Saint Pancras Station

Saint Pancras Station (92)

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This gigantic railway station is very popular, above all because, apart from being one of the most well-known Victorian buildings, since November 2007 it has been the international terminal of the Eurostar train which links England with the European continent through the Channel Tunnel. The station has a total of 6 Eurostar platforms.

Saint Pancras Station was designed in 1863 by the engineer William Barlow. The construction began in 1866 and, once finished in 1868, constituted, with its impressive 73-metre arch, the largest closed space in the world.

However, the most recognisable visible element of the station is not the area around the platforms, but the large neo-Gothic red brick façade. Initially, this part did not belong to the station. It was in fact the luxurious Midland Grand Hotel, designed by George Gilbert Scott after winning the public tender in 1865.

In 1935 the hotel closed and it became the station offices. They were what were called Saint Pancras Chambers.

Saint Pancras played a crucial role during the two world wars. It was a meeting place for troops and from where they set off towards the front. It was also the station from where the multitude of children were sent to the countryside to guarantee their safety from the heavy German bombing. Despite the fact that the station was hit during the Blitz, the engineers worked quickly so that the trains were running again.

It was also in danger of being demolished in 1960, but the prestigious poet John Betjeman headed a broad-based movement in its favour and it was saved. For this reason you will come across a sculpture inside of this train lover, made by Martin Jennings.

Look carefully at its famous clock which has been rebuilt by its original manufacturer, Dent, and which hangs from the Barlow arch once again. Below you will be able to see a couple in an affectionate pose, the sculpture by the artist Paul Day, which measures 9 metres in height and is made of bronze.

As a curiosity, this station was the setting for several films such as Harry Potter and Batman Begins and even a pop video by the Spice Girls.

Visit it if you get the chance. The peculiar combination of the stations Victorian appearance with the modernity and cutting-edge technology of the Eurostar trains is magnificent.

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