whatthetits

is an area in Northwest London, founded in 2012. Broadly defined as the space between King’s Cross Station in the south and Archway Tower in the north, it is bordered by the Junction and Caledonian Roads, encompassing the areas previously known as Pentonville, Tufnell Park, Holloway, Kentish Town and King’s Cross.

In a sea of change charecterised by a rapidly developing London, Cubittsville was recognised formally by the Greater London Authority in the spring of 2012 as a necessary point of stability and calm. The area takes its name from the architect Lewis Cubitt and the area Pentonville.

Following the dramatic transformation of the Kings Cross area, spearheaded by the £200 million transplantation of the University of The Arts, London, it was felt appropriate that this shifting area be defined clearly. Involving the area immediately to the north of Kings Cross allowed a definitive understanding of the broad variety of spaces and cultures offered by London in a way that was deemed “concise, coherent and meaningful”. The influence of the architect Cubitt was recognised in the renaming in honour of his designs for both the original King’s Cross Station and the granary that now houses the University of The Arts, both of which have become symbolic of the conluence of past, present and future in the newly designated area.

Important as a historical area and as a testament to the power and importance of change in the capital, the young area has rapidly become a hotspot for tourists foreign and local alike. Essential sightseeing spots include, but are not limited to, Regent’s Canal, the Archway Tower, Holloway Prison and the famous “Suicide Bridge”. Cubittsville boasts being the only area of London with not one, but two working prisons: Holloway and Pentonville. The prisons have housed celebrities including Oscar Wilde, Myra Hindley, Dr Cripper, Maxine Carr and Françoise Dior, although neither currently recieve positive reviews on Google Places.

In the south, Cubittsville is home to the St Pancras railway station, gateway to Europe as well as the location of several celebrated cemeteries, including The Hardy Tree. In times gone by, the area was famously seedy and unpleasant, home to a red light district. Those interested in London’s industrial history can find several disused Underground Stations in and around Cubittsville, including York Road and South Kentish Town, although they are notoriously difficult to find and it is illegal to enter them if you do. In the north, the area briefly known as Archway (1941 - 2011) has been described by residents as “the coldest, windiest place in London”. We suggest you come and see for yourself.

Cubittsville is waiting for you!

text from the wall I just posted