| This is the dramatic story of two great buildings heroically constructed in the midst of 19th-century London and then, in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, saved and restored – to their original use - by engineering and architectural skills worthy of their Victorian predecessors. Since the 19th century, St Pancras Station and the gothic revival Midland Grand hotel have been key landmarks. However, the station (with its unique single-span roof) became underused. The Midland Grand, overtaken by new more modern hotels, closed in 1935, and was shockingly vandalised by its then owners. Its supporters fought a campaign to prevent demolition: their success marked a change in officialdom's approach to London's architectural heritage. The station, the terminus of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, HS1, and the hotel are now beautifully restored for use. The first edition of this book by Jack Simmons appeared in 1968, as part of a campaign to save the buildings. Many people, including John Betjeman, were active in that battle. The second edition of the book we published in 2003, shortly after the decision to bring the Channel Tunnel Rail Link to St Pancras, but the future of the hotel was then still unknown. This 3rd edition is the definitive account of the building of the unique station and hotel and their rescue and restoration. The late Jack Simmons was the pre-eminent transport historian of his day, and Robert Thorne, who has written two additional chapters bringing the story right up to date, is an architectural and engineering historian who has spent much professional time on the restoration project. Continent: Europe
Country: UK |
