Camden in Greater London, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)

Colin Townsley

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, February 28, 2026

1. Colin Townsley Marker

Inscription.
Honouring the bravery and sacrifice of Colin Townsley of Soho Fire Station who gave his life in the line of duty at the Kings Cross underground fire

18th November 1987

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Disasters. A significant historical date for this entry is November 18, 1987.

Location. 51° 31.828′ N, 0° 7.43′ W. Marker is in Camden, England, in Greater London. It can be reached from the intersection of Euston Road and Pancras Road, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Euston Road, Camden, England N1C 4BS, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Greater South East.

Globally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean,

in the North Atlantic Region,

in Europe,

in Atlantic Europe,

on one of the British Isles,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: King’s Cross Station (within shouting distance of this marker); Channel Tunnel Anniversary (about 120 meters

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away, measured in a direct line); St Pancras Station (about 120 meters away); Lou Reed and Iggy Pop (about 210 meters away); Paul Nash (about 210 meters away); Britain’s First Caribbean Carnival (about 210 meters away); Dr Alphonse Normandy (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); History of Mabel’s Tavern (approx. 0.4 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Camden.

Also see . . .
1. Colin Townsley (Wikipedia). Overview:

Colin James Townsley, GM (22 May 1942 – 18 November 1987) was an English firefighter. In 1987 Townsley was station officer in charge of Red Watch at Soho Fire Station in central London. He was one of 31 people killed in the King's Cross fire, the only firefighter to die. Townsley died from smoke inhalation while assisting passengers to escape from the fire; he was posthumously awarded the Chief Officer's Commendation and the George Medal for his bravery.

(Submitted on March 12, 2026.)

2. King’s Cross Fire (Wikipedia). Overview:

The King's Cross fire occurred in 1987 at King's Cross St Pancras tube station in London, England, causing 31 fatalities. It began under a wooden escalator
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, February 28, 2026

2. Colin Townsley Marker - wide view
The marker is seen here on the north side of the entrance to the Kings Cross St Pancras Underground Station.
before spreading into the ticket hall in a flashover.

The fire began at approximately 19:30 on 18 November 1987, at a major interchange on the London Underground.…

(Submitted on March 12, 2026.)

Credits. This page was last revised on March 13, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 12, 2026, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 6 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 12, 2026, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.