Discovering the cemeteries, churches, and long-lost landmarks that once defined the area
King’s Cross is best known today as a bustling transport hub, but beneath its streets lie remnants of a very different past. Before the arrival of King’s Cross Station and St Pancras Station, the area was home to ancient burial grounds, churches, and landmarks that have since vanished due to urban development.
From forgotten graves to lost buildings, this part of London has undergone dramatic transformations over the centuries. Industrialisation, railway expansion, and city planning reshaped the landscape, erasing many of the places that once defined it. Yet, if you look closely, traces of these lost sites still linger in the area’s streets, parks, and architecture.
The Changing Landscape of King’s Cross
Before the railways arrived, King’s Cross was a very different place. In the early 19th century, the area was a mix of farmland, small settlements, and industrial yards. One of its most notable features was the River Fleet, a once-significant waterway that has long since been covered over and incorporated into London’s underground drainage system.
The arrival of the Great Northern Railway in the mid-19th century led to sweeping changes. King’s Cross Station (opened in 1852) and St Pancras Station (opened in 1868) required the demolition of homes, businesses, and even burial grounds. Some graves were relocated, while others were simply built over. The construction of the Regent’s Canal also contributed to the area’s transformation, replacing earlier sites of historical interest.
As a result, much of King’s Cross’s pre-Victorian history disappeared beneath rail tracks and warehouses, but echoes of the past can still be found.
Lost Cemeteries and Burial Grounds
St Pancras Old Churchyard: A Disrupted Resting Place
One of the most significant burial grounds in the area is St Pancras Old Churchyard, which predates the Norman Conquest. Over the centuries, it became the final resting place for thousands of Londoners, including notable figures such as Mary Wollstonecraft and John Polidori. Read about the royal wedding, of sorts.
However, the arrival of the railways in the 19th century led to large sections of the churchyard being disturbed. Many graves were exhumed to make way for the Midland Railway. The task of overseeing this grim relocation fell to a young Thomas Hardy, who later became a famous novelist. Today, the Hardy Tree, encircled by displaced gravestones, remains a haunting reminder of this disruption.
Vanished Churches and Religious Sites
The religious landscape of King’s Cross has changed dramatically over time. Some historic churches have been preserved, but others have disappeared.
St Pancras Old Church: One of London’s Oldest Christian Sites
Although it still stands today, St Pancras Old Church has seen dramatic changes over the years. Its surroundings have altered significantly, and much of its churchyard was cleared for railway developments.
Lost and Repurposed Churches
- St Luke’s Church, King’s Cross – Originally located on Euston Road, St Luke’s Church was dismantled in the 1860s to make way for the construction of St Pancras Station and the Midland Grand Hotel. Rather than being completely lost, the church was reassembled in Wanstead, where it remains today as Wanstead United Reformed Church.
- St George’s German Lutheran Church – One of the oldest surviving German Lutheran churches in London, St George’s German Lutheran Church was founded in 1762 on Alie Street, Whitechapel, rather than in King’s Cross. It ceased functioning as a church in 1995 and is now managed by the Historic Chapels Trust, serving as a venue for secular events rather than being converted into residential use.
- Mission Halls and Chapels – Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, numerous mission halls and chapels provided places of worship and social support for the working-class communities of King’s Cross. Many of these buildings were either demolished or repurposed as the area underwent significant redevelopment, particularly during the expansion of railways and urban renewal projects. Some have been converted into community spaces, offices, or private residences, reflecting the evolving nature of King’s Cross.
Forgotten Landmarks and Lost Buildings
As King’s Cross evolved, many once-prominent buildings disappeared. Some were victims of railway construction, while others fell into disrepair and were demolished.
The King’s Cross Monument: The Lost Origin of the Name
Few people today realise that King’s Cross was named after a monument to King George IV. The structure, erected in the early 19th century, was widely considered ugly and was removed in the 1840s. However, the name King’s Cross remained.
Euston Arch: A Grand Entrance, Now Lost
Although technically outside King’s Cross, the Euston Arch (built in 1837) was one of London’s most significant lost landmarks. It served as the grand entrance to Euston Station before being controversially demolished in the 1960s.
Other Lost Buildings
- Old Workhouses – In the 19th century, workhouses were established to provide shelter and employment for the impoverished. The St Pancras Workhouse, located on King’s Road (now St Pancras Way), is a notable example. Built in 1809, it initially accommodated 500 inmates. Over time, as social reforms improved housing conditions and the Poor Laws were abolished, many workhouses, including the St Pancras Workhouse, were repurposed or demolished. Some structures were integrated into the National Health Service in 1948, while others were converted into residential accommodations or left to fall into disuse.
- Victorian Hotels and Theatres – The expansion of the railway network in the 19th century led to the development of numerous hotels catering to travellers. For instance, the Great Northern Hotel, opened in 1854, is one of London’s oldest purpose-built hotels, serving King’s Cross Station. While some Victorian-era hotels have been preserved and continue to operate, others have been lost to redevelopment projects. Theatres in the area also faced similar fates; some were demolished due to declining attendance or urban renewal initiatives, while others found new life as cinemas or music halls.
- Industrial Warehouses – King’s Cross was historically an industrial hub, with numerous warehouses supporting goods transportation via rail and canal networks. A notable example is the Coal Drops Yard, constructed in the 1850s to handle coal deliveries arriving from northern England. Over time, as coal usage declined, these warehouses became redundant. Some were demolished, while others, like the Coal Drops Yard, have been preserved and repurposed. Today, Coal Drops Yard has been transformed into a vibrant retail and dining destination, blending historical architecture with modern design. Read more about its regeneration here.
The Hidden Traces Today
Despite these losses, some hidden remnants of the past can still be found around King’s Cross:
- St Pancras Churchyard: Located adjacent to St Pancras Old Church, this churchyard is one of London’s oldest burial sites. In the 1860s, the expansion of the Midland Railway necessitated the exhumation of numerous graves. The young Thomas Hardy, then an apprentice architect, was tasked with overseeing the relocation of these remains. If you look closely, King’s Cross still holds whispers of its lost history, hidden in unexpected places.
- Historical Plaques: Throughout King’s Cross, numerous blue or green plaques commemorate significant sites and figures from the past. These markers offer insights into the area’s rich history and guide visitors to locations of historical interest.
- The Hardy Tree: This iconic ash tree, encircled by gravestones repositioned during the 1860s railway expansion, became a symbol of the intertwining of nature and history. Unfortunately, the tree collapsed in December 2022 due to fungal infection and structural instability.
King’s Cross is a place of constant change, but its forgotten graves, churches, and landmarks offer a glimpse into a past that refuses to be completely erased. Beneath the modern buildings and busy railway stations lie centuries of history, waiting to be discovered.
Would you like to uncover the hidden past of King’s Cross? Join our All Change at King’s Cross walking tour, where we explore the area’s forgotten burial grounds, lost landmarks, and the fascinating history behind its transformation.
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