Building and site description
St Pancras International is an exemplar transport environment and a unique civic space. The Grade 1 listed building was designed by William Barlow and seen as an impressive feat of Victorian engineering when it opened in 1868. It has recently undergone an £800 million architectural restoration.
Interior of the refurbished St Pancras International station © Aardvark / Alamy
The Barlow train shed arch spans 240 feet and is over 100 feet high at its apex. On its completion in 1868 it was the largest enclosed space in the world. A glass extension now houses the Eurostar trains that connect the UK to mainland Europe.
The station has a column-free flexible interior with six new platforms (from renovations completed in 2006) that extend beyond the span of the original train shed. The extension joins the old train shed by means of a cross-concourse and is entered at street level.
The red brick Victorian gothic facade was designed by Sir Gilbert Scott and was originally the Midland Grand Hotel (1868-1877). The hotel is now being restored and will continue to act as one of the two main entrances to the station.
St Pancras International is an open and inviting place. There are benches, public art and commercial facilities, so that the space is both enjoyable and functional.
Architectural style
Victorian gothic architecture with contemporary architectural restoration.
Building highlights
- From the renovations completed in 2006 – a concrete floor has been laid at the upper level of the station to secure the structure, allowing cross-girders to be cut through without destabilising the iron arches overhead.
- Escalators rise through four large slots cut into the platform deck, taking passengers to and from trains.
- St Pancras has a number of pieces of commissioned art, including a nine metre high bronze statue and the St Pancras clock, hanging high in the apex of the Barlow train shed.
Quirky Facts
- St Pancras station played an important role in both World Wars as a departure point for children being transported out of London to the safety of the countryside.
- St Pancras International and the St Pancras Chambers have been used as locations for a number of films, including Harry Potter and Batman Begins.
St Pancras International entrance © amandabhslater (flickr.com)
Using St Pancras International as a teaching resource
St Pancras International is a unique civic space and a great example of industrial heritage. The large open civic space can be used to introduce young people to the use of public spaces for transport, recreation and commerce. It can also be used as an example of the use of transport environments and support learning about 19th century heritage built environment.
Suggested teaching activities
Key stage 2 – English and history
Research and write a short speech about the history of railways in your local area or county. When were they built and what were they used for?
Key stage 3 – Geography
Working in small groups, make a list the types of transport environments in your local area. How can transport environments be developed so that they are sustainable for the future?
Key stage 3 – Art and design
You have been given a brief to design a piece of public art for a transport environment in your local community. Come up with a creative design that enhances your community and location. Think about the materials you will need to use, draw the design and then construct a model of your public art.
Region
London
Location
St Pancras International
Pancras Road
London NW1 2QP
Accessibility
St Pancras International is a public space and is open every day except Christmas Day.
Further information
If you would like more details about the station contact the St Pancras International station manager on 020 7843 7710 or Pasqualino.RSI@networkrail.co.uk.
St Pancras International timeline
St Pancras International redevelopment
St Pancras International image gallery
St Pancras International public art
Visiting St Pancras International
St Pancras Chambers website – includes a timeline of St Pancras and the surrounds (under the story of St Pancras Chambers)
