Pakenham takes its name from Pakenham Street, which meets Cubitt Street in lower King's Cross. The land upon which the junction now sits was once home to the public resort of Bagnigge Wells spa, located along the now-lost River Fleet. During the 18th century Bagnigge Wells attracted King Charles II, drawn to the area for the 'efficacious qualities of the waters' - and possibly also his lover Nell Gwynne, who lived beside the spa.