Princelet Street: A Living Tapestry of London’s Immigrant Heritage
Step back into London’s rich immigrant past on Princelet Street, where Georgian heritage meets vibrant cultural history in Spitalfields.
Princelet Street in London’s Spitalfields is a rare surviving Georgian terrace dating back to the early 1700s. Originally built for Huguenot silk weavers, it later became a home for Jewish, Irish, Polish, and Bengali communities. The street preserves historic architecture, including one of London’s oldest synagogues at number 19, now a museum of immigration and diversity. Princelet Street embodies centuries of cultural layers amid ongoing conservation efforts.
A brief summary to Princelet St
- London, GB
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Budget
-
Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit number 19 Princelet Street to explore the Museum of Immigration and Diversity housed in a historic synagogue.
- Take time to appreciate the Georgian architecture and preserved artisan workshops along the street.
- Check for special open days or events hosted by the Spitalfields Trust to access interiors not usually open to the public.
- Combine your visit with a walk to nearby Brick Lane for a broader experience of East London’s multicultural heritage.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
-
Public Transport
Take the London Underground to Liverpool Street Station, approximately 15-20 minutes walk to Princelet Street. Frequent bus services (routes 8, 26, 35) also serve nearby stops. Tickets cost £2.90 with an Oyster or contactless card.
-
Taxi or Rideshare
A taxi or rideshare from central London takes about 10-15 minutes depending on traffic. Expect fares around £8-£15. Note that parking is limited and the area is best explored on foot.
-
Walking
If staying nearby in Spitalfields or Shoreditch, walking to Princelet Street is recommended. The terrain is flat and accessible, with a walk time of 10-20 minutes depending on your starting point.
Princelet St location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Rain / Wet Weather
-
Clear Skies
-
Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Princelet St
Origins and Early Development in Spitalfields
Princelet Street emerged in the early 18th century as part of one of Spitalfields’ first major developments. Entrepreneurs Charles Wood and Simon Mitchell acquired the land, known as Joyce’s Garden, and leased it to master builders who constructed fine Georgian townhouses between 1705 and 1720. These homes were aimed at working-class Londoners and immigrants, particularly French Protestant Huguenots fleeing persecution. The upper floors of many houses served as silk weaving workshops, taking advantage of the natural light.Immigrant Communities and Cultural Layers
Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Princelet Street was a vibrant hub for successive waves of immigrants. After the Huguenots, poorer weaving families, Polish and Irish immigrants settled here. By 1869, the back garden of number 19 was converted into one of London’s earliest purpose-built synagogues to serve the growing Jewish population. This synagogue remained active until the 1970s and is now preserved as a museum showcasing the immigrant experience and cultural diversity of the East End.Architectural Significance and Conservation
Princelet Street’s Georgian houses are remarkably intact, offering a rare glimpse into early 18th-century urban development. The street was designated a Conservation Area in 1976, protecting its historic fabric from modern redevelopment pressures. Notably, number 13 was restored by conservationists and is now a Landmark Trust property available for short-term stays. The street’s architecture reflects a mix of residential and live-work spaces typical of artisan communities.Social History and Community Resilience
The street’s history is deeply intertwined with social activism and community resilience. The synagogue basement hosted anti-fascist meetings in the 1930s, including planning for the famous Battle of Cable Street. The area has long been a focal point for debates on immigration, diversity, and social justice, with the Museum of Immigration and Diversity at number 19 serving as a poignant reminder of these ongoing narratives.Modern Challenges and Preservation Efforts
Despite its protected status, Princelet Street faces threats from large-scale development projects in the surrounding Spitalfields area. Local campaigners continue to fight to preserve the street’s unique character against proposals for high-rise glass towers and extensive redevelopment. The Spitalfields Trust and other heritage organizations are actively involved in maintaining the street’s historic buildings and promoting public access to its cultural heritage.Experiencing Princelet Street Today
Today, Princelet Street offers visitors a quiet, evocative glimpse into London’s layered immigrant past. Its narrow Georgian terraces, historic synagogue, and community spaces invite reflection on centuries of migration and craftsmanship. The street’s atmosphere contrasts with the bustling nearby Brick Lane, preserving a sense of authenticity and continuity in one of London’s most diverse boroughs.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
St Mary’s, Whitechapel (The White Chapel)
0.4 km
Historic site of St Mary’s Whitechapel, the iconic White Chapel that shaped East London’s identity and now commemorated as Altab Ali Park.
Northumbria University - London
0.5 km
Explore Northumbria University in London, where vibrant culture meets innovative education in the heart of the city.
Travelodge London Central Liverpool Street
0.6 km
Affordable comfort in the heart of East London, steps from Liverpool Street station and vibrant city attractions.
182 Bishopsgate
0.6 km
Discover 182 Bishopsgate, where London’s ancient gateway history meets the vibrant pulse of the modern financial district.
Arnold Circus
0.7 km
Arnold Circus: The historic heart of London's first council estate, born from slum clearance and social reform, now a vibrant community landmark.
30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin)
0.8 km
A striking, sustainable skyscraper in London’s financial heart, blending innovative design with panoramic city views and historic roots.
30 Saint Mary Axe - Swiss Re
0.8 km
Discover The Gherkin, London’s pioneering eco-friendly skyscraper with its iconic spiraling glass façade and panoramic city views.
Shoreditch Church
0.9 km
Explore Shoreditch’s historic Palladian church, a sanctuary of Shakespearean theatre heritage and architectural grandeur in vibrant East London.
St Christopher's Inn Liverpool Street
0.9 km
Budget-friendly hostel with a lively pub below, central to London’s financial district and Shoreditch’s creative energy.
Lloyd's of London
1.1 km
A high-tech architectural masterpiece blending tradition and innovation in the heart of London’s financial district.
Trinity House
1.1 km
Five centuries of maritime heritage and seafarer welfare in a restored Georgian masterpiece.
St Olave's Church, Hart Street
1.1 km
Medieval survivor where Viking legend, plague history, and literary fame converge in a Gothic gem.
London Wall
1.1 km
Explore London Wall, an ancient Roman landmark revealing the rich history of Londinium amidst the modern cityscape of London.
Trinity Square
1.2 km
Historic formal gardens honouring maritime sacrifice amid London's ancient heart and architectural grandeur.
Sundial at the Tower Hill
1.2 km
Discover the Sundial at Tower Hill, a picturesque spot in London where history and beauty meet, perfect for relaxation and photography.
Unmissable attractions to see
Brick Lane Mosque
0.0 km
Brick Lane Jamme Masjid: A historic mosque embodying centuries of faith, migration, and community in East London’s vibrant Spitalfields.
Upmarket Brick Lane Food Hall
0.1 km
Discover a lively indoor market in East London offering diverse global street food and a vibrant cultural atmosphere at Brick Lane.
The Brick Lane Vintage Market
0.1 km
Explore the UK's largest vintage market in East London, a vibrant hub for retro fashion, unique collectibles, and cultural energy seven days a week.
Dray Walk
0.2 km
Discover East London’s vibrant art scene at Dray Walk Gallery, a dynamic creative space within the iconic Old Truman Brewery on Brick Lane.
Backyard Market
0.2 km
Discover East London's vibrant creative scene at Backyard Market, a weekend hotspot for unique art, fashion, and artisanal treasures in the historic Old Truman Brewery.
The Truman Brewery
0.2 km
Historic East London brewery turned vibrant creative hub, blending rich heritage with markets, art, and culture on iconic Brick Lane.
The Truman Brewery Markets
0.2 km
A vibrant East London cultural and culinary hotspot blending vintage markets, global street food, and creative community spirit in a historic brewery setting.
Christ Church Spitalfields
0.2 km
Discover the architectural marvel and vibrant history of Christ Church Spitalfields, a must-visit Anglican church in the heart of London.
Fashion St
0.2 km
Historic Fashion Street in Spitalfields blends East London’s rich past with contemporary creative life and urban renewal.
Commercial St
0.2 km
A vibrant East London artery blending historic industry, lively markets, and evolving urban culture between Shoreditch and Whitechapel.
Sclater Street Market
0.2 km
Discover eclectic vintage finds, street food delights, and creative energy at Sclater Street Market in London’s dynamic East End.
Brick Ln
0.2 km
Discover Brick Lane: London's vibrant street filled with rich history, eclectic shops, and tantalizing food from around the world.
Old Spitalfields Market
0.3 km
Discover East London's vibrant blend of history, artisan crafts, and global street food beneath a stunning Victorian glass roof.
Spitalfields Market
0.3 km
Discover the vibrant fusion of history, art, and global flavors at Spitalfields Market, East London's iconic cultural and culinary hotspot.
Spitalfields City Farm
0.4 km
A free-entry city farm in East London where rare-breed animals, organic gardens and a community tea hut create a peaceful rural escape in the heart of the city.
Essential places to dine
Marugame Udon Middlesex Street
0.5 km
Experience freshly handcrafted Japanese udon and crispy tempura in a lively open kitchen setting at Marugame Udon Middlesex Street, London’s authentic udon destination.
Mattarello Chiodo Bolognese Restaurant
0.5 km
Authentic Bolognese pasta and gluten-free Italian delights in the heart of London’s Middlesex Street.
Lyle's
0.6 km
Michelin-starred Lyle's serves innovative, seasonal British cuisine in a minimalist Shoreditch setting with a relaxed, refined atmosphere.
Barcelona Tapas Bar & Restaurant
0.6 km
Authentic Spanish tapas and warm hospitality in the heart of London’s City since 1991.
The Clove Club
1.0 km
Two Michelin stars meet innovative modern British cuisine in a historic Shoreditch Town Hall setting with a unique urban garden.
Nest Restaurant Old Street
1.0 km
Intimate Shoreditch gem offering creative British seasonal tasting menus in a cozy, historic setting with a sustainable ethos.
Brawn
1.0 km
Seasonal Mediterranean small plates and natural wines in a lively, vintage-inspired Shoreditch setting on Columbia Road.
14 Hills
1.0 km
Experience modern British cuisine in a lush, sky-high garden with breathtaking panoramic views over London’s iconic skyline.
La Dame de Pic London
1.2 km
Discover refined French gastronomy and elegant dining in a historic London landmark with two Michelin stars and innovative cuisine.
Da Terra Restaurant
1.6 km
Experience innovative two-Michelin-star Modern European cuisine with vibrant Brazilian influences in the heart of East London’s historic Bethnal Green.
Madison
1.8 km
Stylish rooftop dining and cocktails with breathtaking views of St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s skyline.
Restaurant Story
1.9 km
Experience a two Michelin-starred culinary journey where storytelling meets British fine dining in the heart of London Bridge.
St. John
2.1 km
Experience authentic British nose-to-tail dining in the heart of London’s Barbican at St. John, where tradition meets modern culinary artistry.
Dans le Noir ? London Restaurant
2.1 km
Experience dining like never before in total darkness, guided by visually impaired waitstaff in a sensory adventure at Dans le Noir ? London.
George
2.2 km
Step into London’s last galleried coaching inn, where history, hearty ales, and a lively courtyard blend in a timeless pub experience.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
DPUS Designer Outlet
0.1 km
Authentic designer fashion outlet in Shoreditch’s historic Old Truman Brewery, blending luxury style with urban culture and unbeatable prices.
Brick Lane Souvenirs
0.3 km
Discover affordable, stylish London souvenirs and gifts in the heart of Brick Lane’s vibrant cultural scene.
Middlesex Textiles
0.5 km
Discover London’s premier West African fabric store offering vibrant, high-quality textiles with unmatched variety and service since 1969.
Luna & Curious
0.8 km
Discover Shoreditch’s curated boutique of British craftsmanship, quirky design, and independent retail at Luna & Curious.
Traders Gate
1.3 km
A long-standing family-run gift shop on Tower Hill, offering classic London souvenirs and local charm just steps from the Tower of London.
The Royal Exchange
1.3 km
A majestic neoclassical landmark blending 450 years of London’s trading history with luxury shopping in the City’s financial heart.
Tower of London Shop
1.4 km
Explore the Tower of London Shop for unique souvenirs that celebrate British heritage and history in the heart of London.
Hoxton Street Monster Supplies
1.4 km
Explore the enchanting Hoxton Street Monster Supplies, a whimsical gift shop in London filled with unique monster-themed treasures and delightful surprises.
1 Poultry
1.5 km
Iconic postmodern office and retail building with vibrant limestone stripes, a colorful atrium, and a rooftop garden overlooking London’s financial district.
Barbican Shop
1.5 km
Discover curated art, design, music, and unique gifts at the Barbican Shop, a creative retail haven within London’s iconic Barbican Centre.
Tower Bridge - Engine Rooms and Official Gift Shop
1.8 km
Explore the fascinating history of Tower Bridge at the Engine Rooms and shop for unique gifts at the Official Gift Shop.
Hay's Galleria
1.8 km
Historic riverside warehouse transformed into a vibrant shopping and dining destination beneath a stunning glass roof.
One New Change
1.8 km
Modern glass landmark with free rooftop views of St Paul's Cathedral and London skyline.
Broadway Market
2.0 km
A lively Victorian street market in East London offering global street food, unique crafts, and a vibrant community atmosphere every weekend.
Smithfield Market
2.1 km
London’s oldest wholesale meat market, where history and commerce meet in the heart of the city.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Apples & Pears Cocktail Bar
0.3 km
A vibrant East London cocktail bar blending creative drinks, lively DJs, and a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Brick Lane.
Discount Suit Company
0.4 km
Discover a hidden vintage cocktail bar beneath Spitalfields, blending bespoke drinks with a cozy speakeasy atmosphere in London’s historic tailoring district.
The Cocktail Trading Co. Shoreditch
0.5 km
Inventive cocktails and retro charm blend seamlessly in Shoreditch’s cozy and quirky Cocktail Trading Co.
The Bell
0.5 km
A historic East End pub blending traditional charm and local spirit near Petticoat Lane Market.
The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town
0.5 km
Discover Shoreditch’s secret speakeasy behind a fridge door, where quirky vintage charm meets expertly crafted cocktails and lively 80s beats.
The Astronomer, EC1
0.5 km
A traditional London pub with a cosmic twist, offering hearty pies, craft ales, and a welcoming atmosphere near Liverpool Street.
Dirty Dicks
0.6 km
Historic London pub with quirky charm, classic ales, and lively atmosphere near Liverpool Street Station.
The Alchemist Bevis Marks
0.8 km
Experience London’s theatrical cocktail haven blending molecular mixology with Victorian charm and all-day dining in Aldgate.
Ballie Ballerson London
0.9 km
Dive into London's most playful cocktail bar with glowing ball pits, inventive drinks, and unforgettable nights in Shoreditch.
Aviary
1.0 km
Elegant rooftop dining with botanical cocktails and panoramic London skyline views in the heart of Finsbury Square.
Nikkis Bar - Shoreditch
1.0 km
Lively Shoreditch cocktail bar famed for its bottomless brunch, drag shows, and nostalgic party vibes in a colorful, tropical-inspired setting.
Tonight Josephine - Shoreditch
1.0 km
Lively Shoreditch cocktail bar famed for pink neon vibes, creative drinks, and unforgettable themed brunches.
Flight Club Shoreditch
1.1 km
Experience the vibrant social darts scene with great food, cocktails, and fun at Flight Club Shoreditch in East London.
Floripa
1.1 km
Experience the vibrant Brazilian spirit and tropical party vibes of Floripa, Shoreditch’s premier cocktail bar and nightclub.
TT
1.1 km
Innovative wood-fired Mediterranean small plates and cocktails in a stylish Shoreditch venue with a vibrant rooftop terrace.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Basing House - Shoreditch
1.1 km
An intimate Shoreditch nightclub with top electronic beats, a Funktion One sound system, and a lively rooftop bar under the London skyline.
XOYO LONDON
1.2 km
Experience Shoreditch’s iconic XOYO, where cutting-edge DJs and vibrant nightlife create an unforgettable London clubbing atmosphere.
E1
1.4 km
Experience East London’s underground pulse with E1’s cutting-edge sound, immersive visuals, and vibrant club nights.
The Steel Yard
1.7 km
Experience London’s premier industrial-chic nightclub set in historic Victorian railway arches, with world-class sound and late-night energy until 6am.
London Best Night Clubs
2.2 km
Experience London’s legendary Ministry of Sound, where cutting-edge sound meets dynamic club culture in a multi-room dance haven.
Ministry of Sound
3.1 km
London's legendary dance music cathedral since 1991, where world-class sound systems and global DJs fuel euphoric nights across four pulsing rooms.
Proud Late
3.4 km
Dive into two-storey glamour under Waterloo Bridge: cabaret acrobatics, burlesque dazzle, supper feasts, and non-stop clubbing till 5am in London's West End nightlife epicenter.
Carwash Nightclub
3.4 km
Experience Europe’s longest-running disco club in London’s West End, where retro beats, vibrant crowds, and themed parties create unforgettable nights.
Corsica Studios
3.5 km
Experience London’s underground music pulse at Corsica Studios, where intimate vibes meet exceptional sound beneath historic railway arches.
Bunga Bunga Covent Garden
3.6 km
A neon-soaked, pizza-and-karaoke supper club under Drury Lane — 90s nostalgia, stage shows and shareable Italian feasts.
STRAWBERRY SUNDAE
3.6 km
Retro rave haven in Waterloo Arches: Daytime hardcore beats, 90s DJ legends, and industrial euphoria from midday to midnight.
Cirque Du Soul
3.6 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti tunnel for soul-stirring electronic nights at this underground nightclub haven.
We Are Waterloo
3.6 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti heart where street art meets thumping beats in London's ultimate underground nightclub haven.
The Roxy
3.8 km
Soho's unbeatable happy hour cocktail bar by day, pulsing nightclub with live music and DJ nights till 3am—affordable vibes in London's nightlife heart.
Comedy Carnival Covent Garden
3.8 km
London's premier stand-up comedy venue showcasing bold, award-winning international comedians in vibrant Covent Garden.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
