Dennis Severs' House: Immersive Georgian Time Capsule in Spitalfields
Step into Dennis Severs' House, a candlelit Georgian time capsule that brings Spitalfields' silk-weaving past vividly to life through immersive art and storytelling.
Dennis Severs' House at 18 Folgate Street in London is a unique historic house museum that immerses visitors in the life of a fictional Huguenot silk-weaving family from 1724 to the early 20th century. Created by artist Dennis Severs between 1979 and 1999, this Grade II listed Georgian terraced house offers a sensory journey through ten candlelit rooms filled with period artifacts, sounds, and scents, evoking the rise and fall of Spitalfields' silk-weaving community.
A brief summary to Dennis Severs' House
- 18 Folgate St, London, E1 6BX, GB
- +442072474013
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 5 pm-8:15 pm
- Tuesday 5 pm-8:15 pm
- Wednesday 12 pm-3:15 pm
- Friday 12 pm-3:15 pm
- Saturday 12 pm-3:15 pm
- Sunday 12 pm-3:15 pm
Local tips
- Book your visit in advance as tours are guided and spaces can be limited, especially on weekends.
- Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for dim lighting and narrow staircases inside the historic house.
- Visit nearby Spitalfields Market and explore the vibrant East End neighborhood to complement your experience.
- Listen carefully to the ambient sounds and take your time in each room to fully absorb the immersive atmosphere.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Public Transport
Take the London Underground to Liverpool Street Station, approximately a 10-minute walk to 18 Folgate Street. Frequent services run on the Central, Circle, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan lines. Tickets cost from £2.50 to £5.00 depending on zones and card type.
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Bus
Bus routes 8, 26, 35, and 47 stop near Spitalfields Market, a 5-minute walk from the house. Buses run every 10–15 minutes during the day. Single fares are around £1.75 with contactless payment.
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Taxi or Rideshare
A taxi or rideshare from central London to Dennis Severs' House typically takes 15–25 minutes depending on traffic, costing approximately £10–£20. Note that parking is limited in the area.
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Walking
If staying nearby, walking to the house is pleasant and accessible, with flat terrain and paved streets. Walking times vary but expect 10–20 minutes from Shoreditch High Street Station.
Dennis Severs' House location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Dennis Severs' House
An Artistic Time Capsule in the Heart of Spitalfields
Dennis Severs' House is a remarkable Georgian terraced house built around 1724, located on Folgate Street in London's historic Spitalfields district. This Grade II listed building was rescued from dereliction in 1979 by Dennis Severs, an eccentric Californian artist drawn to London by its famed "English light." Severs transformed the house into a living theatrical installation, creating a fictional narrative centered on the Jervis family, Huguenot silk weavers who supposedly inhabited the house from its construction through to the early 20th century. The house serves as a sensory time capsule, blending history, art, and storytelling to evoke the atmosphere of past centuries.The Story of the Jervis Family and Spitalfields' Silk Weaving Heritage
The fictional Jervis family represents the Huguenot refugees who fled religious persecution in 17th-century France and settled in Spitalfields, bringing with them skilled trades such as silk weaving. Spitalfields became a thriving center for the silk industry, supported by English protectionist policies that banned French silks. Through the ten rooms of the house, visitors witness the family's fortunes rise and fall alongside the silk trade, from prosperity to decline as the area transformed from an affluent mercantile hub to a poverty-stricken neighborhood by the Victorian era. This narrative reflects the broader social and economic changes in East London over two centuries.An Immersive Multi-Sensory Experience
Dennis Severs designed each room as a "still life drama," lit only by flickering candles and filled with authentic period objects, textiles, and furnishings. The experience is enhanced by ambient sounds—such as carriage wheels, whispered voices, and even gunfire commemorating Queen Victoria’s coronation—and subtle scents, creating an evocative atmosphere that engages visitors' senses and imaginations. The house is arranged as if the occupants have just stepped out, inviting visitors to step into a living painting and emotionally connect with the past rather than simply observe it.The House’s Architecture and Atmosphere
The house retains its original Georgian architectural features, including a painted façade and trellis-patterned window frames. The interior spaces range from opulent drawing rooms adorned with velvet swags, gilded mirrors, and marble fireplaces to stark, poverty-stricken upper floors with cobwebbed staircases and faded laundry. This contrast visually narrates the Jervis family's fading fortunes and the social decline of Spitalfields. The house’s intimate scale and theatrical staging create a contemplative, almost operatic ambiance that has been praised by artists and historians alike.Legacy and Preservation
Dennis Severs lived in the house until his death in 1999, having dedicated two decades to its creation. Before he passed, he sold the property back to the Spitalfields Historic Buildings Trust, which continues to manage and preserve the house. The Trust ensures that the house remains almost exactly as Severs left it, maintaining its unique blend of art, history, and immersive storytelling. The house stands as a testament to both the rich heritage of Spitalfields and the visionary creativity of its creator.Visiting Dennis Severs' House Today
Today, visitors can explore the ten candlelit rooms on guided tours that emphasize the sensory and emotional experience. The house is open Thursday evenings, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays with varying hours, offering a rare glimpse into a bygone era through an artistic lens. Located near Liverpool Street and Shoreditch High Street stations, it is a cultural gem in East London that invites reflection on the passage of time and the lives of those who shaped the city’s history.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Quirky
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
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For the architecture buff
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- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
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For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
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- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
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For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
