The house dates from at least 1532 possibly much earlier. The plaque details its ownership by Henry VIII who used it as grand Hackney residence for prominent friends; William Herbert; and Edward de Vere from 1597 - 1609.
This photo comes from : "King's Place, later re-named Brooke House in Hackney, North London, became Edward De Vere's last home. The building was torn down in the 1950's by the local authorities." That site has other photos of the house in the 1920s.
Some of the interior fittings of Brooke House were relocated to the Harrow School War Memorial Building.
records that the house was converted for use as a private madhouse in 1758, with links to the famous Monro family of physicians. "Many alterations made to Brooke House were to make it a suitable madhouse in the eyes of the proprietors. The biggest refurbishment was undertaken on the main elevation when a Georgian style front was added.
"Used as a madhouse for nearly 200 years, Brooke House suffered severe bomb damage during the Blitz and was pulled down for safety reasons in the 1950s. Prior to demolition, the building was recorded by the Survey of London and archaeological excavations were undertaken. Elements of the building were saved and they now form a part of Historic England's Architectural Study Collection."
Some people confuse Brook House with de Vere's mansion.
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