Plaque

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.