Kings Hiding On High Holborn
Next time you exit Holborn station, maybe as you’re waiting to cross High Holborn, look up.
You’ll spot two Kings, seated on thrones, staring down at you.
They’re pretty high up so you’ve got to really look for them…
WHY ARE THEY HERE?
This is Kingsgate House (114-115 High Holborn which is currently a Franco Manca) and was built 1903-04 and designed by Arthur Keen. It makes sense that Edward VII would be featured as he’d recently been crowned King in January 1901.
But there’s another King too; Edward I who reigned from 1272 to 1307.
Known as the ‘Hammer of the Scotts’, Edward I holds a hammer in his hand. He was admired for his courage as a warrior, crusader and the fact he helped establish parliament.
So it was a nice bit of flattery to draw a comparison between Edward I and the current King. But it doesn’t stop there, those familiar with portraits of Edward VII might also notice he’s looking rather more svelte than he’s usually shown.
From their royal vantage point they’re also looking down at Kingsway, named after King Edward VII which opened in 1905, the year after this building was completed.
More London Inspiration
Nestled behind the Bank of England you can find St Margaret Lothbury. It’s easy to miss, hemmed in by other buildings, but if open it’s well worth popping in to admire its treasures and history. (I’ve previously written about the beautiful Italianate building next door,......
Within the extensive grounds of Chatsworth House in Derbyshire you can find remnants of inspiration for one of London’s most extraordinary buildings, The Crystal Palace. It gave its name to an area of London (and a football team!) but thanks to a disastrous fire you......
Have you admired this dolls house-esque building on Tower Hill? This is Trinity House, an institution whose history stretches back to 1514, based here since 1794. What is Trinity House? Today Trinity House is a charity and its primary concern is the safety of shipping......
For the everyday passerby, there’s not much reason to venture into Strand Lane. It’s not a convenient cut through to the Strand however it has two quite amazing bits of history to discover! I’ve previously covered one of them on the blog, the history of......
As part of my new walking tour Hidden Wonders of Waterloo I’ve been researching the history of Surrey Chapel, an 18th century church that once stood by Southwark Station. Although it no longer stands today, it’s a prime example of the historic twists and turns......
Transport a 12th century monk to Aldgate today and there’s very little that they’d recognise. However inside this office block you can find a tiny part of an epic Medieval Priory where they’d feel right at home! If you’re passing 77 Leadenhall Street, peer through......
No Comments