicipal 4433. But this doesn't really justify the choice of exchange name. This number (after various mutations to 020 8686 4433) still works and is widely publicised. But the council's own website now gives this page with a lot of DDI numbers.
 
Exchange names had quite a wide influence:
One or two of the 'Area served' entries are affected. For example, if LORds exchange had been called something different, the GPO would have described the area served as 'Maida Vale and St. John's Wood'. The cricket ground has not really given its name to the area.

Non-geographic exchange names - such as GALleon and GULliver - often gave their names to local shops. A quick directory enquiry on half a dozen exchange names in 1999 threw up just one example:  The Vigilant Off-Licence, 6 Regent Parade, Sutton - still with a phone number on Vigilant exchange.

Some of the things I have put down as justification for name may in fact be derivations from the exchange name. I suspect that Elgar Avenue was built after Elgar exchange got its name and that the exchange may in fact have had an influence on the name of the Avenue.

 
f Director fringe - exchanges outside the London charge group but accessible at local call rate from London
 
f5 Director fringe exchanges with 5 digit subscribers’ numbers. For example, the published code for Caterham was 22. We know from other sources (or by elimination) that subscribers’ numbers in Caterham began with 4.
 
f3 Director fringe exchanges with 3 digit subscribers’ numbers.
 
f* "For a starred exchange* dial the code only and ask the operator for the exchange and number that you want." LDCB68
Where the code is not 100, these are manual exchanges and the code took you directly to the operators of that exchange. For the others, I believe that Chalvey Park and Iver Heath were temporary automatic exchanges (green vans parked outside the exchange) serving Iver. The London operators had access directly to these bypassing the Iver operators. I am not sure what the story is for Bayford and North Weald.
 
f0 Published local code is the STD code. Smallish exchanges where it was not practicable to create a direct route from everywhere. Eg. for a north London exchange to reach Bletchingley, south of London would have required more routing digits than the director could handle.
 


Comments, corrections and suggestions to fill in the blanks in the 'Local justification for name' column will be gratefully received by: Phreak@RHaworth.net

codes in the 1964 booklet
codes not in the 1964 booklet
codes in the 1968 booklet
codes not in the 1968 booklet
codes in both the 1964 and 1968 booklets
codes not in either 1964 nor the 1968 booklet
differences between the 1964 and 1968 booklets
all codes

Relist in exchange name order
Dialling code booklet 1964   |   Dialling code booklet 1968   |   Phone pages index
 
Roger W. Haworth  
2022 Dec    -Add stuff from 1964 DCB
2022 Dec 02 -Codes seen on Hitchin list added
2021 May 07 -GYPsy added. Count discrepancies resolved
2018 Jan 07 -Director fringe annotation
2017 Jun 19 -Use SQL at last
2005 Aug 02
1999 Dec 08 -First version
 &dupt - check for duplicates
php file date:  2023 Jan 07  12:27:19 Valid HTML5 logo! Valid CSS! Valid Links!