Video: Secrets Of St Pancras International

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By M@ Last edited 72 months ago
Video: Secrets Of St Pancras International

Almost everyone would agree that St Pancras International is London's most impressive rail terminus. The great arched train shed, designed by William Henry Barlow, was the largest single-span structure in the world at the time of its construction in 1868. This is matched up with George Gilbert Scott's fairytale castle originally known as the Midland Grand Hotel, and now reborn as residential apartments and the five-star St Pancras Renaissance London Hotel.

We got to see the parts of the station that passengers and shoppers never get to, taking a tour of the roof, back rooms and clock tower. Along the way, we met Sam Lane, one of the few people lucky enough to live in the apartments overlooking the concourse. After watching the video, the photos below give further insights into this magnificent building.

Looking down towards King's Cross station.
Looking down towards King's Cross station.
While everyone thinks of the roof as a great glass canopy, large portions are in fact covered with slate.
While everyone thinks of the roof as a great glass canopy, large portions are in fact covered with slate.
High on the rooftops we get a glimpse of London's least-seen statue, supposedly of St Pancras.
High on the rooftops we get a glimpse of London's least-seen statue, supposedly of St Pancras.
Among the myriad chimneys, one can also gain impressive views of the Square Mile.
Among the myriad chimneys, one can also gain impressive views of the Square Mile.
If you ever catch the Javelin train from St Pancras International, look out for these benches on the concourse. They were created from sliced up Olympic rings.
If you ever catch the Javelin train from St Pancras International, look out for these benches on the concourse. They were created from sliced up Olympic rings.
Inside the adjoining St Pancras Chambers, a generously spaced stairwell serves the building's private apartments.
Inside the adjoining St Pancras Chambers, a generously spaced stairwell serves the building's private apartments.
The station building contains dozens of hidden sculptures, representing wyverns -- symbols of the Midland Railway.
The station building contains dozens of hidden sculptures, representing wyverns -- symbols of the Midland Railway.
From the residential part of St Pancras, the much-derided statue of lovers takes centre stage.
From the residential part of St Pancras, the much-derided statue of lovers takes centre stage.
Tour finished, we settle down in Europe's longest champagne bar (Searcys) and press the most important button in the station.
Tour finished, we settle down in Europe's longest champagne bar (Searcys) and press the most important button in the station.

Last Updated 14 March 2018