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Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!

Kings Cross Station early 20th century


Not local I know, but I couldn't resist posting this. Looks like it's been a mess out front of KX for many a year. Looking forward to the sleek new look coming soon.
Thanks to Will Perrin for unearthing this pic.

Views: 617

Albums: Historical Images of Nearby London

Comment by StephenBln on July 19, 2011 at 7:40

It remained like this until the 1970s  when the current 'Pavilion' was built. The new building was controversial  because it meant the end of the King's Cross Taxi Road.. The taxis seen lined up on the left would drive through under the canopy to pick up and set down. The brick building on the front was the C.S.L.R (Northern Line) & Piccadilly station of 1907. At this time, the Metropolitan Railway station was still located at it's original 1863 site on King's Cross Road. Today's Met platforms were opened in 1940.

Strange how things change. The current building on the front was considered to be an enormous improvement on the previous situation, as it provided the station with a concourse which it had never had. The problem is that over the years everything gets so cluttered..

Comment by StephenBln on July 19, 2011 at 10:36
That should be of course ---!original 'Met' station on Pentonville Road'..  I tried to amend my comment /delete it and re-write, but ended up with two comments ..!ö!   Hugh has now deleted one of those - but that was the one with Pentonville Road instead of King's Cross Road in it.   :ö:
Comment by Hugh on July 19, 2011 at 11:06
Sorry Stephen. I read through them and thought they were duplicates.
Comment by Clive Carter on July 19, 2011 at 11:54
Those streets look clean. And like many old photos, it looks crisp. Blurring of moving cars suggests longish shutter speed ... and great depth of field.
Comment by Hugo Read on July 19, 2011 at 11:57
Great photo Hugh!  I can't wait until the current 'temporary' clutter that went up in the 70s comes down, which will reveal the glory of the original facade of the building.  When that happens I think more people will realise how wonderful the building is.  For my money its simplicity and elegance is superior to the Gothic madness of St. Pancras next door, which most people swoon about, ignoring Kings Cross.  However, I don't believe the Plaza in front of the station is being done until 2013, waiting for the Olympics to finish first.
Comment by Hugh on July 19, 2011 at 12:03
More about the KX revamp here.
Comment by Hugh on July 19, 2011 at 12:14
And here's some pics on the new hotel at St Pancras

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