* the amazing “Keystone Crescent” – Kings Cross-London

A short and sweet blog article this – but nevertheless, its one that I felt deserved publication – simply because the location of the subject matter in question – is in a complete world of its own, totally different to the full-on manic chaos going on around it.

Just a simple short 2min walk from the throngs of people, hustle, bustle, noise and chaos of Kings Cross/St. Pancras Station – is “Keystone Crescent”…..Europe’s smallest residential crescent.

Built around the 1840’s – Keystone Crescent is a semi-circular street with residential houses both sides.

It used to be called ‘Caledonian Crescent’ because of its close proximity to the famous ‘Caledonian Road’ – but was renamed ‘Keystone Crescent’ in 1912.

It’s 24 magnificent houses were originally occupied by London’s lower working class workers and their families – in fact a 1851 Census evidenced that, at that time, there were 75 families with 240 people, living in 22 of Keystone Crescents houses.

During the late 1800’s and early 1900’s Keystone Crescent had a reputation for being a bit of a rough-seedy street – notorious for prostitution, drunkenness and dodgy incidents.

In recent decades Keystone Crescent was under threat of being completely demolished – to accommodate the Channel Tunnel constructions at Kings Cross/St. Pancras station. Fortunately the power of protest groups and their activities, caused a re-think – as a result plans were changed – and (quite rightly) ‘Keystone Crescent’ survived – and remains in situ for today’s and future generations to appreciate and enjoy.

Today – the houses down Keystone Street go on the market for about £1.5M upwards.

Well worth a visit – simply to admire its change of  tranquility – and of course, magnificent Victorian architecture.

So – having located and enjoyed the unique delights of the amazing ‘Keystone Crescent’ – I wandered back to the full-on urban kerfuffle that is Kings Cross – crossed the always chocca Euston Road – and headed off in search of a pub called ‘The Skinners Arms’ located in Judd Street – no more than a couple of minutes walk south from Kings Cross station.

For a pub in such close proximity to the manic Kings Cross area – the streets around Skinners Arms were surprisingly peaceful and quiet – mind you, it was early-afternoon, its probably a completely different world later in the day.

Anyway – the Skinners Arms pub started its life in 1825 when George IV was on the throne. It acquired its name from the cattle markets and tanneries that used to operate from the Kings Cross area back in the day.

A pleasant comfortable pub with a friendly vibe – with plenty of old skool fixtures and fittings still in situ.

Me and my mate Pete enjoyed a couple of ‘cheeky’ beers in the ‘Skinners’ before heading back home – the pub is well worth popping into for a beer if you’re ever in the Kings Cross/St.Pancras area.

Hope you enjoyed finding out all about ‘Keystone Crescent’ – and that my photos brought it to life a bit for you.

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See below the full gallery of photos taken to support this blog article

Just a simple short 2min walk from the throngs of people, hustle, bustle, noise and chaos of Kings Cross/St. Pancras Station – is “Keystone Crescent”…..Europe’s smallest residential crescent.

Built around the 1840’s – Keystone Crescent is a semi-circular street with residential houses both sides.

Keystone Crescent’s 24 magnificent Victorian era built houses were originally occupied by London’s lower working class workers and their families

A 1851 Census evidenced that, at that time, there were 75 families with 240 people, living in 22 of Keystone Crescents houses.

Me down Keystone Crescent

During the late 1800’s and early 1900’s Keystone Crescent had a reputation for being a bit of a rough-seedy street – notorious for prostitution, drunkenness and dodgy incidents

A public notice on display in Keystone Crescent

Me down Keystone Crescent

A commemorative blue plaque on display in Keystone Crescent

Views from the amazing Keystone Crescent

Most of the Keystone Crescent houses are now (quite rightly) Grade II Listed protected

Views of the amazing Keystone Crescent

Views of the amazing Keystone Crescent

Me – and my mate Pete – my accomplice for the day – posing down Keystone Crescent

‘The Skinners Arms’ located in Judd Street – no more than a couple of minutes walk south from Kings Cross station.

the Skinners Arms pub started its life in 1825 when George IV was on the throne. It acquired its name from the cattle markets and tanneries that used to operate from the Kings Cross area back in the day.

The Skinners Arms is a pleasant comfortable pub with a friendly vibe – with plenty of old skool fixtures and fit-tings still in situ

Inside the Skinners Arms pub – near Kings Cross station

Inside the Skinners Arms pub – near Kings Cross station

Inside the Skinners Arms pub – near Kings Cross station

Inside the Skinners Arms pub – near Kings Cross station

A refreshing Camden Town Brewery-Hells Lager – just asking to be necked down

Me – enjoying a ‘cheeky’ one in the Skinners Arms – nr Kings Cross station