The Elizabeth Fry Refuge, 1849 -1913, to help women in need.
Elizabeth Fry, 1780 - 1845, reformer of conditions for female prisoners.
London Borough of Hackney
Site: New Lansdowne Club & Elizabeth Fry (1 memorial)
E8, Mare Street, 195
The Hackney Society has done a thorough job researching the history of this building, with lots of pictures. A brief summary: Built about 1699. Possibly home to a clock-maker (someone has a clock, with "C. E. Carter 195 Mare St Hackney" on its face). 1849-1913 Elizabeth Fry Refuge. We believe Fry had no connection with this building: she had recently died so they named it in her honour. In 1913 the house became The Lansdowne Liberal and Radical Club, later The New Lansdowne Club). Described as a bustling working men's club from the 1950s - 1970s. Club closed in 2004, when planning permission was received for a Vietnamese Community Centre. This never happened. Bought by Dunbar Bank. Has a reputation as a drug den but the squatters in occupation in 2009-10 were looking after it and holding community events such as bicycle workshops.
2023: Spitalfields Life have more details and lots of photos of the derelict interior.
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