Armoury House 1735

Another trip into the city fringes today. This is Armoury House on City Road near Old Street station. Home to The Honourable Artillery Company. It's a Grade II listed building of special historic interest. Built 1735 The central block, is built in yellow stock brick with Portland stone quoins. It was designed by Thomas Stibbs (died 1759), a carpenter who was also a member of the Company. The building cost £1,690, including the price of the furniture.

The building and its grounds occupy a huge chunk of land slap bang in the middle of all this really expensive city property. I don't know how long it's going to be tenable to maintain it.

The HAC was incorporated by Royal Charter in 1537 by King Henry VIII and is still going strong as a territorial army company. My brother was (maybe still is) a member for many years. They have fantastic parties and host the annual lord mayors party. When you retire from the main active regiment you can join the Pikemen, which seems like a lot of fun.

Anyway its the oldest building for miles around and quite a sudden change from all the steel and glass surrounding it.