Town & Country Planning Act 1990 Planning (Listed Building and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 Planning Policy Statement 5: 2010

149-157 Whitecross Street, Islington, London, EC1Y 8JL

HISTORICAL REPORT

December 2011

By Stacey Sykes, BA Hons Arch Cons, for and on behalf of Norton Mayfield Architects LLP 149-157 Whitecross Street, Islington, London HISTORICAL REPORT December 2011

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 Introduction ...... 4 1.1 Purpose ...... 4 1.2 Methodology Statement ...... 4 1.2.1 Literature and Documentary Research Review ...... 4 1.2.2 Building Survey ...... 5 1.2.3 Conservation Area Field Review ...... 5 1.2.4 Previous Experience ...... 5 1.3 Dissemination and Publication ...... 6 1.4 Planning Policy Guidance and Legislation...... 6 2 The Site ...... 7 2.1 Location and Urban Context ...... 7 3 Historical Development ...... 9 3.1 Brief History of the Conservation Area ...... 9 3.2 The Origins and Historic Development of the Site ...... 11 4 Appraisal of Significance of 149-157 Whitecross Street ...... 16 4.1 Introduction ...... 16 4.2 The Grading System ...... 16 4.3 Building Description ...... 17 4.3.1 Exterior ...... 17 4.3.2 Interior ...... 23 4.4 Conclusion ...... 27

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4.5 Artefacts and/or Samples or Environmental Evidence Found During Assessment and Future Demolition ...... 28 5 References ...... 30 6 Bibliography ...... 31 7 Appendix A ...... 33 7.1 Plans, Elevations and Sections ...... 33 8 Appendix B ...... 39 8.1 Photographic Record ...... 39 8.1.1 149 Whitecross Street ...... 39 8.1.2 151 Whitecross Street ...... 41 8.1.3 153 Whitecross Street ...... 42 8.1.4 155 Whitecross Street ...... 44 8.1.5 157 Whitecross Street ...... 45 9 APPENDIX C ...... 47 9.1 Painted Stucco Window Moulding Record ...... 47 9.1.1 153 Whitecross Street ...... 47 9.1.2 155 Whitecross Street ...... 48 9.2 Shop Front Surround Record ...... 49 9.2.1 153 Whitecross Street ...... 49 9.2.2 155 Whitecross Street ...... 50

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1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Purpose The purpose of this report is to accompany a Conservation Area Consent Application; Application number P110942 for the demolition of 149-157 Whitecross Street, Islington, which are unfortunately beyond the state of retention. This report has several aims: a) to examine the historical development and character of the immediate environs of the St Luke’s Conservation Area, in relation to the subject site; and b) to present a record of the historical development of the existing buildings; and c) to present the findings of an assessment of the buildings and an appraisal of their significance; and d) Provide a photographic record of the buildings.

1.2 Methodology Statement This report is the result of an extensive process which encompasses literature and documentary research review, analysis and processing of information, a site review, and previous experience.

1.2.1 Literature and Documentary Research Review The documentary research is based upon primary and secondary sources of local history and architecture, including maps, drawings, photographs and records. In particular, sources included in the

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Islington Local History Centre, Islington Borough Council’s Development & Planning Department; the London Metropolitan Archives; the National Monument Record and the Greater London Historic Environment Record.

1.2.2 Building Survey A visual inspection of the buildings was conducted on Thursday 20th October 2011 in order to examine the surviving features. Consideration was given to plan form, fabric, window and door openings, window and door frames, staircases, roof structures, ceiling structures and finishes, floor structures and coverings, mouldings, joinery and any other elements which contribute to the identification of the built form and the understanding of the historical and architectural significance of the building. However, due to the exaggerated deterioration of the buildings and for safety reasons, some areas of the buildings could not be inspected.

1.2.3 Conservation Area Field Review A Conservation Area field review was conducted by visual inspection and included consideration of location and context; the character and interrelationship of spaces; prevailing uses; the architectural and historic qualities of the buildings; prevalent and traditional materials; the contribution that greenery makes to the special interest of the Conservation Area; and the extent of intrusion or damage by previous interventions or lack thereof.

1.2.4 Previous Experience The evaluation of the buildings located at 149-157 Whitecross Street

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and the character of the Conservation Area has been informed by documentary sources and visual evidence and based upon experience gained from similar building types and construction sites which have displayed architectural characteristics and evidence found in similar conditions. 1.3 Dissemination and Publication It has been concluded from the findings that 149-157 Whitecross Street are of local interest only. Therefore a copy of this report will be offered and disseminated to the following addressees following written approval from the Islington Borough Council Planning Department: Greater London Historic Environment Record 1 Waterhouse Square, 138-142 Holborn Place, London EC1N 2ST

Islington Local History Centre, Finsbury Library, 245 St Johns Street, London EC1V 4NB

London Metropolitan Archives, 40 Northampton Road, London, EC1R 0HB

1.4 Planning Policy Guidance and Legislation This assessment has been prepared taking into account the information contained in: • Policy HE12: Policy principles guiding the recording of information related to heritage assets of Planning Policy Statement 5: Planning for the Historic Environment; and • Policy HE12: Policy principles guiding the recording of information related to heritage assets of Planning Policy Statement 5: Planning for the Historic Environment, Historic Environment Planning Practice Guide (March 2010);

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2 THE SITE

2.1 Location and Urban Context The subject site is located on the north west side of Whitecross Street, National Grid Reference 532381,182227. The buildings at 149-157 lie within southern-most part of the St Luke’s Conservation Area. The conservation area is centred around the eighteenth century St Lukes Church that is a focal point amidst a number of eighteenth and nineteenth century terraces. Their ground floor premises have provided for a range of trades and crafts since the medieval period. The site is delimited by a mixture of commercial, institutional, recreational and residential buildings. Immediately adjacent to the site lie similar brick built early nineteenth century terraces with commercial premises at ground floor level, following the contour of the street. Opposite the terraces lies one of the largest late nineteenth century Peabody housing estates. Whitecross Street is home to one of the oldest street markets in London. Whitecross Street was formerly a Sunday market providing commodities to the local people. Today the weekly market on Whitecross Street is bustling with activity particularly at lunch times Fig. 1 OS Map of 2009, 149-157 Whitecross Street is depicted during the Thursday and Friday food markets. with a red line (London Metropolitan Archives). The prevailing built form of the conservation area is that of human- scale, buildings lying at the back of pavement along tight narrow streets. The tight urban grain that was once prevalent on earlier maps of the area has slightly relaxed with larger buildings having spread over a series of smaller plots. There is an array of similar traditional materials within the conservation area, predominantly brick. There have been strict conservation area design guides which have reinstated traditional shop-fronts producing a sense of nostalgia. There is a strong composition in the pattern of solid to opening in the

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facades. This is more direct and linear on the east side of Whitecross Street, but on the west side, the stepping of buildings have produced a more incidental character.

Fig. 2 Image of Whitecross Street looking south, 149-157 Whitecross Street is on the right-hand side with white fencing surrounding it.

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3 HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT

3.1 Brief History of the Conservation Area Today, St Luke’s Conservation Area lies within the south-eastern corner of the London Borough of Islington. Originally the parish of St. Luke was associated with the parish of St Giles, Cripplegate until the completion of St Lukes parish church in 1733, located in Old Street. The London Local Government Act of 1899 divided the county of London into 28 metropolitan boroughs, replacing numerous parish vestries and district boards of works that had previously administered the city. The borough of Finsbury was created by combining Clerkenwell and St Luke’s together with the districts of St Sepulchre, Middlesex, the Charterhouse and Glasshouse Yard (Finsbury Council, 1960). In 1965 the reorganisation of London local government amalgamated Finsbury with Islington forming the London Borough of Islington.

Whitecross Street derived its name from a stone cross, near which ran Fig. 3 The ‘Agas’ Map c.1562, Whitecross Street is situated a watercourse to Moorfields. (Thornbury, W, 1878). The cross can be centre left. (London Metropolitan Archives) seen at the junction of Whitecross Street and Old street on the ‘Agas’ Map c.1562 [Fig. 3]

The area of St Luke’s lies approximately half a mile north from the former Roman walls that once fortified the city of London. Today the northern parts of the wall are denoted by London Wall Road. Fig. 3 illustrates Whitecross Street extending north beyond Cripplegate, the immediate surrounding area has a fairly regular grid pattern of streets leading up to Old street to the north. The area beyond Old street and Moor Fields at this time is rural in character.

The city gradually extended beyond the fortification walls during the medieval period. Key thoroughfares for trade distribution, from in and

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out of the city, such as Cripplegate, were natural places for markets to develop, supplying commodities and services to passing travellers. The rather loose pattern of buildings lining streets, within large open plots with long, open backlands to their rear suggests that the this part of St Luke’s developed within the medieval period.

London grew phenomenally during the sixteenth century, becoming a major port and mercantile centre. Soon the open back-lands to the buildings became encroached upon with tenements and cottages as pressure for space and property values increased (Thom, C, 2005). Dense patterns of building developed around small courts entered through passages as depicted in the map of Ogilby and Morgan, 1676 [Fig. 4] Smaller plot widths developed as the pressure for space gradually forced builders upwards rather than outwards (Thom, C, 2005). Accommodation would be one or two rooms deep with a shop or warehouse on the ground floor and living quarters above within a wattle and daubed timber structure. The social demeanour of the area at this point became over-cramped and destitute, housing criminals and the like inevitably producing an area of distaste. Roxburghe Ballads describe personal services available ‘in Whitecross Street and Golden Lane, do strapping lasses dwell’.

In order to regain law and order several prisons, courts and asylums Fig. 4 John Ogilby and William Morgan Map of the city of London were erected over the proceeding century. Schools, churches and and District, 1676. The area now occupied by 149-157 Whitecross Street is depicted with a red line. (London charitable institutions sprang up within the surrounding area. Soon the Metropolitan Archives) face of the St Luke’s changed. The Daily Advertiser in February 1774 describes Whitecross Street as a ‘genteel neighbourhood’. Hughson (1806) describes Whitecross Street "noble, wide, and well built, inhabited by persons of property".

With Napoleons final defeat in 1815 came peace, relative economic stability, and the London house building boom lasting some ten years.

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(Thom, C, 2005) The spread of terraces into the suburbs and rural fringes in the late Georgian period came from the need to house the expanding workforce. The population of London from 1700-1750 was 670,000 but by 1831 had more than doubled to 1,650,000 (Thom, C, 2005). The aristocratic terraces that were being erected in London were repeated in a much more modest way in the suburbs of London, in areas such as Islington and Clerkenwell. At the same time major transport routes were being lined with ribbon development of houses and shops.

The Richard Horwood Map of 1819 [Fig.5] presents a series of buildings that are of a different layout to the present terraces of 149- 157 Whitecross Street. The building that is now 157 Whitecross Street is wider in comparison the buildings that are now 153 and 155 Whitecross Street. The building at 151 Whitecross Street is occupied Fig. 5 Richard Horwood’s Map of 1819 (Fourth by an alley, suggesting that the present terrace block was not erected Edition). The area now occupied by 149-157 is depicted with a red line. (London Metropolitan until after 1819. Although, due to their architectural form it is thought that the terraces were built shortly after this date. The buildings at 149-157 Whitecross Street are first shown in detail on the First Edition OS Map of 1867-70 [Fig. 6].

3.2 The Origins and Historic Development of the Site Historical evidence suggests that the buildings at 149- 157 Whitecross Street originated from the early nineteenth century housing boom, replacing earlier, probably more unsuitable structures. However, the building at 151 Whitecross Street was fully rebuilt following enemy bombing in 1945. The simplistic moulded stucco window surrounds incorporating neoclassical entablatures found at 153-155 Whitecross Street and plain parapets to all buildings are typical features of early Fig. 6 First Edition 1867-70 OS Map, 149-157 nineteenth century buildings. Whitecross Street is depicted with a red line. (London Metropolitan Archives)

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The majority of London’s residential streets were developed under a system of leasehold land tenure, consisting of a contract for the lease of a swathe of land between a landowner and builder, the landowner having the freehold tenure and the builder having the leasehold. This system led to the popular rise in speculative building, its popularity present in the grouping of buildings in this part of Whitecross Street. The simple styles of neoclassical architecture of the early nineteenth made its way down to modest terraces by the use of pattern books by speculative builders. The use of stucco became increasingly popular throughout the early part of the nineteenth century.

The Building Act of 1774 set out how houses in London were to be built. They had to be constructed of brick or stone to inhibit the spread of fire; the sizes of rooms and layouts were standardised and four types or ‘rates’ of houses were specified: First Rate Houses were the largest and fourth rate the smallest. The buildings at 149-157 Whitecross Street are fourth-rate houses and were worth less than £150 per year in ground rent and occupied less than 350 square feet. These fourth rate houses originally consisted of three stories of two rooms to each floor, the staircase being situated in the back room, at the opposite side to the fireplace. Section 4 of this report gives a more Fig. 7 Richard Booth’s Descriptive Map of London Poverty, 1889. detailed building description for 149-157 Whitecross Street. 149-157 Whitecross Street is depicted with a red line. Key: The Richard Horwood Map of 1819 [Fig. 5] shows the present day 149-157 Whitecross Street buildings were sited between 174 and 177 Black: Lowest class, vicious, semi criminal Whitecross Street, evidently it can be seen on this map that there is Dark Blue: Very poor, usual chronic want an alley between 176 and 177. The Post Office Directory of 1882 includes a listing description for 176a Whitecross Street, indicating Light Blue: Poor, 18-21s a week for moderate family that this property was built upon a previously empty plot, maps Purple: Mixed, some comfortable others poor suggest that 151 Whitecross Street was built upon a former alley Pink: Fairly comfortable, good ordinary earnings between 176 and 177. Red: Middle class, well-to-do Yellow: Upper-middle and upper classes, wealthy

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The First Edition OS map of 1867-70 illustrates the buildings near enough in their present form. However, the rear yard of 157 Whitecross Street at this time had not been fully encroached upon. The County Council Bomb Map that was based on the 1916 OS Map shows that the rear yard of 157 Whitecross Street had been fully encroached upon.

During the nineteenth century the area of St Lukes was the locality of many trades and industries, some being world famous. The buildings at 149-157 provided a range of trades and commodities, such as a shoe makers, haberdasher, butcher and cheesemonger. Towards the end of the nineteenth century Richard Booth recorded the poverty in London on his map of 1889 [Fig. 7]. On this map the buildings at 149- 157 Whitecross Street and its immediate surrounding area were recorded as being ‘some comfortable others poor’.

The London County Council Bomb Map of 1945 [Fig. 8] shows 151 Whitecross Street and the outbuilding to 157 Whitecross Street was hit by enemy bombing and ‘damaged beyond repair’. The modern brickwork and internal concrete structure suggests the building at 151 Whitecross was fully rebuilt following enemy bombing. The outbuilding Fig. 8 London County Council Bomb Damage Map, based to 157 Whitecross Street has a modern flat roof opposed to an earlier on the OS map of 1916 which had been updated around 1940. 149-157 Whitecross Street is situated centrally. pitched roof. The modern brickwork to the side walls, front elevation (London Metropolitan Archives) and rear walls above ground level of 149 Whitecross Street suggests that this building was also rebuilt following enemy bombing. Key: Black: Total destruction A photographic search for 149-157 Whitecross Street was conducted Purple: Damaged beyond repair at the Islington Historical Centre and the London Metropolitan Dark Red: Seriously damaged, doubtful if repairable Archives on Friday 21st October 2011 and produced no surviving Light Red: Seriously damaged, but repairable at cost photographs. Orange: General blast damage – not structural Yellow, Blast damage, minor in nature A search for Building Surveyors reports during the nineteenth century Light Blue: Clearance areas for 149-157 Whitecross Street did not produce any direct record for Large Black Circle: V1 Flying bomb Small Black Circle: V2 Long range rocket

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the subject site, although there were records for unnamed properties at Whitecross Street, but these records were too extensive to search for this task.

A search for previous planning applications was undertaken on the 20th October 2011 at Islington Borough Council and produced the following record:

Application Number: P082359 Application Granted: April 2009 Proposal: Erection of extensions at first floor level and construction of mansard roof extensions to number 149-157 Whitecross Street. Internal alterations and conversion of properties to provide a total of seven units across 149-157 (3x2 bed, 1x1 bed and 3x3 beds). Use of flat roofs to create terraces to all properties. Development: No works were undertaken.

Historical Directories Post Office London Directory, 1841: Street, Law, Court, & Parliamentary Directories, etc. The directory list for Whitecross Street were hit and miss, unfortunately the terraces were not found in this directory.

Post Office London Directory (Small Edition), 1852 174 Boorer, John, Corn Chandler 175 Wilkin, George, Butcher 177 Stanley, Francis, Butcher

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Post Office London Directory, 1882, [Official & Street Directories]

On the west side of Upper Whitecross Street between White Lion Yard Alley and Warwick Yard Alley the following returns were entered:

175 Painter, William, Cheesemonger 176 Freeman, William Joseph, Pawnbroker 176a Mackness, George, Grocer 177 Miller, Edmund, Butcher

Post Office London Directory, 1895 149 Miller, Edmund, Butcher 151 Edwards, Miss Caroline & Miss Rachel, Piece Brokers 157 Howitt, Robert. Thomas & Co. Charcoal Makers and Dealers

Post Office London Directory, 1899 149 Miller, Edmund, Butcher 151 Edwards, Miss Caroline & Miss Rachel, Job Buyers 153 Beck, Joshua, Boot and Shoe Maker 155 Smith, Edward, Confectioner 157 Bowers, Mrs Caroline, Haberdasher 157 Howitt, Robert. Thomas & Co. Charcoal Makers

Post Office London Directory, 1910, Street Directory 149 Miller, John George, Butcher 151 Thomason, Mrs Louisa, Dressmaker 153 Bread Co. Ltd 155 Smith, Edward, Confectioner 157 Bowers, Mrs Caroline, Haberdasher

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4 APPRAISAL OF SIGNIFICANCE OF 149-157 WHITECROSS STREET

4.1 Introduction The assessment that follows is the result of a site inspection of the properties at 149-157 Whitecross Street which was conducted in order to record the buildings and ascertain the significance of the buildings.

4.2 The Grading System The grading system used in order to establish and record the significance of the buildings’ elements is defined as follows:

High Significance Building elements, components or plan form of high architectural and historic interest that may have a high degree of craftsmanship and/or technological innovation; and/or plays a highly significant role in helping to understand the architectural and historic interest of the building.

Considerable Significance Building elements, components or plan form of considerable architectural and historic interest that may have a considerable degree of craftsmanship and/or technological innovation and/or play a considerable role in helping to understand the architectural and historic interest of the building.

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Some significance Building elements, components or plan form of some or little architectural or historic interest, that may have some degree of craftsmanship and/or technological innovation and/or play a significant role in helping to understand the architectural and historic interest of the building.

No Significance Building elements, components or plan form that do not have architectural and historic interest and detract from the building; and/or do not play a role in helping to understand the architectural and historic interest of the building.

Buildings and elements that detract or are intrusive Fig. 9 and 10 The front facades of buildings 149 (left) and 151 (right) Whitecross Street. Building elements, components and plan form that are visually intrusive, or those elements that detract from the intactness of the building, or are of poor craftsmanship quality.

4.3 Building Description 4.3.1 Exterior The buildings at 149-157 Whitecross Street terraces lie at the back of pavement to the street. The buildings at 151-155 are all built with locally sourced, handmade London yellow stock bricks in a Flemish bond. The external walls at 149 Whitecross Street have been rebuilt with modern red bricks in an English bond. The building at 157 Whitecross Street has a render applied. External walls are a brick thick, a timber bressumer carries the weight of the walls above some

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of the shop fronts. The bricks are typical 9”x4”x3“ bricks with a frog on one side. Commercial premises occupy all ground floor level but at the time of inspection all were unoccupied. 4.3.1.1 Front Elevation 149 Whitecross Street The building at 149 Whitecross Street [Fig. 9] is the end terrace. The front elevation above ground level consists of two windows per floor. The first floor windows are taller on the first floor than those on the second floor, reflecting those found on neighbouring properties. Following enemy bombing, the front elevation was rebuilt using mass produced common red bricks in an English bond. Steel Crittall windows have been used with a concrete lintel above and concrete sill below. Above the window sits a plain brick parapet with a concrete or stone coping. 151 Whitecross Street Fig. 11 and 12 The front facades of 153 (left) and 155 (right) The building at 151 Whitecross Street [Fig. 10] has been rebuilt in a Whitecross Street. Flemish bond, being toothed into its bowing neighbour, 153 Whitecross Street. The window heights on both floors follow that of their neighbours. Steel Crittall Window have been used, sitting within a flat arch, using soft red brick rubbers and concrete sills. Above sits a plain brick parapet and a stone or concrete coping and roof level railings are visible above. 153 and 155 Whitecross Street Buildings at 153 and 155 Whitecross Street [Fig. 11 and 12] have been built using imperial London yellow stock bricks in a Flemish bond. The original timber double hung sliding sash windows remain, however the original glazing bars have been removed and replaced to create a two-over-two composition opposed to a six over six composition like those found at 157 Whitecross Street. This was

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common practice during the mid-late Victorian period when larger sheet glass was being mass produced reducing the need for internal glazing bars, and becoming the fashion. The fine slender window frames sit behind a reveal, dictated by the 1774 Building Act, with the sash box hidden behind the brick wall. The windows at first floor level are framed with a moulded stucco surround terminating on a stone sill, with a classical entablature above highlighting the Piano Noble room. [Please see Appendix C, Section 9.1 Painted Stucco Window Moulding Record] The windows at second floor are framed with a moulded stucco surround terminating on a stone sill. A tie rod has been inserted with a rectangular plate on the external elevation of 153 Whitecross Street to succumb lateral forces. Above sits a plain brick parapet with a bath stone coping. 157 Whitecross Street The building at 157 Whitecross Street [Fig. 13] has likely been built using imperial yellow London Stock bricks. The front façade has had a modern render applied subsequently removing any traceable wall details. The window openings are of the same scale and positioning to those of its neighbouring buildings of 149-155 Whitecross Street. This building retains its original six-over-six, slender, double hung, sliding sash windows intact that sit within the reveal of the wall, containing the sash box. The front facades of 153 and 155 Whitecross Street are of considerable significance; they are almost complete in their entirety. Fig. 13 The front façade of Building 157 Above ground level they display the original design concept and play a Whitecross Street. considerable role in helping to understand the architectural and historic interest of the buildings and their historical time line. The buildings at 149, 151 and 157 are of some significance; they retain their original height, scale and proportions and provide a great visual clue in helping to understand the destruction to this part of London during WWII. All buildings contribute to the architectural and historic

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interest, character and appearance of the St Lukes Conservation Area. 4.3.1.2 Shop fronts All shop fronts to 149-157 Whitecross Street are modern replacements of either timber or aluminium frames. The shop front at 155 Whitecross Street is a timber modern replacement, styled to that of a typical Victorian shop front, which was inserted within the historic shop front surround. The buildings 153 and 155 retain their classically styled timber shop front surrounds [Fig. 14]. The shop front surround detailing at 153 Whitecross Street is currently more exposed. This shop front retains a classically detailed entablature with a dentilled cornice above a vertical fascia between Fig. 14 The shop front surrounds of the buildings two scrolled classical console brackets, which sit above timber 153 (left) and 155 (right) Whitecross Street. pilasters. The pilasters are currently concealed by a modern plastic covering. The console bracket in comparison to the neighbouring console bracket of 155 is more simplistic in design than its neighbour. There are fewer paint layers and it is evident upon the timberwork of machined saw marks suggesting that this surround is later. [Please see Appendix C, Section 9.2 Shop Front Surround Record]. The shop front surround of 155 Whitecross Street is largely concealed with a modern timber signage board, modern timber pilasters and the original cornice has been boxed out. The classically styled, scrolled console bracket with a decorative acanthus leaf is more decorative in comparison to its neighbour at 153 Whitecross Street suggesting that this is an earlier surround. [Please see Appendix C, Section 9.2 Shop Front Surround Record]. Both shop fronts are included within the St Lukes Conservation Area Report of ‘Shop Fronts to be Kept’. Fig. 15 The rear elevations of 149-157 Whitecross Street.

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The timber shop front surround of 155 Whitecross Street is of considerable/some significance. It has a considerable degree of craftsmanship and plays a significant role in helping to understand the architectural and historic interest of the buildings. 4.3.1.3 Rear Elevation The rear elevation of 153-157 Whitecross Street [Fig. 15] has been rendered at some point, probably during the twentieth century. The rear elevation of all these terraces would originally have given a good visual clue as to the internal layout of these buildings like that of 157 Whitecross Street above ground level. The punctuation of windows serving the rear rooms and staircase would have displayed a chequer board effect. Above the stair windows there is a further small square window that provides light to a landing above the staircase. The butterfly roof construction to the buildings at 153-157 is most apparent Fig. 16 The roof of 153 Whitecross Street. to the rear elevation. At ground floor level all buildings have been extended out within the full extent of their boundary walls. The building at 155 has had a second storey added above the ground floor extension. A ground to first floor staircase has been added to the rear of 153. The rear walls of 149 and 151 have been mis-figured following bomb damage. The rear of 149 Whitecross Street has original brickwork from the ground to first floor level and has been rebuilt using a red brick in an English bond on upper floors. The rear facades are of some significance; they are of little architectural interest but they each contribute to the vocabulary of the building as a whole and its historical time line and play a significant role in helping to understand the architectural and historic interest of the building. 4.3.1.4 Roof Fig. 17 The internal roof valley construction detail All original roofs were of the butterfly roof construction [Fig. 16]. The of 157 Whitecross Street

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roofs run back to front with a valley above the centre of the house [Fig. 17]. The roof structures were hidden from the road below, behind a parapet that was also a feature of fire prevention to avoid flames getting to the roof timbers but also suited the classical style of the facade. The whole roof was concealed by the front parapet wall, rear wall and dividing walls of each property in order to prevent the spread of fire. Roofing materials consisted of the favourably lighter welsh slate, that would cover the shallow pitched roofs, the valley would have been lead lined flowing out through the rear parapet wall into cast iron rain water goods. The bomb damage map illustrates that 151 Whitecross Street was hit by enemy bombing during the Second World War [Fig. 8]. Subsequent to this 151 Whitecross Street was fully rebuilt and 149 Whitecross Street partially rebuilt resulting in the roof of 151 Whitecross Street being flattened. All roofs have been recovered with modern pantiles except 151 and all have modern rainwater goods. All rear extensions have a flat roof construction, 151 Fig. 18 A view of the roof to the outbuilding of 157 and 157 have modern lantern lights above. Whitecross Street The roof of the out building to 157 Whitecross Street was originally a pitched roof [Fig. 18], this is evident on it southern and northern walls where the walls follows the line of the previous pitch. The building was colour coded purple on the bomb damage map suggesting it was damaged beyond repair. The roof was probably flattened following bomb damage. The outbuilding to the rear of 149 Whitecross Street has a hipped roof with a modern pantile covering that rises up to a gable on the eastern façade [Fig. 19], internally the rafters are modern. All original roofs are of some significance, they contribute to the vocabulary of the building as a whole and its historical time line. They play a significant role in helping to understand the architectural and historic interest of the building. Fig. 19 A view of the hipped roof to the outbuilding of 149 Whitecross Street.

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4.3.2 Interior Internally all the original parts of the buildings display similar architectural features, apart from 151 Whitecross Street in which has been rebuilt of a concrete construction. Where basement rooms were accessed they had been modernised and nothing original existed of historic quality within these rooms. All floors were supported on soft wooden floor joists that ran from the front elevation to the back elevation resting on sockets and supported by two conveniently placed beams spanning across and supported in sockets on the dividing walls. To the underside of the floor joists ceilings were lath and plastered but all have been removed. Timber square edged boards 6 ½” wide were laid across the floor joists. 4.3.2.1 Plan Form Fig. 20 The rear outbuilding to 157 Whitecross The original plan form of all five buildings were typical of the fourth Street. rate early nineteenth century terrace house [See Appendix A], being two rooms to a floor over three storeys. There is a landing above the second floor staircase which is thought to be original. Each stair was situated within the right hand corner of the back room in each property, being divided by a stud partition wall. The staircase in 151 was probably moved to the left hand corner following its rebuilding after bombing. Two chimney breasts were located at the opposite side to the stair within the party walls and served both front and back rooms. The building at 149 extends further out to its rear in comparison to the other terraces. At some point 155 and 157 have been linked by an opening in the party wall and internal corridors have been formed. The rear extensions to the properties were probably built soon after the erection of 149-157 Whitecross Street in and ad hoc manner. To the rear of 157 Whitecross Street sits an out building that created Fig. 21 The view of the upper floor of the an internal courtyard, this configuration can be seen on the 1867-70 outbuilding to 149 Whitecross Street. OS Map [Fig.6] the internal courtyard was infilled before 1916. The out

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building has two large openings at ground floor level and a circular opening above in its southern façade. It has an opening in its eastern wall which gives access internally from 157. This building appears to have been built as a stable or cart shed [Fig. 20]. An out building sits to the rear of 149 Whitecross Street and is accessed at first floor level from an internal yard at the rear of 149. It is accessed at ground floor level from a door opening in the western façade and appears to have had full width openings at ground and first floor levels in its southern façade. In the south west corner of this out building there appears to be two oven doors with two chimney flues above [Fig. 21], this may have been the smokehouse for the butcher shop that had a long history of occupying this property. The plan form of all buildings are of some significance they are of little architectural interest but they each contribute to the vocabulary of the building as a whole and its historical time line and play a Fig. 22 The remnants of a plaster cornice to significant role in helping to understand the architectural and historic building 153 Whitecross Street. interest of the building. 4.3.2.2 Plasterwork Little plasterwork detailing exists. The first floor front room of 153 Whitecross Street displays parts of the original plaster cornicing [Fig. 22], the flooring to this room was unsafe therefore a close visual inspection could not be undertaken. All outer walls were covered with a lime plaster finish directly applied to the masonry. Stud partition walls divided rooms above ground level which would have had a lath and plaster finish. The remaining plaster cornicing is of some significance; although it was minimal it provides a great visual clue in helping to understand the vocabulary and architectural and historic interest of the buildings.

4.3.2.3 Joinery Fig. 23 A door architrave from building 153 The original joinery, where it has survived is very modest. Skirting Whitecross Street.

24 149-157 Whitecross Street, Islington, London HISTORICAL REPORT December 2011

mainly survives on staircases; they sit against wooden horizontal and vertical battens that are to the same depth of the lime plaster above. The skirting’s are all approximately 200mm high with a simple bead running along the top edge. Original doorcases were found in 153 and 155, they are simple in decoration and made of two parts, a cyma reversa with a quirk moulded section being attached to a flat architrave [Fig. 23]. The moulded section was missing to those found in 155. A plain four panelled door was found in an upper floor room of 155 Whitecross Street and is possibly original and probably would have been located on the upper floor [Fig.24]. The remaining joinery work is of some significance it contributes to the vocabulary of the buildings as a whole and their historical time line; it has some degree of craftsmanship and plays a significant role in helping to understand the architectural and historic interest of the buildings. Fig. 24 A four panelled door found in 155 Whitecross Street. 4.3.2.4 Stair All staircases are of timber except those found in 151 Whitecross Street, which have been replaced with concrete steps. The timber staircases are dog-legged with winders at the turn. The staircases consist of a closed string with newel posts to the top and bottom of each flight. The newel posts in 157 Whitecross Street differ to those in 153 and 155 Whitecross Street. At 157 Whitecross Street the newel posts are square in plan with a square cap with stick balusters. The handrail being cut and attached between both newel posts. Those at 153 and 155 Whitecross Street were of the same construction but with a rounded newel post, reeded above its plinth and tapering upwards. The handrails at 153 and 155 Whitecross Street are jointed into the newel post cap before rising to a goose neck to accommodate the transition in height with stick balusters at 153 suggesting that these are probably original [Fig. 25]. Staircases which appear to be original, between first and second floor level are sited across the stair window.

25 149-157 Whitecross Street, Islington, London HISTORICAL REPORT December 2011

The balusters to the concrete stair found at 151 were interesting, leaded into each step were cast and wrought iron early nineteenth century balusters containing scrolls, vines, leaves a sun motif finished with an acorn above [Fig. 26]. It is likely that these balusters were salvaged from another building that was bombed during the war. The hand rail is a later addition. The staircases are all of some significance; where they are original they contribute to the vocabulary of the buildings as a whole and their historical time line; they have some degree of craftsmanship and play a significant role in helping to understand the architectural and historic interest of the building. The iron balustrading to 151 Whitecross Street is also of some significance and plays a role in helping to understand the historic interest of the bomb damaged building. 4.3.2.5 Fireplaces There was evidence of almost square openings for previous hob grates which had been removed within some rooms on the upper floors of 153-157. An original hob grate survived still retaining its original bars and flat metal plates with a pretty neoclassical motif cast into the metal [Fig. 27]. This was located within the second floor, front room of 157 Whitecross Street. The remaining original hob grate located within 157 Whitecross Street is of some significance, it contributes to the vocabulary of the building as a whole and plays a significant role in helping to understand the architectural and historic interest of the building.

4.3.2.6 Windows Fig. 25 A timber staircase located within 153 The windows to the front facades of 157 were original timber six over Whitecross Street. six double hung sliding sash windows set behind the wall within a reveal. The windows were fastened with a Fitch pattern fastner and housed lambs tongue glazing bars with their original glass panes being replaced. The surrounding architraves were modern

26 149-157 Whitecross Street, Islington, London HISTORICAL REPORT December 2011

replacements. The rear windows to 157 were not original and were replacements and having sash horns. These windows housed Brighton pattern fasteners. The windows to the front façade of 155 and 153 also appear to be original and of the same construction as those in 157, although some glazing bars had been removed and some repositioned to display a two over two composition. The rear stair window in 155 was still in place, although it had been blocked up from the outside. It was of the same construction as the front windows although displaying a six over six composition. The architraves surrounding these windows had the same mouldings found on original doorcases (see 4.3.2.3 Joinery). The rear stair window had been replaced with a smaller square window that was of no significance. The rear room window of 153 was part missing and a close visual Fig. 26 Cast iron balusters inspection was not undertaken due to the safety of the floors. The leaded into each concrete step windows found within 151 were all steel Crittall windows of no within 151 Whitecross Street. significance. The windows within 149 were steel Crittall windows to the front façade and timber double hung sliding sash windows to the rear with a two over two composition with sash horns and set within segmental headed arches of tapered bricks. All windows where they are in their original form or have been altered are of some significance, they provide a great visual clue in helping to understand the vocabulary of the building. Where the windows have been replaced they are of no significance.

4.4 Conclusion It has been established that the buildings are early nineteenth century fourth rate terraces that are sited along a street which has housed a street market since the seventeenth century. The ground floor premises have housed shops supplying a range of commodities over Fig. 27 A neoclassical detailed hob grate located the preceding centuries, being recorded in the historical directories as on the second floor of 157 Whitecross Street.

27 149-157 Whitecross Street, Islington, London HISTORICAL REPORT December 2011

early as 1852. It is unknown prior to this date whether the buildings were used for residential or commercial purposes. The buildings all display similar characteristics in their architectural plan form, scale, massing and materials in all except 151 Whitecross Street. The building at 151 Whitecross Street having been bombed during the Second World War led to its total reconstruction and the partial reconstruction of 149 Whitecross Street. The historic research undertaken did not reveal any historical associations with nationally important people or events An assessment of the buildings has concluded that all buildings except 151 Whitecrosss Street display modest features, typically found in a fourth rate terrace of this period. The buildings display some historical and architectural significance in their plan form, building fabric and use, of which enables them to be recognised as a building type. They do not possess a high degree of craftsmanship and/or technological innovation and are not a rarity. The building frontages provide a considerable degree of significance to the historic interest of the St Lukes Conservation Area and contribute to its character and appearance of which is desirable to enhance and preserve. It is therefore concluded that the terraces of 149-157 Whitecross Street are of local interest only and therefore a copy of this report will be offered and disseminated to local depositories as indicated in paragraph 1.3. 4.5 Artefacts and/or Samples or Environmental Evidence Found During Assessment and Future Demolition There were no artefacts, samples or environmental evidence found during an assessment of the buildings that were of high significance and in which would merit deposition within an archive, museum or other depositary. The current deteriorating condition of the buildings presents that of a building shell, most interior finishing’s have been

28 149-157 Whitecross Street, Islington, London HISTORICAL REPORT December 2011 removed and most building elements exposed. Therefore, I suggest there will be no artefacts and samples or environmental evidence found during demolition and therefore an assessment is not required. However, due to the close position of the buildings to the market place, and the reusing of some materials for the proposed buildings described in the associated planning application no. P111218. The buildings are to be carefully taken down and photographs taken and if any artefacts and samples or environmental evidence are found an assessment of those artefacts and samples or environmental evidence will be undertaken.

29 149-157 Whitecross Street, Islington, London HISTORICAL REPORT December 2011

5 REFERENCES

Finsbury Council (1960) The Finsbury Story Souvenir Programme, Pyrimid Press Thom, Colin (2005) Researching London’s Houses, Historical Publications Ltd, London Thornbury, W, (1878) 'Cripplegate', Old and New London: Volume 2 MAPS All maps were obtained from the London Metropolitan Archives Ordinance Survey Map of 2009 The ‘Agas’ Map c.1562 John Ogilby and William Morgan Map of the city of London and District, 1676 Richard Horwood’s Map of 1819 (Fourth Edition) First Edition Ordinance Survey Map of 1867-70 Richard Booth’s Descriptive Map of London Poverty, 1889 London County Council Bomb Damage Map, based on the Ordinance Survey Map of 1916

30 149-157 Whitecross Street, Islington, London HISTORICAL REPORT December 2011

6 BIBLIOGRAPHY

English Heritage, Understanding Historic Buildings, a guide to good recording practice Finsbury Council (1960) The Finsbury Story Souvenir Programme, Pyrimid Press Thom, Colin (2005) Researching London’s Houses, Historical Publications Ltd, London Tames, Richard (1999) Clerkenwell and Finsbury Past, Historical Publications Ltd Yorke, Trevor (2011) Georgian and Regency Houses Explained, Countryside Books, Berkshire Cranfield, Ingrid (1997) Georgian House Style, An Architectural and Interior Design Source Book, David and Charles, Devon Powers, Alan (1989) Chatto Curiosities of the British Street: Shopfronts, Chatto and Windus Ltd, London English Heritage, Door and Window Furniture English Heritage, Timber Sash Windows http://www.soane.org/collections/architectural_drawings/georgian_reg ency/town_planning_leasing_layout/2 http://www.whitecrossstreet.co.uk www.historicaldirectories.org www.victoriacountyhistory.ac.uk The Georgian Group Guides, Number Seven: Mouldings The Georgian Group Guides, Number 1: Windows

31 149-157 Whitecross Street, Islington, London HISTORICAL REPORT December 2011

The Victorian Society, Number Six: Cast Iron Neil Burton, (2001) Georgian Stairs, The Georgian Group, London Thornbury, W, (1878) 'Cripplegate', Old and New London: Volume 2 Lloyd, David W, (1992), The Making of English Towns, Victor Gollancz, UK Islington Borough Council, St Lukes Conservation Area 16 Leaflet Bath City Council, (1993) Bath Shopfronts, Department of Environmental Services Islington Borough Council, Shopfront Design Guide Dr David R Green, Finsbury Past and Present, One History: EC1 in the Making

32 149-157 Whitecross Street, Islington, London HISTORICAL REPORT December 2011

7 APPENDIX A

7.1 Plans, Elevations and Sections

33 149-157 Whitecross Street, Islington, London HISTORICAL REPORT December 2011

34 149-157 Whitecross Street, Islington, London HISTORICAL REPORT December 2011

35 149-157 Whitecross Street, Islington, London HISTORICAL REPORT December 2011

36 149-157 Whitecross Street, Islington, London HISTORICAL REPORT December 2011

37 149-157 Whitecross Street, Islington, London HISTORICAL REPORT December 2011

38 149-157 Whitecross Street, Islington, London HISTORICAL REPORT December 2011

8 APPENDIX B

8.1 Photographic Record 8.1.1 149 Whitecross Street

Image 1. Ground floor Interior view towards the back of shop. Image 2. Ground floor interior view of stair.

Image 3. Rear elevation Image 4. View of rear yard

39 149-157 Whitecross Street, Islington, London HISTORICAL REPORT December 2011

Image 5. Internal staircase. Image 6. Front second floor room.

Image 7. Rear second floor room. Image 8. Outbuilding first floor room.

40 149-157 Whitecross Street, Islington, London HISTORICAL REPORT December 2011

8.1.2 151 Whitecross Street

Image 1. Ground floor interior view towards the back of shop. Image 2. View of front first floor room.

Image 3. Rear first floor room. Image 4. Staircase between first and second level.

41 149-157 Whitecross Street, Islington, London HISTORICAL REPORT December 2011

8.1.3 153 Whitecross Street

Image 1. Interior ground floor of extension towards front of shop. Image 2. Ground floor view towards back of shop.

Image 3. Front first floor room. Image 4. First floor rear room.

42 149-157 Whitecross Street, Islington, London HISTORICAL REPORT December 2011

Image 5. Front second floor room. Image 6. Rear second floor room.

Image 7. Landing above second floor Image 8. Staircase at first floor level.

43 149-157 Whitecross Street, Islington, London HISTORICAL REPORT December 2011

8.1.4 155 Whitecross Street

Image 1. Front first floor room. Image 2. Staircase between first and second floor.

Image 3. Rear first floor room. Image 4. Front second floor room.

44 149-157 Whitecross Street, Islington, London HISTORICAL REPORT December 2011

8.1.5 157 Whitecross Street

Image 1. Ground floor view towards shopfront. Image 2. Ground floor view from shopfont

Image 3. Ground floor rear extension. Image 4. Staircase from ground floor.

45 149-157 Whitecross Street, Islington, London HISTORICAL REPORT December 2011

Image 5. Opening for an hob grate in front first floor room. Image 6. Sash window glazing bars in front first floor room.

Image 7. View from front first floor room towards rear room. Image 8. Staircase viewed from second floor.

46 149-157 Whitecross Street, Islington, London HISTORICAL REPORT December 2011

9 APPENDIX C

9.1 Painted Stucco Window Moulding Record 9.1.1 153 Whitecross Street

47 0 50 100 mm

Section: window surround Section: window surround Elevation: first floor. north window Building Elevation A 1:5 B 1:5 C 1:20 1

153 WHITECROSS STREET: PAINTED STUCCO MOULDINGS TO WINDOWS 149-157 Whitecross Street, Islington, London HISTORICAL REPORT December 2011

9.1.2 155 Whitecross Street

48 0 50 100 mm

Section: window surround Section: window surround Elevation: first floor. north window Building Elevation A 1:5 B 1:5 C 1:20 1

155 WHITECROSS STREET: PAINTED STUCCO MOULDINGS TO WINDOWS 149-157 Whitecross Street, Islington, London HISTORICAL REPORT December 2011

9.2 Shop Front Surround Record 9.2.1 153 Whitecross Street

49 Notes. 1. Right hand bracket shown; left 0 50 100 mm hand bracket similar, reversed 2. Lead flashings / cappings omitted for clarity X

dentil block A B A

fascia board (modern particle board)

X 1:5 A 1:5 B Side Elevation Section Front Elevation 1:5

153 WHITECROSS STREET: PAINTED TIMBER CONSOLE BRACKET TO RIGHT HAND SIDE OF SHOPFRONT 149-157 Whitecross Street, Islington, London HISTORICAL REPORT December 2011

9.2.2 155 Whitecross Street

50 Notes. 1. Left hand bracket shown; right 0 50 100 mm hand bracket similar, reversed 2. Lead flashings / cappings omitted for clarity

A B

Side Elevation Front Elevation B 1:5 A 1:5

155 WHITECROSS STREET: PAINTED STUCCO CONSOLE BRACKET TO LEFT HAND SIDE OF SHOPFRONT