11.1.22
A hidden village in the heart of East London. We explore the history of The Jesus Hospital Estate and find out why this is the neighbourhood to be seen
The Pavilion - A popoular neighbourhood bakery in Jesus Green
One of our absolute favourite areas in East London is without a doubt the Jesus Hospital Estate in Bethnal Green, E2 or as it is perhaps more often and simply called, Jesus Green. This picturesque enclave of c. 350 Victorian terraced houses is steeped in history. The Jesus Hospital Estate was built in the 1860s as social housing on land bestowed to the trustees of Jesus Hospital in Chipping Barnet by local philanthropist James Ravenscroft. It has now become one of the most sought after areas to live in East London and it's not hard to see why.
Despite the development of the surrounding area, Jesus Green still manages to retain a unique character and village like feel with its pretty terraced streets and brightly coloured front doors. A far cry from its original roots as largely forgotten farmland.
The land was first developed in the 1820's however construction was plagued with corruption and poor workmanship leaving. It wasn’t until 40 years later that the area was properly redeveloped and Ravenscroft Street, Barnet Grove, Elwin Street, Quilter Street, Baxendale Street, Wimbolt Street and Durant Street, (all named after the men responsible for the affairs of the charity and who had played a huge role in the successful redevelopment of the land) became the Jesus Hospital Estate.
Columbia Road Flower Market - What Sundays are all about in Jesus Green
Although the streets of Jesus Green remain a relative secret to the average passer by, the street forming the north east border of this quadrant has become one of the most famous in the capital.
Columbia Road was named in honour of the famous philanthropist Angela Burdett-Coutts, who, in 1868 had a huge covered market building erected on Novia Scotia Gardens (not an area as pretty as it sounds) and what is now the area around Old Market Square and Columbia Market Nursery School.
Typically the houses on Jesus Green are 2 or 3 bedroom houses with private rear gardens.
On average the houses measure c.1,000 - 1,300 sq ft depending on extensions and alterations although there are some smaller and larger houses.
A number of houses have had single storey rear extensions added to create a larger kitchen or the addition of a study or sunroom.
Posted on
11/1/22
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