Built c.1699 this Grade II* house is one of the earliest surviving examples of an early Georgian building in Hackney. This building also has an interesting history – in 1845 the Elizabeth Fry Institute for Reformation of Women Prisoners was established here to honour Elizabeth Fry’s achievements.
Elizabeth Fry, a Quaker and social reformer, campaigned in the early 1800s for women prisoners to be treated with greater humility. She also campaigned for the importance of education and the learning of skills for life after prison. Many of her principles have been adopted worldwide.
The New Lansdowne Club is now in serious need of repair and should be restored to its former glory.
Sign our petition if you would like to see this building restored. It is time that something was done.
Michele Foti from Italy has created a 3D reconstruction of the New Lansdowne Club at different points in its history. See http://www.newlansdowneclub3d.org.uk/
Update in spring 2014 by David Shaw
Meetings between English Heritage, the Hackney Society and Hackney Council have taken place and English Heritage has expressed a high level of concern over the state of the building. The council, whilst sympathetic to the concerns that we and EH have expressed, have argued that the new owner should be given a reasonable amount of time to submit plans and to undertake immediate necessary repairs. Apparently a survey has now been completed and scaffolding is in place. We shall continue to monitor this building.
