Hidden beneath London’s streets, a 100-metre mural tells a timeless tale of love, legacy, and craftsmanship in the heart of the Underground
By Hasil Odungat
Among the hidden gems of the London Underground, the Northern line platforms at Charing Cross station hold a remarkable story. Stretching across 100 meters, a striking monochrome mural by artist David Gentleman brings history to life. Commissioned in 1978, the artwork depicts the creation of the original Charing Cross, a 13th-century monument built by King Edward I in memory of his beloved wife, Queen Eleanor of Castile.
Twelve resting places were part of Queen Eleanor’s funeral procession from Lincoln to Westminster Abbey after she died in 1290. At each, Edward I commissioned the building of an elaborate stone cross, the final and the most intricate of which is located at Charing, close to what is now Trafalgar Square. In addition to giving the region its name, this cross came to represent unwavering love and devotion. This construction of the original crucifix is depicted in the Gentleman’s mural. The panels, which are rendered in the style of wood engravings, show mediaeval artisans working in their occupations, including laborers, masons, carpenters, and quarrymen. From stone quarrying until the ultimate positioning of the cross’s summit, the story progresses step-by-step along the platform.
The architectural features of the station are carefully incorporated into the mural’s design. Gentleman modified his artwork to fit functional elements like staff letterboxes and litter bins, as well as characteristics like entrances and exits. These useful elements were expertly incorporated into the visual story, exhibiting a tasteful fusion of form and function. However, due to security concerns during the IRA bombing campaigns in the 1980s, these openings were boarded over. The litter bins were sealed to mitigate the risk of concealed explosives, and the staff letterboxes became obsolete with the advent of electronic communication.
The Charing Cross mural is more than just decoration; it is a visual record that links commuters to a significant period in London’s history. The timeless sight of Queen Eleanor’s memorial and the craftspeople who created it inspire visitors to reflect on the city’s rich history as they walk by.
