St Pancras Station

by Simon Bradley

St. Pancras station has long been an iconic landmark on the London landscape. The neo-Gothic spires and multi-colored brickwork of the Midland Grand hotel and the awesome span of the station's train-shed have made it one of the capital's most distinctive monuments. Simon Bradley traces the history of the station, introducing us to the men behind the architecture, and looks forward to its future as home of Eurostar services to the continent.

Genres: Architecture, History, Nonfiction

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Simon Bradley is joint editor of the Pevsner Architectural Guides.

Reviews

[dantelk]

It is good enough, a bit on the nerd side of the scale, and would have benefited from some more personal touch, such as what the author feels about the building. Mid sections were bit boring to be fair, and can be tricky to understand some architectural definitions since drawings are limited.

The impact of railways on British diet is astonishing, hard to think that the milk was supplied locally in London until 1850!

[Will · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect and fascinating introduction to the hotel and train shed. Pleasingly light of train-spotteriness.

As an indication of the quality of the author’s writing, the book even made 19th century railway financing interesting! Highly recommended for anyone interested in this building in particular, or railway terminals in general.

[Khalehla Litschel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot praise this book enough! Well researched and well written, Mr. Bradley does a masterful job of bringing to life the history of this grand station and those whose lives have intersected with it. Often cited in Architectural and Industrial Archaeological works, Mr Bradley's writings are succinct and coherent. The list of sources he utilises is proof enough of his attention to detail and historic accuracy. I would recommend this book to others, and I myself have read and re-read it numerous times.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting book. I got the 'new and revised' edition of 2011. He writes well, and intelligently. Great social history linkages. Recommended.

[Judith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have to admit to enjoying the second half more than the first.