Stanley Buildings, Flats Numbers 21-30

Stanley Buildings, Flats Numbers 21-30, are philanthropic flats built in 1865 by Matthew Allen for the Improved Industrial Dwellings Company, guided by Sydney Waterlow. The architectural style and materials are identical to those of the now-demolished flats 1-20 in Stanley Passage, with which this block formed a group. The building has five storeys and features one window at the end ranges flanking a two-bay balcony-stair recess. The balconies are enclosed by cast-iron lattice railings and supported by cast-iron columns and lintels. The right return has a two-window range with segmental-arched windows, and the lintels are made from cast concrete and panelled. The left return is rendered except for the top storey. There are ablution and scullery towers at the rear. The interiors have not been inspected. Stanley Buildings are part of a group that includes the King's Cross Gasholders and Barlow's great shed at St Pancras Station, making them an important element of a significant Victorian industrial landscape.