Thomas Hardy's Tree

St Pancras Gardens and the incredible tree cuddling tombstones.

Location: Pancras Road, Kings Cross, NW1 1UH

Description: This delightful little public garden behind busy Kings Cross station was once part of the burial ground of St Pancras Old Church, which remains adjacent to the public garden.

They were opened in 1877 when Baroness Burdett-Coutts laid the foundation stone of her memorial fountain and sundial. They were redesigned to their present form in 1890-91, and include a geometric layout with paths, mature trees, grass and rose garden, with some important monuments remaining.

The main site to see is Thomas Hardy's Tree, an ash tree surrounded and embedded with tombstones moved in the 19th century when the rail station demanded part of the old churchyard. It's a remarkable sight.

Numerous important people were buried here, including Sir John Soane's family in their mausoleum, and the composer Johann Christian Bach buried in a pauper's grave in 1782. It also includes the tombs of Mary Basnett, Thomas Flaxman, William Godwin and wives, the tomb of Sir Thomas Webb and the tomb of Abraham Woodhead.

Tours: Curios

Tours: London

Themes: Church Church Theme