St Pancras Old Church, Camden, London

St Pancras Old Church is a Church of England church on Pancras Road in Somers Town, in the London Borough of Camden. It is a Grade II* listed building and one of the oldest places of worship in this part of the city. Its origins are disputed, which makes a visit all the more interesting for anyone who enjoys London history.

How old is the church?

The church says Christians have worshipped on this site since the 4th century. That is the church's own tradition rather than established fact. A local family history society believes the first church at St Pancras was founded in the early 7th century. The first clear documentary evidence comes only from the 12th century, in land deeds dated to roughly 1160–1180. According to its listing, the building has an 11th-century core with later medieval additions.

Who was Saint Pancras?

The church is dedicated to Saint Pancras, a teenage Roman martyr. By tradition he was put to death in Rome in 304, aged just 14, beheaded under the emperor Diocletian.

Why did the church stand alone?

Over time the local population moved north towards Kentish Town. The reasons may have been flooding from the River Fleet, or better wells further north. By the late 16th century the church stood isolated and was falling into disrepair. In 1822 a new parish church was completed on Euston Road, and the old one was reduced to the status of a parish chapel.

Rebuilding

The building was rebuilt and enlarged in 1847–1848 by A. D. Gough and R. L. Roumieu. In 1888 A. W. Blomfield carried out a further restoration, remodelling it in a "Norman" style. What you see today is therefore the product of several eras rather than a single build.

The churchyard

The burial ground has been used for Christian burial for over 700 years. In the early 19th century a section was set aside for parishioners of St Giles in the Fields. Walking the churchyard shows how the site changed as the city grew around it.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the church? On Pancras Road in Somers Town, in Camden, London.

Is it a listed building? Yes, it is Grade II* listed in the National Heritage List for England.

Is it a working church? It is a Church of England church, and after 1822 it served as a parish chapel.

Is the 4th-century origin confirmed? No. It is the church's own tradition; the earliest reliable documents date from the 12th century.

Who is a visit for? Lovers of history and Norman-revival architecture, and anyone who wants a quiet corner of a big city away from the crowded attractions.

Before you go, check current opening hours with the parish, as the church and churchyard may be accessible at different times.