Sometimes, whilst researching a topic, unexpected opportunities arise. This proved to be the case recently at Kings Cross where, during a site visit related to a future piece on the station’s sub-surface logistics, it became clear that our Network Rail guide might just be amenable to a slightly loftier piece of photography as well.
And so, with thanks to Network Rail, and without further comment, we present a brief look at the state of affairs within the Clock Tower at Kings Cross and some views from the top of the station.
Update: We’ve now added some pictures taken during the restoration of the clock in November 2011. These pictures are all courtesy of Simon Hickman / English Heritage, to whom we give thanks for letting us reproduce them here. – JB
The Clock at Kings Cross
The clock access, looking suitably non-descript
The stairs to the tower
Behind the clock face
A look at the mechanism
Another view of the mechanism
The pendulum chamber
Looking out over the temporary frontage, due to be demolished next year
Looking across to St Pancras
Looking down the shed roof
Construction is still underway on the wider Kings Cross site
Looking out over the canal
Restoring the Tower
The wooden frame of the tower roof, exposed during restoration
The weathervane, dismantled and awaiting regilding
The surround, from the scaffolding
A close up showing the state of the surround to the clock face prior to restoration
The new circular concourse at King’s X is quite lovely but, to me, is missing its own large analogue station clock. Any chance of a campaign to bring one about?