Cloth Fair: London's Historic Medieval Merchant Street
Step into medieval London on Cloth Fair, a historic street where merchants once traded fabric and the city’s oldest houses still stand.
Cloth Fair is a historic street in the City of London, once a bustling hub for merchants trading fabric during the medieval Bartholomew Fair. Nestled beside the ancient priory church of St Bartholomew-the-Great, it features London's oldest surviving residential buildings, including 41 and 42 Cloth Fair, which escaped the Great Fire of 1666. Today, it offers a rare glimpse into London's mercantile past amid a tranquil, preserved urban setting.
A brief summary to Cloth Fair
- London, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit 41 and 42 Cloth Fair to see the oldest surviving residential buildings in the City of London.
- Explore the nearby St Bartholomew-the-Great church to appreciate the street’s historical context.
- Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Cloth Fair, a quiet enclave contrasting with the surrounding city bustle.
- Look for the literary connection at the former home of poet John Betjeman in Cloth Court off Cloth Fair.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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London Underground
Take the Circle, Hammersmith & City, or Metropolitan lines to Barbican station, approximately a 10-15 minute walk to Cloth Fair. The station is well-served with frequent trains and fully accessible. Typical fare ranges from £2.50 to £5.00 depending on ticket type.
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National Rail
Farringdon station, served by Thameslink and Elizabeth Line trains, is about a 15-minute walk from Cloth Fair. Trains connect from major London terminals and surrounding regions. Tickets typically cost between £3.00 and £6.00 within London zones.
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Bus
Several London bus routes serve the nearby Smithfield and Barbican areas, including routes 153 and 214. Bus stops are within a 5-10 minute walk. Standard London bus fare applies, currently £1.75 per journey with contactless payment.
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Walking
Cloth Fair is accessible on foot from central London locations such as St Paul’s Cathedral or the Barbican Centre, with walks ranging from 15 to 25 minutes over mostly flat, paved streets. The area is pedestrian-friendly but may have some uneven historic paving.
Cloth Fair 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 Cloth Fair
A Medieval Marketplace Preserved in Time
Cloth Fair derives its name from its historic role as a marketplace for clothiers and drapers during the famed Bartholomew Fair. This lively medieval street was once part of the fairground where merchants gathered to buy and sell fabric and other goods, contributing to London's reputation as a center of commerce and trade. The street's close association with the Priory of St Bartholomew-the-Great, whose walls enclosed the area, created a unique gated community that protected Cloth Fair from the devastating Great Fire of London in 1666.The Oldest Residential Buildings in the City
Among the few surviving medieval structures in London, numbers 41 and 42 Cloth Fair stand out as the oldest residential buildings within the City. Constructed between the late 16th and early 17th centuries, these timber-framed townhouses have witnessed centuries of change. Their survival is attributed to the priory walls that shielded them from fire and later urban redevelopment. Restored in the 20th century after being condemned as dangerous, they now symbolize the architectural heritage of London's mercantile past.Transformation Through Centuries
While Cloth Fair began as a wealthy merchant street, by the Victorian era it had declined into overcrowded and unsanitary slum housing. Many original buildings were demolished during early 20th-century slum clearance and modernization efforts by the Corporation of London. Despite this, the street retains its historic charm, with remnants of its medieval character visible alongside later architectural layers. The area’s connection to the Bartholomew Fair and the priory church remains central to its identity.Literary and Cultural Connections
Cloth Fair is also notable for its cultural heritage. The nearby former home of poet John Betjeman, now managed by the Landmark Trust, adds a literary dimension to the street's history. The City Music Foundation is based in Church House on Cloth Fair, continuing the street’s tradition as a place of cultural significance. These elements enrich the visitor experience, blending history, art, and community.Atmosphere and Visitor Experience
Today, Cloth Fair offers a tranquil and atmospheric escape within the bustling City of London. Its narrow lanes, historic buildings, and proximity to the ancient St Bartholomew-the-Great church create a unique ambiance that transports visitors back to medieval London. The street’s quiet charm contrasts with the surrounding modern urban environment, making it a distinctive destination for those interested in history and architecture.Preservation and Legacy
Efforts to preserve Cloth Fair’s heritage have ensured that this rare medieval street endures as a tangible link to London’s mercantile origins. The restoration of 41 and 42 Cloth Fair, recognized by heritage awards, exemplifies the value placed on maintaining the city’s architectural and historical fabric. Visitors can appreciate the legacy of a street that has survived fires, wars, and urban renewal to tell the story of London’s past.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Sir William Wallace Memorial
0.1 km
A solemn 1956 memorial to Scotland's greatest patriot, executed here in 1305 for resisting English rule.
London City Wall - Bastion 14
0.3 km
Explore Bastion 14, a medieval bastion built on Roman foundations, revealing centuries of London’s ancient city defenses in the Barbican.
London City wall
0.3 km
Explore the ancient Roman and medieval London City Wall, a monumental symbol of the city’s enduring history and resilience.
Holborn Viaduct
0.4 km
A grand Victorian bridge spanning London's hidden Fleet valley, blending engineering innovation with ornate artistry and rich history.
Roman London Wall (St Alphage Garden Section)
0.5 km
Explore the ancient Roman and medieval layers of London's historic city wall nestled within the peaceful St Alphage Garden in Barbican.
Temple Bar London
0.5 km
Explore Temple Bar, London’s historic ceremonial gateway rebuilt by Christopher Wren, rich with royal heritage and striking 17th-century architecture.
Queen Anne Statue
0.6 km
Historic statue commemorating Queen Anne’s reign and the completion of St. Paul’s Cathedral, symbolizing Britain’s royal heritage and resilience.
Ludgate Circus
0.6 km
Historic Victorian junction where London's ancient Ludgate once stood, blending rich legend, architecture, and urban vitality.
3 Gunpowder Square
0.7 km
A modern square in London’s financial district commemorating the dramatic history of the 1605 Gunpowder Plot and Guy Fawkes’ daring conspiracy.
Guildhall
0.7 km
Discover Guildhall, London’s medieval civic heart where Roman ruins, grand halls, and centuries of history converge in the City’s vibrant core.
The National Firefighters Memorial
0.7 km
A solemn tribute in London honoring the bravery and sacrifice of firefighters who served during the Blitz and beyond.
Hodge The Cat Statue
0.7 km
Discover the charm of Hodge The Cat Statue in London, a delightful tribute to literary history and a must-visit for cat lovers and culture enthusiasts.
St Bride's Church, Fleet Street
0.7 km
Historic St Bride's Church on Fleet Street, London, famed for its wedding cake spire and deep ties to printing and journalism heritage.
St. Peter's Italian Catholic Church
0.7 km
A basilica-style sanctuary where Italian faith, architectural brilliance, and community memory converge in historic Clerkenwell.
John Wilkes statue
0.7 km
Explore the John Wilkes Statue in London, a significant cultural landmark celebrating civil liberties and the fight for free speech.
Unmissable attractions to see
St Bartholomew the Great
0.0 km
Explore St Bartholomew the Great, a historic Anglican church in London, rich in architecture, culture, and tranquility, perfect for all visitors.
St Bartholomew's Gatehouse
0.1 km
Explore the rich history and stunning architecture of St Bartholomew's Gatehouse, a must-visit historical landmark in the heart of London.
Smithfield Market
0.1 km
London's 900-year-old wholesale meat market where Victorian architecture meets modern commerce.
40 Charterhouse Square
0.2 km
Historic Charterhouse Square in London’s Barbican blends medieval legacy with iconic Brutalist architecture and vibrant city life.
Golden Boy of Pye Corner
0.2 km
Discover the Golden Boy of Pye Corner, a gilded statue marking where London’s Great Fire ended and a moral tale of gluttony began.
The Charterhouse
0.2 km
Explore over 600 years of London history at The Charterhouse, from medieval monastery and Tudor mansion to enduring charity and museum.
Postman's Park
0.3 km
A serene London park honoring everyday heroes through a unique memorial of selfless sacrifice, nestled near St Paul’s Cathedral.
St Botolph’s-without-Aldersgate
0.3 km
Historic Georgian church at London’s eastern City gate, blending medieval roots with Victorian artistry and community resilience.
Holy Sepulchre Church
0.3 km
Discover Holy Sepulchre London, the largest City parish church, famed as the National Musicians’ Church with centuries of history and vibrant worship.
The Chocolate Cocktail Club
0.3 km
Discover the sweet side of London at The Chocolate Cocktail Club, where chocolate meets cocktail artistry in a delightful atmosphere.
The Viaduct Tavern, EC1
0.3 km
Step into a lavish Victorian gin palace where London’s legal history and ghostly tales converge beneath ornate ceilings and historic cellars.
St Anne & St Agnes Church
0.4 km
Discover St Anne & St Agnes Church, a historic City sanctuary blending Dutch-inspired architecture with a vibrant musical legacy.
London Wall Museum Of London
0.4 km
Explore the ancient Roman city wall and artefacts at the Museum of London London Wall, a unique historical gem in Barbican.
St John's Gate
0.4 km
Discover the medieval gateway of St John's Gate, home to the Knights Hospitaller and the origins of St John Ambulance in historic Clerkenwell.
Museum of the Order of Saint John
0.4 km
Discover the rich history of the Order of St John at its historic London Gatehouse, blending medieval heritage with modern humanitarian legacy.
Essential places to dine
St. John
0.2 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
0.3 km
Experience dining like never before in total darkness, guided by visually impaired waitstaff in a sensory adventure at Dans le Noir ? London.
Madison
0.7 km
Stylish rooftop dining and cocktails with breathtaking views of St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s skyline.
Sea Containers Restaurant
1.3 km
Stylish Modern British dining with iconic Thames views on London’s vibrant Southbank, perfect for brunch, dinner, and special occasions.
Ikoyi Restaurant
1.3 km
Discover Ikoyi, London’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant blending bold West African spices with British ingredients in an elegant, sensory tasting journey.
Paradiso Burger & Cocktail Bar Southbank
1.4 km
Vibrant riverside spot in Southbank serving gourmet burgers, cocktails, and bottomless brunch with stunning Thames views.
Marugame Udon Middlesex Street
1.5 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.
Sarastro
1.5 km
Experience vibrant Mediterranean flavors and live musical theatre in the heart of Covent Garden’s most theatrical restaurant.
14 Hills
1.5 km
Experience modern British cuisine in a lush, sky-high garden with breathtaking panoramic views over London’s iconic skyline.
Margot
1.6 km
Sophisticated Italian dining with classic charm and an extensive wine list in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Cicchetti by San Carlo - London Covent Garden
1.6 km
Experience authentic Venetian small plates and seasonal Italian flavors in a stylish, lively Covent Garden setting.
Nest Restaurant Old Street
1.7 km
Intimate Shoreditch gem offering creative British seasonal tasting menus in a cozy, historic setting with a sustainable ethos.
Balthazar
1.7 km
Experience the lively charm of a Parisian brasserie with classic French cuisine in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Hoa Sen Vietnamese Street Food Restaurant
1.7 km
Authentic Vietnamese street food in the heart of Covent Garden, blending vibrant flavors with a lively, cozy atmosphere.
The Clove Club
1.7 km
Two Michelin stars meet innovative modern British cuisine in a historic Shoreditch Town Hall setting with a unique urban garden.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Barbican Shop
0.4 km
Discover curated art, design, music, and unique gifts at the Barbican Shop, a creative retail haven within London’s iconic Barbican Centre.
1 Poultry
0.9 km
Iconic postmodern office and retail building with vibrant limestone stripes, a colorful atrium, and a rooftop garden overlooking London’s financial district.
London Silver Vaults
0.9 km
The world's largest underground marketplace for fine antique and contemporary silver, hidden beneath historic Chancery Lane.
Exmouth Market
1.0 km
Discover Exmouth Market, London’s vibrant street of eclectic eateries, lively bars, and independent shops in the heart of Clerkenwell.
The Royal Exchange
1.0 km
A majestic neoclassical landmark blending 450 years of London’s trading history with luxury shopping in the City’s financial heart.
Unique Gifts
1.1 km
A compact London gift shop filled with original, handpicked presents and quirky souvenirs for those who love something different.
Pop Up Luxury Shop
1.1 km
Exclusive, curated luxury shopping in a stylish London pop-up setting blending fashion innovation with boutique charm.
Twinings - The Strand
1.1 km
Discover over 300 years of tea heritage at London’s oldest tea shop, featuring historic charm, premium tastings, and a unique museum experience.
not just a shop
1.2 km
Discover unique, handcrafted art and design by UAL’s students and alumni at this creative retail hub in central London.
Bankside Arches Boutique
1.2 km
Discover unique London gifts and handcrafted treasures inside Blackfriars Station’s charming Bankside Arches Boutique.
The Store X
1.3 km
A visionary space where London’s fashion, art, and culture converge in an immersive, innovative experience.
The Old Curiosity Shop
1.3 km
Step into a Tudor-era timbered cottage steeped in Dickensian lore, nestled amidst the vibrant heart of modern London.
SUCK UK Alternative Gifts (OXO Tower)
1.3 km
Discover quirky, clever gifts and homewares at SUCK UK’s flagship store in London’s iconic OXO Tower.
Brand Academy Independent Gift Shop
1.3 km
Dive into a world of whimsical designs and unique finds at this South Bank gem, where global brands meet emerging talents in the heart of Oxo Tower Wharf.
Persephone books
1.4 km
Discover the hidden treasures of 20th-century women’s literature at Persephone Books, a Bloomsbury gem celebrating forgotten female voices.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Punch Tavern
0.7 km
Historic Victorian Gin Palace on Fleet Street, famed for its Punch magazine heritage and vast gin selection in the heart of London.
Black Parrot
0.7 km
Discover London’s top rum bar with expertly crafted cocktails, immersive masterclasses, and a lively yet intimate atmosphere in Bride Court.
Flight Club Shoreditch
1.0 km
Experience the vibrant social darts scene with great food, cocktails, and fun at Flight Club Shoreditch in East London.
The Old Bank of England
1.0 km
Historic Victorian pub on Fleet Street housed in a former Bank of England branch with grand interiors and legendary London tales.
Aviary
1.0 km
Elegant rooftop dining with botanical cocktails and panoramic London skyline views in the heart of Finsbury Square.
Demon, Wise & Partners
1.0 km
Classic basement cocktail bar blending historic City charm with expert mixology in London’s financial district.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Old Street
1.1 km
A vibrant and stylish cocktail bar in London’s Old Street area, known for creative drinks and a lively urban atmosphere.
Old Fountain
1.2 km
Historic family-run freehouse in Old Street, London, famed for award-winning ales, hearty British food, and a stylish rooftop terrace.
Nightjar Shoreditch
1.2 km
Step into Nightjar Shoreditch, a hidden gem where Prohibition-era cocktails meet live jazz in an intimate, vintage-inspired setting.
Doggett's Coat and Badge
1.2 km
A large, riverside Nicholson’s pub on Blackfriars Bridge offering classic British fare, real ales and a rooftop terrace with strong Thames views.
The Duke
1.2 km
A classic Bloomsbury pub offering warm hospitality, traditional drinks, and hearty British fare in a cozy setting.
Simmons Bar | Old Street
1.2 km
A retro-inspired cocktail bar in Shoreditch offering creative drinks and a lively, youthful nightlife atmosphere.
The Craft Beer Co. Old Street
1.3 km
A vibrant London pub offering a top-tier selection of craft beers served with expert care in a casual, retro setting.
Lyaness
1.3 km
Innovative cocktails and sustainable mixology with stunning Thames views in London’s stylish South Bank hotspot.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Monument
1.3 km
Vibrant underground cocktail bar near Monument, blending creative drinks with a lively, speakeasy-style party atmosphere.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
London Best Night Clubs
0.5 km
Experience London’s legendary Ministry of Sound, where cutting-edge sound meets dynamic club culture in a multi-room dance haven.
The Steel Yard
1.2 km
Experience London’s premier industrial-chic nightclub set in historic Victorian railway arches, with world-class sound and late-night energy until 6am.
XOYO LONDON
1.2 km
Experience Shoreditch’s iconic XOYO, where cutting-edge DJs and vibrant nightlife create an unforgettable London clubbing atmosphere.
Carwash Nightclub
1.5 km
Experience Europe’s longest-running disco club in London’s West End, where retro beats, vibrant crowds, and themed parties create unforgettable nights.
The Hoxton Pony
1.5 km
Edgy Shoreditch cocktail bar and nightclub blending vintage style with vibrant nightlife energy in East London.
Trafik
1.6 km
Shoreditch’s dynamic nightclub with underground beats, two floors of dancing, and a late licence for unforgettable nights.
Proud Late
1.6 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.
Bunga Bunga Covent Garden
1.6 km
A neon-soaked, pizza-and-karaoke supper club under Drury Lane — 90s nostalgia, stage shows and shareable Italian feasts.
Basing House - Shoreditch
1.9 km
An intimate Shoreditch nightclub with top electronic beats, a Funktion One sound system, and a lively rooftop bar under the London skyline.
The Roxy
1.9 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
1.9 km
London's premier stand-up comedy venue showcasing bold, award-winning international comedians in vibrant Covent Garden.
Whatdafunk Presents West End Urban Disco
2.1 km
Dive into London's grooviest urban disco beats at Whatdafunk, where Covent Garden's streets pulse with funk, soul, and non-stop dance energy in the heart of the West End.
The Ivy Club
2.1 km
Art-Deco‑tinged members’ club above The Ivy — piano bars, discreet private dining and polished West End glamour.
Covent Garden Social Club
2.1 km
Discover Covent Garden Social Club: a lively cocktail bar blending exquisite drinks, comedy, and live music for an unforgettable night out in London.
Heaven
2.1 km
London’s iconic gay superclub under the railway arches — big nights, loud music, drag, and late finishes in the heart of the West End.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Historic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
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
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
