195 Mare Street

Built in 1697 as a grand country house, 195 Mare Street is one of Hackney's oldest buildings. Home to the Elizabeth Fry Refuge from 1860-1913, the property housed thousands of young women recently released from prison. In the twentieth century, it became the New Lansdowne Working Men's Club before falling into disrepair. Its new owners have welcomed local artists into the space before they start restoration work.