Kipling House and the ground upon which it stands, enjoys an interesting and illustrious past, standing on the site of Norwich House, the town house of the bishops of Norwich, which dates back to 1237. Upon the great dissolution of the monasteries in 1536, the house was granted to the Duke of Suffolk, and later given to the archbishops of York.
From 1558 to the 1620s the house was given to successors of the Keepers of the Great Seal, and in 1624 it was given to George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, who added the nearby York Watergate, in order to gain direct access to the river.
A house on this land was first leased in 1674 but burned down four years later, and in 1701, after it was rebuilt, Samuel Pepys, the diarist, lived here, and it was later occupied by the Salt Office.
The property was rebuilt in the 1790s and used as a seedsman's warehouse until it became landlocked when the river was embanked in the 1860s.
Francis Bacon was born here in 1561 and Rudyard Kipling, after whom this building is named, lived here between 1889 and 1891.
Kipling House was totally reconstructed, refurbished and modernised in 1995-1996.
The wording on the plaque could have been clearer. The first half is giving the history of York (Norwich) House. The second half, from 1674, is giving the history of Kipling House.
The inscription finishes with a statement about an extensive 1995-6 reconstruction project. This historic building is not listed so one can only trust that this plaque is not camouflage for an insensitive project.
We thank our colleague, Alan Patient, for this photo.
Site: York House / Kipling House (2 memorials)
WC2, Villiers Street, 43, Kipling House
The massive post-modern building opposite, above Charing Cross Station, is 1 Embankment Place, occupied by PWC.
2026: Bridgemont is developing ideas for the future of this building. "We’re at the start of a conversation about how 1 Embankment Place and the surrounding area could be sensitively transformed into a more welcoming, sustainable and vibrant destination – one that better connects to the West End, supports local businesses, and celebrates its unique location." OK so far, but then: "We aim to thoughtfully curate offerings that complement the wider ambitions for improvements to the public realm and contribute to establishing this area as a destination as well as a gateway to the West End and an attractive and thriving workspace. This includes improving legibility, visibility, and clarity." Mmm.
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Credit for this entry to: Bob Baker
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