London Kings Cross

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Kings Cross

 

Prior to becoming one of the cultural centres of London, the Kings Cross had the reputation of being a red light district and rundown. Today, the Kings Cross in London Borough of Camden is popular for its selection of hotels, restaurants, cultural venues, business activities and other residential accommodations.

Kings Cross was formerly known in the Roman times as the Battle Bridge village, an ancient crossing of the River Fleet. It was in the 1800s when its name was changed to Kings Cross and was industrialized. After the World War II, the whole area was almost abandoned and has become a sex den. It was in the 1980s when the government decided to revive the area, through the establishment of cheap rental houses, offices and hotels. The area has eventually begun to attract artists and designers.

Some of the cultural establishments in the area include the London Canal Museum, British Library, Courtyard Theater and Gagosian Gallery. It is also where the office of The Guardian and The Observer newspapers are located.

The Kings Cross has been used as setting for some films: "The Ladykillers" by Alexander Mackendrick, "High Hopes" by Mike Leigh and "Breaking and Entering" by Anthony Minghella. In music, Pet Shops Boys has an album devoted to the location, their 1987 album, "King's Cross."