Prince Henry's Room, Historic Jacobean Gem on Fleet Street

Legacy of a Rare Survivor from the Great Fire

Prince Henry's Room stands as one of the scarce timber-framed buildings in the City of London that survived the devastating Great Fire of 1666. Situated on the first floor of 17 Fleet Street, this Grade II* listed building retains much of its early 17th-century character, including an exquisite Jacobean plaster ceiling richly decorated with the Prince of Wales's feathers and the initials "PH". The building's façade, rediscovered beneath layers of paint in 1900, offers a rare authentic glimpse of London's architectural past.

Historical Layers and Associations

The site’s history stretches back to the 12th century when it belonged to the Knights Templar before passing to the Knights Hospitallers. The current structure was rebuilt in 1610 as a tavern named The Prince's Arms, coinciding with Prince Henry, son of King James I, being made Prince of Wales. While some legends suggest Prince Henry used the room as a council chamber, historical evidence is inconclusive, especially since he died two years later. Over time, the building was known as the Fountain Inn and was frequented by notable figures such as Samuel Pepys, who recorded visits here in 1661.

Architectural and Artistic Highlights

Inside, the room features one surviving wall of original Jacobean oak panelling, complemented by Georgian panelling elsewhere. The centerpiece is the ornate plaster ceiling, a masterpiece of Jacobean craftsmanship, adorned with floral motifs and the Prince's emblem. Leaded glass windows with coats of arms overlook bustling Fleet Street, adding to the room’s historic ambiance. The fireplace, though modest, bears an inscription linking the site to Pepys, further enriching its cultural significance.

Transformations Through the Centuries

Beyond its tavern days, the building hosted Mrs Salmon’s Waxworks in the 18th and early 19th centuries, a popular attraction featuring historical and sometimes macabre figures. By the late 19th century, the building had fallen into disrepair but was saved from demolition by the London County Council and City of London Corporation. In the 20th century, it served as a museum dedicated to Samuel Pepys, though this exhibition closed after some decades. Today, the building houses offices but retains its historic character.

Present-Day Experience and Preservation

Prince Henry’s Room is currently closed to the public, but its façade along Fleet Street remains a striking reminder of London’s layered history. The City of London Corporation continues to preserve this rare Jacobean structure, ensuring its survival amid the modern cityscape. Visitors can appreciate its architectural beauty and historical resonance from the street, imagining the centuries of stories held within its walls.

Enduring Symbol of London's Rich Heritage

This building not only embodies architectural resilience but also serves as a tangible link to London’s legal and social history, from the Knights Templar era through to the bustling Fleet Street journalism district. Its connections to figures like Samuel Pepys and the Duchy of Cornwall add layers of intrigue, making Prince Henry’s Room a unique historical landmark in the heart of London.