King's College London
Maughan Library (Strand Campus), as we learned on Wednesday's visit to King's College London, was originally built as public record storage. There is one large archway on the side of the building that serves as the only remaining part of the Medieval building; everything else is Victorian (19th century). The Victorian Gotchic building still relied on gas lighting at the time, so they needed as much natural light as possible when it was being built.
King's College London officially took over the lease of the building now know as the Maughan Library in 1998, and it opened to what we know today in 2002. It maintained many original features, including the structure, doors, and iron gates, but the main areas and central corridor were opened up significantly. The Round Reading Room was modeled after the British Museum Round Reading Room.
The Weston Room used to be the chapel but was rebuilt, and is now used as their exhibit space.
After our visit we found a yummy lunch at the nearby Sherlock Holmes Pub, which includes a hidden gem.
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