The London terminal for trains from Kent and Sussex.
The original station was opened by South Eastern Railway on 11 January 1864 and designed by Sir John Hawkshaw. A year later the Charing Cross Hotel, designed by Edward Middleton Barry, opened on 15 May 1865.
In December 1905 part of the roof collapsed and had to be entirely replaced, the station reopened in March 1906.
In 1990 most of the area over the platforms was covered by Embankment Place, a post-modern office and shopping complex designed by Terry Farrell and Partners. This development led to the replacement of the 1906 roof.
1888 puts it in the William Ewart Gladstone era; but is it he? If not, who then? There are apocryphal stories of notable Conservatives confusing the NLC for a public convenience when on their way to the House. Perhaps this is one of 'them' leaving.