London's iconic St Pancras railway station, a Victorian Gothic wonder built literally over beer vaults and which was saved from demolition by a spirited campaign from a noted poet, turned 150 on Monday amid big celebrations.
It was on this day in 1868 at 4:20 am, the first train from Leeds had arrived at St Pancras, according to information shared by station authorities.
HS1 Ltd, owner of the St Pancras International is marking the landmark day with a five-foot bespoke cake created by prestigious Parisian cookery school 'Le Cordon Bleu', showcased on the station's Grand Terrace.
The showstopper depicts the station's architecture and 150-year history in edible detail - from the Pullman steam trains, which first embarked from the station, to the original vaults, previously used to store beer barrels along with other goods transported to the capital, which can still be seen at the station today, along with its famous Barlow Shed roof.
A Grade I listed building, and terminal station for Eurostar continental services, it offers a wealth of stylish and premium shops, boutiques, bars and restaurants all under one iconic roof, but its history is quite a brew, literally, with a slant 'India' connect.
In celebration of the 150th anniversary, a beer festival is being organised in October, where visitors can taste a whole range of beers and real ales, including the specially brewed St. Pancras IPA (India Pale Ale), authorities said.
The festival marks a tribute to the station's brewing heritage. The Midland Railway Company played a crucial role in changing Londoners' drinking habits through access to the brewers and beer of Burton-upon-Trent and "literally built the station on beer barrels".
David Turner, Associate Lecturer in railway studies with the University of York in the UK, said the station is a world-class icon, and its journey of 150 years is as fascinating as its history.
"The vaults under the station were used as stores for numerous Burton Brewers, and they did indeed sell what was called India Pale Ale (IPA)," Turner told PTI.
The term 'pale ale' originally denoted an ale brewed from pale malt. Many brewers exported
this beer to India, which became popular among East India Company traders in the late 18th century.
Visitors would be literally treated to a slice of history on Monday, but they would do well to know that the grand building that stands tall proudly today, actually faced the wrecking ball.
In 1966 proposals to demolish both Kings Cross and St Pancras stations were put forward by British Rail given falling traffic.
However, following the public response from figures such as architectural historian Niklaus Pevsner and poet John Betjeman, demolition was spared and it became a listed structure.
"John Betjeman the poet, author and broadcaster was instrumental in a successful campaign to save and preserve it, and this meant it could be used for the high-speed railway to the Channel Tunnel," Turner said.
A larger-than-lifesize bronze statue of Betjeman, who was Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom from 1972 until his death, by Martin Jennings greets passengers at the station as he looks up towards the famous shed roof designed by William Henry Barlow.
A famous song from 2012 Shah Rakh Khan-starrer 'Jab Tak Hai Jaan' had also featured the station and the statue that celebrates Betjeman's life and poetry.
Wendy Spinks, Commercial Director at HS1 Ltd said, "St Pancras International has always been more than just a train station. It's a destination. We want people to discover the stunning architecture, shops and restaurants, to art and cultural events, and today, the exquisite six-foot cake, steeped in history".
The station, which also has a heritage hotel attached to it, was built by the Midland Railway Company (MRC) to connect London with some of England's major cities. It was intended to make a grand statement about the company with a display of physical magnificence.
Betjeman had poetically described this Gothic treasure "too beautiful and too romantic to survive" in a world of tower blocks and concrete. But, like a poet's dream, it has indeed survived for good 150 years.
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