Newington Green Terrace N16 9PX

52-55 Newington Green built in 1658

Grade 1 Listed Building

This historic building on the West side of Newington Green and is in Islington. The building pre-dates the Great Fire of London and is thought to be the oldest brick terrace London and possibly in the whole of England.

The influential Dr Richard Price (1723-1791) who was born near Bridgend, Wales, moved to Newington Green in 1758 where he became minister at the Nonconformist Church. Dr Price was also a Fellow of the American Philosphical Societies at Philadelphia and Boston and his most famous and controversial sermon was 'A Discourse on the Love of our Country' 1789, in which he supported the French revolution and republicanism. 

Dr Price lived in No 54 Newington Green with his wife Sarah. The house became a lively and important meeting place for radical thinkers such as the Americans Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson. He was also the mentor and 'respected friend' of the early feminist Mary Wollstonecraft.

Samuel Rogers (1763 - 1855), the poet, banker and art collector was born in No 52, in 1763 and was educated at one of the Dissenters' Academies on Newington Green. Rogers was a long term member and trustee of the Untiarian Church on the Green. Samuel Rogers made his name with his poem 'Pleasures of Memory' some of which is believed to be based upon his experience of growing up at Newington Green.

You can find many more details about the terrace and its influential occupants in Alex Allardyce's excellent book

'The Village that Changed the World. A History of Newington Green'.

Photo: Alex Allardyce