Hidden down a small street in Farringdon lies a quite remarkable building – 41/42 Cloth Fair. Built between 1597 and 1614, this is the only house in the City of London to have survived the Great Fire of London in 1666.
Records tell us that the reason it escaped the brunt of the fire was due to it being enclosed within a large set of priory walls. Records also show that the building was originally part of a larger scheme of eleven houses featuring a courtyard in the middle, known as "The Square in Launders Green". Source: Google Search - comment by Ben Johnson
A set of leaded windows within the property bear the signatures (etched with a diamond pen) of some rather famous visitors; Sir Winston Churchill and the Queen Mother to name just two! Source: Google Search - comment by Ben Johnson
The Rising Sun is an old and attractive, traditional pub hidden away in a Dickensian-looking alley next door to the magnificent and historic Priory Church of Saint Bartholomew the Great.. Unlike other nearby establishments popular with the besuited chaps from the City, this pub seems to attract an interesting mix of regulars, including local office workers, students and designery types from the agencies around. It's a pretty comfortable place with darts and fruit machines up at one end, friendly service, cheap grub and a Tuesday quiz night. With well-priced, well-kept Sam Smith's beers, its a good pub if you happen by and it's also one of the few places open at weekends in Smithfield. (Source: google Search)
