Between 1550 and 1650, the Strand in London boasted eleven magnificent houses forming the capital’s “Golden Mile”: home to patrons and artists who competed to build the most inventive buildings of the time. With imposing river-facing facades and luxurious interiors, these palaces were some of the most spectacular houses ever built. Their distinctly English style became a symbol of a unique architectural period and not only shaped other great houses around the country but also the image of English power on the world stage.

 

Mostly demolished in the 19th century, very little of them survives. York Watergate, which once served as the river entrance to the Duke of Buckingham’s residence, was one of the first sites in London restored by London County Council, marking a turning point in public appreciation for heritage. The York Watergate was adopted as HOLT’s logo at the establishment of the charity in 1980.

 

In 2020 HOLT restored another part of the old Strand – an arch from Northumberland House had been salvaged when the Duke of Northumberland’s palace was pulled down in 1874 and it was moved to Bromley-by-Bow. For more information on this project see the link below:

 

heritageoflondon.org/projects/northumberland-house-arch