1901 – Passmore Edwards Sailors Palace, Limehouse, London

Architect: Niven & Wigglesworth

0628

Started in 1901 but not completed until 1903 as the headquarters of the British & Foreign Sailors’ Society. An inscription above the door still records the fact, although the building itself has been converted into flats. The building is predominately of brick, with bands of Portland stone and arched windows at ground-floor level. The main entrance and turreted gatehouse, has been described as a very free Tudor adaptation. External decoration reflects the nautical nature of the Society: a woman, preseumably Britannia, holds two ships, while cherubs blow wind into their sails; the names of the continents are carved below her, framed in loops of rope, while the Latin names for the North, South, East and West winds are embossed above. Published in The Building News, July 12th 1901.

Published August 9, 2010 | Last Updated February 4, 2026

More!