Timeline of London Director Area Dialling Codes
- 1927 The London Director Area began at High Holborn ExchangeCallers would dial the first three letters of the exchange name followed by subscriber's number
- 1965 All Figure Numbering (AFN) was introducedInstead of dialling the first three letters of the exchange name, subscribers would dial a 3 digit number instead
- 1990 London 01 area code changedInner London numbers changed to 071 and Outer London numbers changed to 081.
- 1995 London 071 and 081 area codes changed to include an extra 1Inner London numbers changed to 0171 and Outer London numbers changed to 0181.
- 2000 London 0171 and 0181 area codes changed to 020Inner London numbers were changed to 020-7 and Outer London numbers were changed to 020-8
- 2005 The additional number range of 020-3 was introducedThis was to provide additional capacity in the London area
- 2019 The additional number range of 020-4 was introducedThis was to provide additional capacity in the London area
BT Telephone Exchanges in the 020 London Director Area H – N
Hackney ATE
Hackney Telephone Exchange is located in Paragon Road, Hackney E9 6NP.
This exchange serves Clapton Park, Hackney Wick, Homerton, Lower Clapton and South Hackney.
Prior to AFN the exchange name was AMHerst.
The telephone codes currently used include 020-8533, 020-8985 and 020-8986.
ID: LNHAC. Photo courtesy of David Hillas.
Hainault ATE
Hainault Exchange is located in Fencepiece Road, Chigwell IG7 5DY
Prior to AFN the exchange name was HAInault.
The number ranges currently used include 020-8500 and 020-8501.
ID: LNHAI. Photo courtesy of Simon Cowper-Smith.
Hammersmith ATE
Hammersmith Telephone Exchange is located in Riverside Gardens Hammersmith W6 9LQ.
This exchange serves Hammersmith and Fulham.
Prior to AFN the exchange name was RIVerside.
The telephone codes currently used include 020-8237, 020-8563, 020-8741, 020-8748 and 020-8846.
ID: LWHAM. Photo courtesy of Phillip Perry.
Hampstead ATE
Hampstead Telephone Exchange is located in Finchley Road, Hampstead NW3 6EX.
This exchange serves Hampstead and Swiss Cottage.
Prior to AFN the exchange names were HAMpstead and SWIss Cottage.
The telephone codes currently used include 020-7431, 020-7433, 020-7435 and 020-7794.
ID: WEWHAM. Photo courtesy of David Hillas.
Harlesden ATE
Harlesden Telephone Exchange is located in Station Road, Harlesden NW10 4UJ.
This exchange serves Harlesden, North Acton, Park Royal and Stonebridge Park.
Prior to AFN the exchange name was ELGar.
The telephone codes currently used include 020-8453, 020-8838, 020-8961, 020-8963 and 020-8965.
ID: LWHARL. Photo courtesy of David Hillas.
Harrow ATE
Harrow Telephone Exchange is located in Harrow View, Harrow HA1 1RQ and serves Greenhill, Harrow, Weald, North Harrow, Wealdstone and West Harrow.
Prior to AFN the exchange names were HARrow and UNDerhill.
The telephone codes currently used include 020-8424, 020-8427, 020-8861 and 020-8863.
ID: LWHARR. Photo courtesy of David Hillas.
This exchange is scheduled to cease operation in December 2030 and close by June 2031.
Hatch End ATE
Hatch End Exchange is located in Uxbridge Road, Pinner HA5 4JB.
Prior to AFN the exchange name was HATch End.
The number ranges currently used include 020-8421 and 020-8428.
ID: LWHAT. Photo courtesy of John Salmon.
Hayes Common ATE
Hayes Common Exchange is located in Hays Street, Bromley BR2 7LF. This exchange building opened in 1934.
Prior to AFN the exchange name was HURstway.
The number ranges currently used includes 020-8462.
ID: LSHAY. Photo courtesy of Andy Hebden.
Hayes North ATE
Hayes North Exchange is located in East Avenue, Hayes UB3 2HU and serves Hayes and Cranford.
Prior to AFN the exchange names were HAYes and NUFfield.
The number ranges currently used include 020-8561, 020-8569, 020-8573, 020-8606, 020-8756 and 020-8848.
ID: LWHAY. Photo courtesy of Robin Webster.
Hendon ATE
Hendon Telephone Exchange is located in Alderton Way, Hendon NW4 3JH.
Prior to AFN the exchange names were HENdon and SUNnyhill.
The telephone codes currently used include 020-8202 and 020-8203 .
ID: LWHEN. Photo courtesy of Simon Cowper-Smith.
Hounslow ATE
Hounslow Exchange is located in Holloway Street, Hounslow TW3 1BD and serves Hounslow and Heston.
Prior to AFN the exchange names were HOUnslow and HUDson.
The number ranges currently used include 020-8570, 020-8572, 020-8577, 020-8754 and 020-8814.
ID: LWHOU. Photo courtesy of Simon Cowper-Smith.
This exchange is scheduled to cease operation in December 2030 and close by June 2031.
Highams Park ATE
Highams Park Exchange is located in Brookscroft Road, Highams Park, Walthamstow E17 4LH and opened in 1934.
Prior to AFN the exchange name was LARkswood.
The number ranges currently used include 020-8523, 020-8527 and 020-8531.
ID: LNHPK. Photo courtesy of Richard Dunn.
Holborn ATE
Holborn Telephone Exchange is located in High Holborn. Holborn WC1V 7EE.
Prior to AFN the exchange names were HOLborn and CHAncery.
The telephone codes currently used include 020-7242, 020-7269, 020-7379, 020-7404, 020-7405, 020-7492, 020-7611 and 020-7831.
ID: CLHOL. Photo courtesy of David Hillas.
This exchange is scheduled to cease operation in April 2030 and close by September 2030.
Ilford Central ATE
Ilford Central Telephone Exchange is located in Chadwick Road, Ilford IG1 1BX and was the last Director exchange converted to STD (Subscriber Trunk Dialling) in 1971.
Prior to AFN the exchange names were ILFord and TREvelyan.
The telephone codes currently used include 020-8478, 020-8514 and 020-8553.
ID: LNILC. Photo courtesy of David Hillas.
Ilford North ATE
Ilford North Exchange is located in Cranbrook Road, Ilford IG1 4TL.
Prior to AFN the exchange name was VALentine.
The number ranges currently used include 020-8518 and 020-8554.
ID: LNILN. Photo courtesy of David Hillas.
Isleworth ATE
Isleworth Exchange is located in Twickenham Road, Isleworth TW7 6AR and was built in 1956. This exchange also serves Brentford.
Prior to AFN the exchange name was ISLeworth.
The number ranges currently used include 020-8232, 020-8560, 020-8568 and 020-8847.
ID: LWISL. Photo courtesy of Chris Guy.
Kensal Green ATE
Kensal Green Telephone Exchange is located in Harrow Road, Kensal Green W10 4NB.
Prior to AFN the exchange names were LADbroke and JUBilee.
The telephone codes currently used include 020-8960, 020-8964, 020-8968 and 020-8969.
ID: LWKGRE. Photo courtesy of David Hillas.
Kensington Gardens ATE
Kensington Gardens Exchange is located in South End Row, Kensington W8 5BX.
Prior to AFN the exchange name was WEStern.
The number ranges currently used include 020-7937 and 020-7938.
ID: WRKGDN. Photo courtesy of David Hillas.
This exchange is scheduled to cease operation in April 2029 and close by September 2029.
Kentish Town ATE
Kentish Town Exchange is located in Kelly Street, Camden NW1 8PH.
Prior to AFN the exchange name was GULliver.
The number ranges currently used include 020-7267, 020-7284, 020-7482 and 020-7485.
ID: CLKEN. Photo courtesy of David Hillas.
Kenton Road ATE
Kenton Road Exchange is located in Kenton Park Parade, Kenton Road, Harrow HA3 8DQ.
Prior to AFN the exchange name was WORdsworth.
The number ranges currently used include 020-8907 and 020-8909.
ID: LWKROA. Photo courtesy of David Hillas.
This exchange is scheduled to cease operation in November 2025 and close by May 2026.
Kidbrooke ATE
Kidbrooke Exchange is located in Shooters Hill Road, Greenwich SE18 4LH and serves parts of Woolwich, Eltham and Greenwich.
Prior to AFN the exchange name was .
The number ranges currently used include 020-8319 and 020-8856.
ID: LSKID. Photo courtesy of Chris Whippet.
 Kings Cross ATE
King’s Cross Exchange is located on the corner of Gray’s Inn Road and Harrison Street, Camden WC1H 8JF.
Prior to AFN the exchange names were BRUnswick and TERminus.
The number ranges currently used include 020-7278, 020-7833, 020-7837 and 020-7843.
ID: CLKXX. Photo courtesy of Richard Haydon.
Kingsland Green ATE
Kingsland Green Exchange is located in Kingsland Green, Dalston, Islington E8 2LA.
Prior to AFN the exchange names were CLIssold and SPArton.
The number ranges currently used include 020-7241, 020-7249, 020-7254, 020-7275 and 020-7923.
ID: CLKLG. Photo courtesy of David Hillas.
Kingston ATE
Kingston Exchange is located in Birkenhead Avenue, Kingston-Upon-Thames.
Prior to AFN the exchange names were KINgston and EDWard.
The number ranges currently used include 020-8247, 020-8541, 020-8546, 020-8547 and 020-8549.
ID: LSKIN. Photo courtesy of David Hillas.
This exchange is scheduled to cease operation in December 2030 and close by June 2031.
Kneller Hall ATE
Kneller Hall Exchange is located in Ashdale Close, Twickenham TW2 7BE.
Prior to AFN the exchange name was TWIckenham Green.
The number ranges currently used include 020-8894 and 020-8898.
ID: LWKNE. Photo courtesy of Simon Cowper-Smith.
Lee Green ATE
Lee Green Exchange is located in Lee High Road, Lewisham SE13 5PF. This exchange building opened in 1947 and serves the Lewisham area..
Prior to AFN the exchange name was LEE Green.
The number ranges currently used include 020-8297, 020-8318, 020-8463 and 020-8852.
ID: LSLEE. Photo courtesy of Stacey Harris.
Leytonstone ATE
Leytonstone Exchange is located in Jesse Road, Waltham Forest E10 6NN.
Prior to AFN the exchange names were LEYtonstone and RAGlan.
The number ranges currently used include 020-8532, 020-8539, 020-8556, 020-8558 and 020-8988.
ID: LNLEY. Photo courtesy of David Hillas.
Lords ATE
Lords Exchange is located in Lansdowne Row, Maida Vale NW8 9RD. This exchange building opened in 1937.
Prior to AFN the exchange names were CUNingham and LORds.
The number ranges currently used include 020-7266, 020-7286 and 020-7289.
ID: WEWLOR. Photo courtesy of Martin Addison.
Loughton ATE
Loughton Exchange is located in Priory Road, Loughton IG10 1AF.
Prior to AFN the exchange name was LOUghton.
The number ranges currently used include 020-8502 and 020-8508.
ID: LNLOU. Photo courtesy of Simon Cowper-Smith.
Lower Holloway ATE
Lower Holloway Exchange is located in Faraday Close, Islington N7 8BH and serves Barnsbury and Lower Holloway.
Prior to AFN the exchange name was NORth.
The number ranges currently used include 020-7607, 020-7609, 020-7700 and 020-7704.
ID: CLLOW. Photo courtesy of David Hillas.
Maida Vale ATE
Maida Vale Exchange is located in Maida Vale, Kilburn W9 5RR.
Prior to AFN the exchange names were MAIda Vale and KILburn.
The number ranges currently used include 020-7328, 020-7372, 020-7604, 020-7624 and 020-7625.
ID: WEWMAI. Photo courtesy of David Hillas.
Malden ATE
New Malden Exchange is located in Coombe Road, Malden, Kingston-Upon-Thames KT3 4QN.
Prior to AFN the exchange names were MALden and COOmbe End.
The number ranges currently used include 020-8336, 020-8942 and 020-8949.
ID: LSMAL. Photo courtesy of Stephen Richards.
Marylebone ATE
Marylebone Exchange is located in Nottingham Place, Marylebone W1U 5LE.
Prior to AFN the exchange names were HUNter and WELbeck.
The number ranges currently used include 020-7328, 020-7372, 020-7604, 020-7624 and 020-7625.
ID: WEWMAR. Photo courtesy of David Hillas.
Mayfair ATE
Mayfair Exchange is located in Farm Street, Mayfair, Westminster W1J 5RR.
Prior to AFN the exchange names were GROsvenor, HYDe Park and MAYfair.
The number ranges currently used include 020-7290, 020-7355, 020-7408, 020-7409, 020-7491, 020-7493, 020-7495, 020-7499 and 020-7629.
ID: WEWMAY. Photo courtesy of David Hillas.
This exchange is scheduled to cease operation in April 2030 and close by September 2030.
Merton Park ATE
Merton Park Exchange is located in Kingston Road, Merton SW19 3NH and serves Merton and South Wimbledon.
Prior to AFN the exchange names were CHErrywood and LIBerty.
LIBerty (Merton Park) used to have an auto-manual board. LIBerty was so called because Liberty of London used to have a dyeworks in the area.
The number ranges currently used include 020-8540, 020-8542, 020-8543, 020-8544 and 020-8545.
ID: LSMEPK. Photo courtesy of Bill Boaden.
Mile End ATE
Mile End Exchange is located in Eric Street, Mile End, Tower Hamlets E3 4SP and serves Bow and Mile End.
Prior to AFN the exchange name was ADVance.
The number ranges currently used include 020-8980 and 020-8981.
ID: LNMED. Photo courtesy of David Hillas.
Mill Hill ATE
Mill Hill Exchange is located in The Broadway, Mill Hill, Barnet NW7 3BU.
Prior to AFN the exchange name was MILl Hill.
The number ranges currently used include 020-8201, 020-8381, 020-8906 and 020-8959.
ID: LWMIL. Photo courtesy of Simon Cowper-Smith.
Mitcham ATE
Mitcham Exchange is located in London Road, Mitcham CR4 3UA and serves Mitcham and Morden.
Prior to AFN the exchange names were MITcham and ISMay.
The number ranges currently used include 020-8640 020-8646, 020-8648, 020-8685 and 020-8687.
ID: LSMIT. Photo courtesy of Andy Hebden.
Molesey ATE
Molesey Exchange is located in High Street, Hampton, Richmond-Upon-Thames TW12 2SJ and serves East Molesey, Hampton, Hurst Park and West Molesey.
Prior to AFN the exchange name was MOLesey.
The number ranges currently used include 020-8783, 020-8941 and 020-8979.
ID: LSMOL. Photo courtesy of David Hillas.
Monument ATE
Monument Exchange is located in Great Tower Street City of London EC3R 5EA.
Prior to AFN the exchange names were AVEnue, MANsion and MINcing.
The number ranges currently used include 020-7220, 020-7283, 020-7621, 020-7623 and 020-7626.
ID: CLMON. Photo courtesy of David Hillas.
This exchange is scheduled to cease operation in April 2029 and close by September 2029.
Moorgate former ATE
Moorgate Exchange was located in Fore Street, Finsbury EC2Y 5EJ.
It closed in June 2008 and has since been demolished, BT/Openreach have collocated the Moorgate Telephone Exchange with the Faraday Exchange (CLFAR).
Prior to AFN the exchange names were MOOrgate and NATional.
The number ranges currently used include 020-7256, 020-7260, 020-7330, 020-7374, 020-7496, 020-7628, 020-7638, 020-7826, 020-7920 and 020-7929.
ID: CLMOO. Photo courtesy of David Hillas.
Mortlake ATE
Mortlake Exchange is located in Upper Richmond Road West, Mortlake, Richmond-On-Thames SW14 8AW.
Prior to AFN the exchange names were FLOral and PROspect.
The number ranges currently used include 020-8392, 020-8876 and 020-8878.
ID: LSMOR. Photo courtesy of Simon Cowper-Smith.
Museum former ATE
The former Museum Exchange is located in North Crescent, Chenies Street, Fitzrovia, London WC1 and opened on the 20 April 1914. The exchange was named after the nearby British Museum and the architect was John Rutherford. This exchange closed in 1939 when subscribers were transferred to the new exchange in Howland Street. The building then became a Trunk Control Centre on 16 October 1950, known as Trunk Control Bloomsbury.
Prior to AFN the exchange name for this exchange was MUSeum.
Photo courtesy of Fitzrovia News.
Museum former ATE
The former Museum Exchange is located in Howland Street, Fitzrovia, London W1 and opened in 1939 when the Museum exchange in North Crescent closed.
An automatic Strowger exchange was installed on 29 July 1944. Museum has since been incorporated into the Bloomsbury exchange.
Prior to AFN the exchange name for this exchange was MUSeum.
Photo courtesy of Fitzrovia News.
Muswell Hill ATE
Muswell Hill Exchange is located in Grand Avenue, Muswell Hill, Haringey N19 3AY.
This building housed the first electronic exchange in the UK.
Prior to AFN the exchange names were HIGhgate Wood and TUDor.
The number ranges currently used include 020-8444 and 020-8883.
ID: LNMUS. Photo courtesy of David Hillas.
New Cross ATE
New Cross Exchange is located in St Mary’s Road, New Cross SE15 2DP and serves Peckham and New Cross.
Prior to AFN the exchange names were NEW Cross and PECkham Rye.
The number ranges currently used include 020-7358, 020-7635, 020-7639 and 020-7732.
ID: CLNEW. Photo courtesy of Stephen Craven.
This exchange is scheduled to cease operation in April 2029 and close by September 2029.
New Southgate ATE
New Southgate Exchange is located in Marconi Place, Arnos Grove N11 1JA and serves New Southgate, Friern Barnet parts of Enfield.
Prior to AFN the exchange name was ENTerprise.
The number ranges currently used include 020-8361, 020-8362 and 020-8368.
ID: LNNWS. Photo courtesy of David Hillas.
Nine Elms ATE
Nine Elms Exchange is located in Stewarts Road, Wandsworth SW8 4UQ and serves Nine Elms and Stockwell.
Prior to AFN the exchange names were MACauley and SCOtt.
The number ranges currently used include 020-7498, 020-7501, 020-7622, 020-7627 and 020-7720.
ID: WRNELMS. Photo courtesy of David Hillas.
Norbury ATE
Norbury Exchange is located in Craignish Avenue, Norbury SW16 4RN.
Prior to AFN the exchange names were POLlards and APPlewood.
The number ranges currently used include 020-8679, 020-8764, 020-8765 and 020-8768.
ID: LSNOR. Photo courtesy of Jim Osley.
North Cheam ATE
North Cheam Exchange is located in Abbotts Road, Sutton SM3 9TB and serves Sutton and Cheam.
Prior to AFN the exchange name was FAIrlands.
The number ranges currently used include 020-8641, 020-8644, 020-8652 and 020-8722.
ID: LSNCHM. Photo courtesy of David Hillas.
This exchange is scheduled to cease operation in April 2030 and close by September 2030.
North Edgware ATE
North Edgware Exchange is located in Mowbray Road, Edgware HA8 8JJ.
Prior to AFN the exchange name was STOnegrove.
The number ranges currently used include 020-8952 and 020-8958.
ID: LWNEDG. Photo courtesy of Simon Cowper-Smith.
North Finchley ATE
North Finchley Exchange is located in High Road, North Finchley N12 8QA.
Prior to AFN the exchange names were HILlside and LOCkwood.
The number ranges currently used include 020-8369, 020-8445 and 020-8446.
ID: LNNFN. Photo courtesy of Martin Addison.
This exchange is scheduled to cease operation in April 2029 and close by September 2029.
North Paddington ATE
North Paddington Exchange is located in Burne House, Bell Street, North Paddington NW1 5BZ and was constructed between 1971-1977.
Prior to AFN the exchange name
The number ranges currently used includes 020-7725.
ID: WEWNPN. Photo courtesy of David Hillas.
North Wembley ATE
North Wembley Exchange is located in Carlton Avenue East, Wembley HA9 8LU.
Prior to AFN the exchange names were ARNold and DRUmmond.
The number ranges currently used include 020-8904 and 020-8908.
ID: LWNWEM. Photo courtesy of David Hillas.
Northolt ATE
Northolt Exchange is located in Ruislip Road, Northolt UB5 6HB and serves Northolt and Yeading.
Prior to AFN the exchange name was VIKing.
The number ranges currently used include 020-8841, 020-8842 and 020-8845.
ID: LWNOR. Photo courtesy of Andrew Hackney.
I’m very grateful to all the contributors to this page who have
so kindly provided photos and/or text informationÂ
I am particularly indebted to the following contributors:
David Hillas
Simon Cowper-Smith
Richard Haydon
Andy Hebden