The King's Cross terminus of the Great Northern was opened in 1852. [i] The railways were the route into London for provincial folk in search of a better life or simply adventure.     Lewis Cubitt, King's Cross Station, 1851-52

References:
[i] http://www.networkrail.co.uk/aspx/867.aspx 
Picture: https://richardjohnbr.wordpress.com/2008/04/22/railways-operation-and-economic-impact/