Welcome to Somers Town – A Brief History

Discover the Hidden Heart of the City

Nestled quietly between Euston, St Pancras, and King’s Cross—three of London’s busiest railway hubs—lies Somers Town.

This vibrant neighbourhood is rich with character, history, and a unique spirit. Whether you’re visiting London for the first time or have lived here for years, Somers Town is a hidden gem that’s easy to miss and even easier to fall in love with.

The Dust Heaps of Somers Town 1836

Before the railways, Somers Town and Battle Bridge—what is now known as King’s Cross—were infamous for their filth, dominated by towering dust heaps. These massive mounds of waste included cinders and ash, barley husks from brewers, broken crockery, rags, and animal bones. The Great Dust Heap became a notable landmark, famously described by Charles Dickens, who lived in Somers Town, as a “lofty chain of dark mountains.”

During the 1700s, the area was predominantly rural, scattered with farms and occasional country estates. By the 1780s, the first phase of development emerged, featuring graceful Georgian terraces. In the early 1800s, the district gained a fresh European character as French refugees fleeing revolution and war settled here.

The illustration is Brill Place in the 1780’s which was renowned for its lively Saturday markets in the past.

Refuge and Revolution

Somers Town quickly became a haven for those seeking refuge and new beginnings. French aristocrats, Catholic priests, and struggling migrants settled into the newly built terraced houses. Their legacies linger throughout the neighbourhood, visible in a quaint French café here or a street name there.

The Railway Changes Everything

By the mid-19th century, the railway age had dawned. Stations such as Euston, St Pancras, and King’s Cross were built, ushering in trains, workers, noise, and significant transformation. Many grand homes were demolished to make way for housing for railway workers and their families.

Victorian Life & Social Change

Somers Town gained renown for its vibrant markets, bustling street vendors, and dynamic working-class community. Streets such as Chalton Street and Ossulston Street buzzed with energy and activity. Yet beneath this lively facade, overcrowding and poverty were widespread. Reformers and social advocates, including Mary Wollstonecraft, a pioneering champion of women’s rights, dedicated themselves to improving living conditions.

The Polygon was a distinctive, rounded-edge building that once stood at the centre of Somers Town, a hub for poets and reformers alike.

The Polygon was a distinctive, rounded-edge building that once stood at the centre of Somers Town, a hub for poets and reformers alike.

20th Century: War and Renewal

Somers Town has long been celebrated for its lively community spirit, where neighbours support each other—each bringing their own story and a welcoming smile.

  • Somers Town was a pioneer in social housing. The Ossulston Estate, completed in the 1930s, set a new standard for city living.
  • The area has long been celebrated for its strong sense of community—neighbours helping each other, always with a story or a smile to share.

Modern Somers Town: Hidden Gems & Local Life

Times have changed, yet the vibrant spirit of Somers Town endures, alive and thriving. Today, it is a dynamic, multicultural neighbourhood brimming with unique independent shops, inviting cafés, inspiring art projects, and charming pocket parks.

Places of interest:

  • The British Library is just a stone’s throw away, and perfect for a coffee and a wander among the many rare books.
  • The Francis Crick Institute is also nearby, where scientists are unlocking the secrets of life itself.
  • Local street art showcases the area’s rich history and diverse culture.

Somers Town Legends

Every neighbourhood needs its stories. Somers Town has plenty, and here are some of the famous people who lived and worked there.

  • Mary Wollstonecraft: Early women’s rights advocate who lived and worked here.
  • Beryl Bainbridge, the acclaimed novelist, also called this area home.

Charles Dickens found rich inspiration for his stories in the narrow alleyways and colourful characters of Somers Town.

Why Visit Somers Town?

For an authentic taste of London—warm, inviting, and unique—Somers Town is the ideal destination. Explore its streets, unwind in a cosy café, and chat with a local. In Somers Town, every corner tells a story.

  • Local Events include Street festivals, art shows, and community gatherings that occur throughout the year.
  • The People’s Museum at 128 Phoenix Street is a captivating blend of fascinating, homely, and quirky. It serves as a vibrant and welcoming hub where the local community gather for conversation and coffee. Regular events are held here and are well worth attending.
  • Click<<here>> to see my video inside the Museum
  • Easy Connections: 10 minutes from King’s Cross, St Pancras, and Euston stations.

Throughout the year, Somers Town hold vibrant street festivals, art exhibitions, and community gatherings which create a warm community party vibe.

The People’s Museum offers a unique mix of intriguing, cosy, and quirky exhibits. It stands as a warm and essential community hub where locals come together to chat over coffee. The museum hosts regular events that are definitely worth experiencing.

Only a 5-minute walk from King’s Cross, St Pancras, and Euston stations.