195 Mare Street - visit and festive social

For our festive event this December, we’re delighted to return to “195” at the invitation of Elizabeth, Duncan and their family. There'll be an update on work on the house, which after years of neglect has become a family home, and will include a community arts space in the historic basement, where we'll be based for the evening. Drinks and snacks will be available.

The last remaining example of a number of grand villas built along Mare Street in the 17th and 18th centuries, set back from the road, with 3 floors and five bays, listed Grade II*, this building was described by Cherry and Pevsner as "the best remaining C18 town house in Hackney". In fact later studies showed it to be even older, with a building date in the 1690's.

The house remained a family home until 1860, when it was occupied by the Elizabeth Fry Refuge for female ex-prisoners, and after the Refuge moved in 1913 it became the Lansdowne Liberal and Radical Club, later the New Lansdowne Club, which closed in 2004.

Book places using this page. As we anticipate strong interest in the visit, it will initially be offered to Hackney Society members only. There is a charge of £5 for members, plus booking fees for this event. This will cover the cost of food and drink!  If you would like to join Hackney Society you can do so here.

Meet outside the house ,195 Mare Street, London E8 3QE from 6:00 pm for 6:15 drink and snacks, then 6:45 talk and Q&A.. With time for more informal chat, the event will end at about 8:45pm.

picture: Elizabeth Prochaska