June Roof: “All Aboard!”

The roof of the “train shed’, St Pancras International Train Station, London

This single-span iron and glass roof encloses the “train shed” of London’s St Pancras International Train Station, home to high-speed Eurostar trains to Europe. (And also slower trains for domestic services.) “The arched, cast iron station canopy spans 240 feet (73 m) across the platforms without intermediate support – then [1860s] the widest of its kind in the world. It was designed as a cost effective and efficient means of avoiding the need for additional solid structure in the lower level [where beer from breweries was stored].” source

Not in this photo, sadly, is the Champagne Bar at platform level — the longest champagne bar in Europe, and a marvellous spot from which to admire this stunning roof. Certain suites at the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel also overlook the train shed. I’ll be staying at the hotel in August on the night before a friend and I head off to Paris on Eurostar, and I’ve requested “a room with a view”. Photos to follow!

June Squares: Roof If you have a photo (or two!) of a roof, join in!