The Ancient House: The Oldest House In London

The Grade II listed Ancient House in Walthamstow is said to be the oldest house in London.

The timber-framed hall house dates from the 15th century.

It’s estimated to have been first constructed in 1435, during the reign of Henry VI, while England was embroiled in the Hundred Years’ War.

At the time, Walthamstow was a small village outside London in what was then the Essex countryside and it only became part of the capital several centuries later.

With an appearance similar to the iconic architecture of the Tudor period, which came just a few years later, the property is situated in the heart of Walthamstow Village.

The building has a vast history, having been used as a Walthamstow police station, armoury, builders yard, private house and a local museum.

With a view of St Mary’s church, also erected around a similar time and the cobbled streets of Walthamstow Village, living in The Ancient House may have you feeling like you’ve stepped into a time machine.

The structure is older than William Shakespeare.

In fact, it was originally built when the entire population of the City of London would have fitted into present day Walthamstow with room to spare.

The house occupies a truly village location, looking out across York stone flags, through a rose bed to the 11th century church of St Mary’s.’

Last year, the grade II building was put on the market by award-winning estate agents, Estate East.

“Unique property” and “village location” are phrases too often used by estate agents, but if ever there was a home deserving of such a description then this is it.

The property was on the market to rent for £2,200 per month.

On the ground floor there is a reception room, kitchen and bathroom all with exposed timber joints that add to its period charm.

The spacious kitchen comes with modern equipment without losing the rustic feel of the house.

Another Tudor property which purports to be the one of the oldest home’s in London is 41-42 Cloth Fair in Farringdon.

It was built much later than Ancient House, between 1597 and 1614, and was the only house in the City of London that survived the Great Fire of London in 1666.

Check out more photos of the property below:

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