Cloth Fair: London's Medieval Enclave
Step into London’s medieval past on Cloth Fair, where history, literature, and architecture converge in a tranquil residential lane.
Cloth Fair is a historic street in London, once the heart of the Bartholomew Fair and home to merchants trading cloth. Enclosed within the walls of St Bartholomew-the-Great, it is now a quiet residential lane, with 41-42 Cloth Fair standing as the oldest surviving house in the City of London. The area retains a unique atmosphere, blending medieval heritage with literary legacy and architectural charm.
A brief summary to Cloth Fair
- London, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to experience the quiet atmosphere and avoid crowds.
- Look for the leaded windows in 41-42 Cloth Fair, which bear the signatures of famous visitors like Winston Churchill and the Queen Mother.
- Take a moment to appreciate the architectural details of the surviving buildings, which reflect centuries of London’s history.
- Explore the nearby St Bartholomew-the-Great church for a deeper understanding of the area’s medieval heritage.
- Check for literary events or heritage tours that occasionally take place in the area, offering insights into its rich cultural legacy.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Underground
Take the Circle, Hammersmith & City, or Metropolitan line to Barbican station, then walk approximately 10 minutes to Cloth Fair.
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Mainline Railway
Farringdon station is the closest mainline railway station, about a 12-minute walk from Cloth Fair.
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Bus
Several bus routes serve the area, with stops near Farringdon and Barbican stations, providing easy access to Cloth Fair.
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Walking
Cloth Fair is easily accessible on foot from central London, with a pleasant 15-minute walk from Smithfield Market.
Cloth Fair location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Cloth Fair
A Merchant’s Legacy
Cloth Fair’s name reflects its origins as a bustling marketplace for clothiers and drapers during the annual Bartholomew Fair, one of London’s most famous medieval events. The street was once enclosed within the priory walls of St Bartholomew-the-Great, forming a gated community that protected its residents and buildings from the Great Fire of London in 1666. This unique arrangement preserved the area’s character and allowed 41-42 Cloth Fair to survive as the oldest residential building in the City of London.Surviving History
The street’s medieval charm is most evident in 41-42 Cloth Fair, constructed between 1597 and 1614. Originally part of a larger courtyard of eleven houses, only this building remains, having weathered centuries of change. It has served as an alehouse, wool draper, tobacconist, and even a cutler’s workshop. The building’s survival is a testament to the resilience of London’s architectural heritage, and its restoration in the late 20th century earned it the City Heritage Award.Literary and Cultural Connections
Cloth Fair has long attracted notable figures. Sir John Betjeman, poet and heritage campaigner, lived at number 43 from 1954 until the 1970s. His presence, along with the architectural firm Seely & Paget, who also resided here, helped preserve the area’s historic fabric. The street’s literary and artistic legacy continues to inspire visitors and residents alike.Atmosphere and Ambience
Today, Cloth Fair is a tranquil residential lane, offering a rare glimpse into London’s medieval past. The surrounding buildings, though modernized, retain a sense of history, and the proximity to St Bartholomew-the-Great adds to the area’s unique character. The street’s quiet atmosphere contrasts with the bustling city, making it a peaceful retreat for those seeking a connection to London’s heritage.Architectural and Social Evolution
Over the centuries, Cloth Fair has evolved from a wealthy merchant street to a Victorian slum, and finally to a preserved historic enclave. The demolition of many old buildings in the early 20th century, while regrettable, reflects the changing needs of the city. The remaining structures, including 41-42 Cloth Fair, stand as reminders of the area’s rich and complex history.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Cloth Fair
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Sir William Wallace Memorial
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40 Charterhouse Square
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London City Wall - Bastion 14
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London City wall
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St Anne & St Agnes Church
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Holborn Viaduct
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St Vedast alias Foster
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Roman London Wall (St Alphage Garden Section)
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Temple Bar London
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Queen Anne Statue
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Ludgate Circus
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3 Gunpowder Square
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The National Firefighters Memorial
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Hodge The Cat Statue
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Unmissable attractions to see
St Bartholomew's Gatehouse
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Golden Boy of Pye Corner
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The Charterhouse
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Postman's Park
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St Botolph’s-without-Aldersgate
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Holy Sepulchre Church
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The Chocolate Cocktail Club
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The Viaduct Tavern, EC1
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London Wall Museum Of London
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St John's Gate
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Discover the rich history of London at St John's Gate, an iconic landmark that offers insights into the legacy of the Knights of St John.
Museum of the Order of Saint John
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Discover the rich heritage of the Knights Hospitaller at the Museum of the Order of Saint John, an essential stop for history enthusiasts in London.
St Giles Cripplegate
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Barbican Centre
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London dragon
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A striking City of London dragon boundary mark guarding the historic edge of the Golden Lane Estate.
Bleeding Heart Yard
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Essential places to dine
St. John
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Dans le Noir ? London Restaurant
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Sea Containers Restaurant
1.3 km
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Ikoyi Restaurant
1.3 km
Two Michelin stars meet West African spice in London's most innovative fine dining experience.
Paradiso Burger & Cocktail Bar Southbank
1.4 km
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Marugame Udon Middlesex Street
1.5 km
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Sarastro
1.5 km
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14 Hills
1.5 km
A lush, sky-high forest with panoramic views and creative cuisine in the heart of London.
Margot
1.6 km
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Cicchetti by San Carlo - London Covent Garden
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Nest Restaurant Old Street
1.7 km
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Balthazar
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Hoa Sen Vietnamese Street Food Restaurant
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The Clove Club
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Two-Michelin-starred modern British cuisine in a historic town hall, where precision meets accessibility.
Lyle's
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Barbican Shop
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Pop Up Luxury Shop
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Unique Gifts
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not just a shop
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Bankside Arches Boutique
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The Store X
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SUCK UK Alternative Gifts (OXO Tower)
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Brand Academy Independent Gift Shop
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j-me original design ltd
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Sugar And Style
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Middlesex Textiles
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London Transport Museum - Shop
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Camden Passage, Islington
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Sass & Belle Covent Garden Market
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The Moomin Shop London
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Black Parrot
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Flight Club Shoreditch
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Aviary
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Demon, Wise & Partners
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Nightjar Shoreditch
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Doggett's Coat and Badge
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The Duke
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Simmons Bar | Old Street
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Lyaness
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The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Monument
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The Bootlegger
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Dirty Dicks
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The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town
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The Astronomer, EC1
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The Alchemist Bevis Marks
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Sacred Sites
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Mindfulness
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
