The House on Cloth Fair: London Through the Eyes of its Oldest House

by Fiona Rule

The great city of London has many layers of history lying buried beneath its streets. In a few places, remnants of the capital’s ancient past are still visible in the form of important and often royal buildings, such as the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey. However, these magnificent, world-renowned places are not the only survivors of a long lost world. Halfway down a narrow, medieval lane on the outskirts of Smithfield stands 41-42 Cloth Fair – the oldest house in the City of London. This book uncovers the fascinating survival story of this extraordinary property and the people who built it, owned it and lived in it, set against the backdrop of an ever-changing city that endured war, disease, fire and economic crises.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, London, Microhistory, Architecture

288 pages, Hardcover

Published November 9, 2017

Reviews

[Asha Stark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nearly four stars, but little things like the phrase, "Trouble with Ireland notwithstanding..." really grated. Was this book the place for discourse on the treatment of Ireland and the Irish by England? Nah, so better not to have touched on it at all.

There were a few bits like that, which clouded my enjoyment of an otherwise very interesting book.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is wonderful. Both historical profile of a house in Smithfields (which has survived from the early 17th century and earned the tag of the oldest house in London) and a fascinating, lucid trawl through London history. Absolutely loved every detail.

[Kt Dixon · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable and remarkable telling of the Smithfield area and the oldest house in London.

I will say that despite the book title, the house was a secondary focus against a social history of the area from the medieval era to present day. However, this did not detract enjoyment as there was plenty of interesting events and people to read about, and many moments of connecting the dots.

The history of the house inhabitants was super interesting, and I enjoyed learning about the connection to Richard Rich and the Wesley brothers. I was hoping for some description or photos of the interior, given that it was built around 500 years ago, and it would've been interesting to understand how the rooms usage has changed throughout the years. I am aware the house is privately owned, and although the owner wrote the afterword, I can understand not being keen on having his house described to the general public.

All in all, one of my favourite reads this year!

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

No quick read, this remarkable book.

Despite the title and the inclusion of the said oldest house throughout the book, this is an incredibly detailed account of life in London that spans centuries. Concentrated mainly on Cloth Fair, but widening out to cover the rest of the city and even, occasionally, the entire country, the reader learns about society, great upheavals, the habits and beliefs of people and the ever-changing attitudes towards preservation and conservation.

That this building has survived so many events that have changed the area it exists in so profoundly over the centuries is remarkable and a testament to everyone who has ever lived or worked in it.

[Andrew Hurst · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was intrigued by the idea of tracing history through one particular house in London, and the book in the main did not disappoint, but it tended to digress into periods and events that had more relevance to London as a whole. While it was a relatively enjoyable read and contained a number of interesting facts that I had no previous knowledge of, I cannot say that it was the most enthralling book that I have read

[Paul baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Of interest

The account is over long and much in need of more and better photos and especially maps. Not many readers know their way around the City so long descriptions of streets and routes are difficult to comprehend. Simple maps accompanied by modern photos would be of great help. I lost track of the modern ownership; when was the Freeholder bought out? Who now owns the house?

[P A Ling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating journey through time

I bought this book because I can trace my family back to the great fire, but no original buildings exist from any of my families residencies in London. It's good to know some places remain and how one building can have connection to do many famous people, from Richard Rich to the Wesley brothers and more. Fiona managed to capture the flavour of London well.

[Elle St John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting, easy read, with added bonus

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. So much so that I traveled to London and took the guided tour that the author had added in at the end. It was the icing on the cake, after reading all about the history, then being guided around the city, churches and hidden gems, it was genuinely amazing and a memorable experience.
Thank you Fiona Rule

[MR N R MOORE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book of a small part of London

I've read a few books from various authors which deal with the people rather than the great events of history and, with few exceptions, have enjoyed them all. This book is firmly in the enjoyed column. I really liked the idea of following a building through its time, as well as finding out a bit about its occupants. A good read.

[Ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent history of the oldest house in London from the 1600s to now ! Shocking how many buildings of what would have been nationally significant were demolished in the 20th century ! I shall certainly be going to look at 41-42 cloth fair near Smithfield market when I next visit London !

[Jeanne Manton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely delightful! Looking forward to reading more of Ms Rule's work.

[Sally Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Really interesting history of London's buildings and the attempt to save them from destruction. Left me wanting to hop on a train to London to explore

[Julie Cohen · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting, but sometimes dry, summary of key points in London's history seen through the lens of a particular location. Glad I read it, but probably won't remember much.

[NortherneWynd · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF, 50%.

[Eleanor · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting take on presenting history which uses the house in question as the hub from which the reader is taken to explore the history of mainly London from medieval times to the modern day, and thence to return. I think the current owner of the property (at the time the book was written) sums it up in the Afterward to the book when he says

“It is never just about any house. It is the area in which the house is built, it is the people in the house and the buildings surrounding it ... and in old houses such as this one, it is the history. As this book teaches us, there is an extraordinary amount of important history in this area - so much so, that parts of it have been overlooked.”