Image credit: Mike Quinn / Geograph Britain and Ireland · CC BY-SA 2.0 · 2011-04-06 ↗
Galleon Finials at St Nicholas Flats
Somers Town · King’s Cross / St Pancras · Hidden architectural detail / social housing
Story
Nestled within Somers Town, in a social housing estate planned in 1929 as a 'miniature garden city', lies a charming and peculiar detail: decorative galleon finials. These small sailing ships adorn the posts of the former drying yard at St Nicholas Flats, part of the Sidney Estate. While the original finials disappeared over time, they have been replaced by replicas, thus preserving the creators' initial vision. This seemingly minor detail beautifully encapsulates the ambitious aim of that era's social housing: to integrate art and symbolism into the everyday lives of its residents, elevating the design of domestic spaces. As this is a residential property, these galleons can only be viewed from the adjacent public space or through the gate, always respecting residents' privacy.
What to look for
Look for a row of tall, pale posts rising in the courtyard, each topped by a small ceramic sailing ship. These are replicas of the originals, designed to add an artistic touch to the surroundings. Observe from public space.
Secret detail
Interestingly, the galleon finials you see today are not the original ones from the estate's construction. Historical accounts document that the initial decorative elements disappeared over time and were subsequently replaced by replicas.
Where exactly
The spot is at St Nicholas Flats, on Aldenham Street and Werrington Street. You can see the galleon-topped posts through the gate marked "ST NICHOLAS". View only from public space or through the gate if accessible; do not enter the residential courtyard if access is closed.
Orientation
From the south side of the courtyard, look roughly NORTH through the railings. The finials sit on the tall former drying-yard posts.
Why it matters
This detail reveals the ambition of early 20th-century social housing, which aimed to go beyond mere functionality by incorporating art and symbolism into everyday spaces to enhance residents' quality of life.
Access & opening
Residential estate; gate/access conditions can change. Not production-ready.
No fee; access may be restricted
We never show live status. Check opening hours before you go.
Accessibility
Exact viewing-point accessibility unknown.