52-55 Newington Green: London’s Oldest Surviving Terrace Houses

Constructed in 1658, the four buildings at 52-55 in Newington Green, London remarkably survived the Great Fire as well as two World Wars.

They’re the oldest terrace houses in the capital.

The elegant Georgian-style homes are made of brick, adorned with large sash windows, classical proportions, and decorative cornices.

The terraces are tightly packed, creating an intimate, community feel that harks back to a period when streets were designed to encourage interaction between neighbours.

This design promoted a strong sense of belonging and mutual support among neighbours, creating a vibrant, closely-knit atmosphere that still lingers in the architecture and spirit of Newington Green today.

Over the centuries, these houses have been meticulously preserved, with many maintaining their original features, while some have been modernised to suit contemporary living.

Inside, they often feature high ceilings, detailed mouldings, and spacious rooms that offer a sense of grandeur and history.

Famously, there is a strong connection between Newington Green and King Henry VIII, who is said to have visited the area during his reign.

Newington Green was once part of a rural landscape on the outskirts of London, and it is believed that Henry VIII would come to the surrounding fields for hunting.

The area was much more open and green during the Tudor period, providing a suitable setting for royal hunts.

Although Newington Green was not the site of any royal palace or major court activities, its location made it a quiet retreat where the king could escape the pressures of court life.

The greenery and relative seclusion would have offered an ideal place for such pursuits, linking the area to the Tudor monarch's love for sport and the countryside.

Henry VIII, King of England from 22 April 1509 until his death in 1547, is best known for his six marriages and his efforts to have his first marriage annulled.

Infamously, he sent two of his wives, Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard, to their deaths on the executioner's block at the Tower of London.

Many of Henry VIII’s actions as king continue to shape the world today. In many respects, he laid the foundation for modern Britain.

His break with Rome, the Reformation, and the Dissolution of the Monasteries all had profound and lasting impacts on the country’s religious, political, and social landscape.

Many of the terrace houses in this neighbourhood have been home to influential figures over the years, especially during the 18th century when the area became a hub for political and social reformers.

It was here that Mary Wollstonecraft, the early advocate of women’s rights, lived and taught at the school she founded for girls.

One notable figure who resided in Newington Green was Dr. Richard Price, a renowned preacher and dissident, who took up residence at No. 54 in 1758.

Dr. Price, a supporter of the American Revolution, became an influential voice in political and philosophical circles.

His home at No. 54 attracted visits from several key figures of the American Revolution, including Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams.

These founding fathers sought out Price’s wisdom, undoubtedly drawn to his progressive ideals and alignment with their cause for independence.

His presence further cemented Newington Green as a significant intellectual and political hub during this period.

Following a restoration by English Heritage in the late 1990s, all four of the terraced houses now stand much as they did over 350 years ago.

Surviving the Great Fire of London

It was remarkable that these terrace houses survived The Great Fire of London, a devastating event that swept through the city in 1666, beginning on the morning of September 2 and lasting for four days.

The fire started in a bakery on Pudding Lane and, fuelled by strong winds and the densely packed wooden houses, quickly spread across the city.

London at the time was a tinderbox, with narrow streets and timber-framed buildings, making it vulnerable to such a disaster.

The fire consumed much of the medieval city, destroying around 13,000 homes, 87 churches, and iconic landmarks like St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Despite the massive destruction, remarkably few lives were lost, with fewer than 10 deaths officially recorded.

However, tens of thousands of Londoners were left homeless, and the city's infrastructure was in ruins.

The fire prompted the city to rethink its urban planning and construction methods.

Sir Christopher Wren famously oversaw the rebuilding of St. Paul’s Cathedral and other key structures, and regulations were introduced to prevent future fires, such as the use of brick and stone instead of wood for building materials.

For those interested in visiting these terrace houses today, the nearest overground station is Canonbury, or it's just a 15-minute walk from Dalston Junction.

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