What’s The Story of The Cottage, 3 Hayne Street?
While running the Guts and Glory Smithfield walking tour, I’ve been keenly following the progress of ‘The Cottage’ at 3 Hayne Street.
You can walk along Hayne Street off Charterhouse Square, newly-revealed now that Crossrail’s hoardings have come down.
3 Hayne Street looks like something left from a film set, or simply an old house that everyone’s forgotten about.
So what’s its story?
History of 3 Hayne Street
The road was first laid out in 1687 by Thomas Neale, most famous for his work at Seven Dials.
But then came the Metropolitan Railway, which acquired the whole South side of Charterhouse Square in 1864 and started work on the rail extension from Moorgate to Farringdon. The entirety of Neale’s Charterhouse Street was demolished.
But then in 1873-74 a new thoroughfare was finished, named Hayne Street, which according to Pevsner is after the new developer.
So now, teetering on the edge of the tracks, 3 Hayne Street is the final reminder of this 19th century street.
Fate of 3 Hayne Street
“The dwelling at 3 Hayne Street is scheduled to be acquired and demolished shortly after the works in this area.”
Another Crossrail document, The Farringdon Station Detailed Desk Based Assessment from 2008, simply describes it as a residential building called ‘The Cottage’ and concludes there is probably no archeological deposits underneath as it’s so close to the railway cutting.
Finally, a City of London 2010 report also lists 3 Hayne Street as earmarked for demolition.
But now the access shaft and ticket hall is complete and with the street finished, it seems untouched.
Here are the various stages of works captured from Google Street view in 2008, 2017 and 2021;
Image Credits: Google Maps (2008, 2017, 2021)
Maybe I’m being optimistic, but perhaps it will be saved after all? It’s not listed or of any particular historic or architectural importance but it seems a real shame to lose it.
More London Inspiration
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Off Charterhouse Square is the 19th century survivor; The Cottage at 3 Hayne Street. But how long will it last?...
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Jay Venn
Thank you for your fascinating posts: I love the hidden gems of London history you uncover,
Gary Curtis
hang in there plucky little beautiful house. I really love it. Is the house in use as far as you could tell? It needs a bit of care but it would be a lovely home.
Jan Evans
So is 3 Hayne Street inhabited, or was it before the surrounding building began? I can just imagine the place after a renovation
Ronald Lloyd
Dear Katie, thank you for the lovely story of the cottage in Hayne Street. Maybe it will survive after all. I think it deserves to. All the best from Ron.
Adrian Butters
Yes, I know progress is progress, but to include this building in the list of preserves would at least showcase a little of the past for today, and for future generations to admire.
Radeva-Dimitrova Mariya
It will be a pity to loose this tiny gem in the City. What can we do to preserve it, I wander? Can we start a petition to keep it? List it? We will support you Katie. Mariya
Susan Golding
Hello Katie,
Brilliant, another GEM. I so look forward to your discoveries.
Happy Christmas.
Sue Golding.
Adetunji
Mariya. Lose, not loose.