A local’s guide to visiting St Pancras New Church on Euston Road near King’s Cross with its caryatids, sculptures, secret garden and Greek Revival architecture!
St Pancras New Church stands on Euston Road near King’s Cross. It was built over 200 years ago and is one of London’s best examples of Greek Revival style.
The architects, William and Henry Inwood, got their ideas from ancient temples in Athens, which is why on the outside, you can see rare statues called caryatids that aren’t easy to find anywhere else; feminine statues I love to see when I’m in the area.
It feels like a little calm place right in busy London. Whether you’re just passing through or want to pause for a moment, St Pancras invites you to enjoy history, art, and nature all in one spot.
London’s Secret Gardens: St Pancras New Church and Caryatids
A little bit of history: St Pancras New Church, Euston Road
St Pancras New Church was built between 1819 and 1822 because the local parish was growing fast and needed a bigger space.
This was all thanks to a law called the Church Building Act of 1818 that helped fund new churches in busy areas.
The architects were William Inwood and his son Henry William Inwood and in 1819, Henry actually took a trip to Greece to check out some famous ancient buildings for design ideas.
Pretty cool, right?
They laid the first stone on July 1, 1819, and just a few years later, on May 7, 1822, the Bishop of London officially opened the church.
It ended up costing almost £77,000 — making it the priciest new church in London since the rebuilding of St Paul’s Cathedral.
Architecture of St Pancras New Church, Euston Road
St Pancras New Church is a stunning example of Greek Revival architecture. London has plenty of neoclassical buildings, but this one really stands out — it’s honestly pretty mind blowing.
What Is Greek Revival?
Greek Revival brought back the simple, balanced designs of ancient Greece.
This style became popular in the late 1700s and early 1800s. William and Henry William Inwood designed the church, drawing lots of inspiration from famous Greek buildings.
Why This Style?
This style was a response to the overly fancy and busy styles that came before it. Instead, it focused on clean lines, symmetry, and classic shapes.
The Inwoods loved it because it connected to ideas of democracy and community that mattered in Britain at the time.
The Caryatids
One of the coolest features is the caryatids — sculpted women acting like columns holding up parts of the building.
The Inwoods borrowed this idea from the Erechtheion temple in Athens, which Henry William Inwood visited in 1819; I’ll tell you more about this further down.
The Tower of the Winds
The church’s tower is another Greek-inspired touch. It’s modeled after the Tower of the Winds, an eight-sided tower in Athens with a domed roof and classical details.
This shows how much the Inwoods wanted to bring a real taste of Greece into their design.
Materials and Craftsmanship
Built between 1819 and 1822, the church uses brick covered with Portland stone.
The portico and tower are all stone, while details like the tops of the columns are made of terracotta. These choices highlight the classical look and the care the Inwoods put into every detail.
The St Pancras New Church Caryatids: London’s Unique Architectural Guardians
One of the most striking things about St Pancras New Church is the pair of huge caryatids on its west side.
These life-size stone women act like columns, inspired by the ancient Erechtheion temple in Athens. This was a bold and rare choice for London architecture back then.
The statues were carved from Portland stone and rest on tall bases. Francis Leggatt Chantrey, a well-known sculptor of the time, brought them to life with detailed drapery and calm, strong expressions.
They perfectly match the church’s steady presence in a changing city.
Henry William Inwood spotted these caryatids during his trip to Athens in 1819. He and his father William wanted to create a truly Greek Revival church that stood apart from London’s usual Gothic and classical styles.
This use of caryatids makes St Pancras New Church unique and a real treat for anyone interested in classical design or Greek influence on British architecture.
David Breuer-Weil’s Flight: A Modern Symbol of Aspiration
Right outside St Pancras New Church on Euston Road, you’ll find Flight—a big, bold bronze sculpture by David Breuer-Weil.
It’s a giant figure with arms wide open, frozen in a moment that feels like flying or breaking free.
Installed in 2015, Flight stands out in bright red against the church’s old-school classical style. It’s hard to miss and instantly makes you stop and think about freedom, hope, and pushing through tough times.
The sculpture also tells the story of King’s Cross itself—a place that went from industrial grit to a buzzing creative hub. Flight perfectly captures that spirit of resilience and fresh beginnings.
When you pass by, it’s a little moment of inspiration tucked into the busy city—reminding us all to keep reaching higher no matter what.
A Quiet Garden Behind the Church and Emily Young’s Archangel Michael Sculpture
Just behind St Pancras New Church, there’s a tucked-away green space that feels like a little oasis in busy London.
It’s a peaceful, secret garden where you can step away from the noise and take a moment to breathe.
Archangel Michael Sculpture, Emily Young
In this calm garden stands a striking sculpture called Archangel Michael, The Protector, by British artist Emily Young.
Unveiled in 2004, it’s a carved stone head with one eye closed, symbolizing protection and remembrance.
This piece honors victims of violence, including those affected by the 2005 London bombings.
In this work, Emily Young combines strength and spirituality, inviting visitors to pause and reflect.
This turns this garden into more than just a green space — it carries deep emotional meaning for those who visit.
The Fountain in the St Pancras New Church Garden
There’s a beautiful old fountain at St Pancras New Church that wasn’t always there.
It used to stand in St James’s Gardens, near Euston Station, and was built sometime between 1896 and 1914 by the Saracen Foundry in Glasgow.
It’s a protected historic piece, officially Grade II listed for its special design and history.
Sadly, it was badly damaged in an arson attack in 2012, but it was carefully restored to keep as much of the original as possible.
Then, in 2021, the fountain was moved to the churchyard of St Pancras New Church, where it now adds a charming slice of London’s past for visitors to enjoy.
How to Get to St Pancras New Church
St Pancras New Church is easy to get to, just about an 8 to 10 minute walk from King’s Cross St Pancras and Euston stations.
Do not mistake St Pancras New Church with other places in London carrying the St Pancras name:
St Pancras New Church is sometimes just called St Pancras Church or St Pancras Parish Church, but the official name is St Pancras New Church.
There’s also an older St Pancras Old Church a bit further away, on Pancras Road, located inside the St Pancras Gardens, where there used to be the Hardy Tree before it fell a few years ago.
Also, St Pancras Church Gardens is a totally different place located in the City of London, so it’s not connected to St Pancras New Church.
Find here my guide to St Pancras Church Gardens in the City; an unexpected garden filled with carved benches and medieval sculptures.
What to Visit After Seeing St Pancras New Church and its Caryatids
If you’re looking for things to do in King’s Cross nearby, the British Library is a must-see for history and book lovers.
Granary Square offers lovely waterside spots to relax, and Regent’s Canal is perfect for a peaceful stroll away from the busy city.
If you’re into beautiful bookshops, Word on the Water on Regent’s Canal is a must-visit; it’s indeed dubbed London’s bookbarge.
Coal Drops Yard is also a great shopping area for anything indie, like Roseur and their unique floral workshops, alongside jewelry and clothing shops.
This makes the church a great stop when exploring King’s Cross and Camden — mixing culture, calm, and convenience in one spot.
London’s Secret Gardens: St Pancras New Church and Caryatids
St Pancras New Church feels like a little calm spot right in the middle of busy London. Its stunning Greek Revival design and rare caryatid statues make it stand out.
Whether you want to admire architecture, enjoy some art, or just find a quiet place to breathe, this church is a great stop.
And it’s easy to reach from King’s Cross.
A hidden gem where history, art, and calm come together, like in the following places I love so much, which you may enjoy as well:
- St Dunstan in the East Church Ruins, City of London
- What Are the Secret Female Busts on Milford Lane, London?
- London’s Secret Gardens: Mark Street Gardens, Shoreditch
- Aberfeldy Street, London’s Colorful Gem in Poplar
For more secret spots, read my guides to the best hidden gems in London, East London, West London, North London and South London.
And if you’d like to rest for a bit and grab a bite, these are places I love in London: