Exmouth Market, located in Clerkenwell, was originally known as Spa Fields, the area saw the rise of tea gardens and leisure attractions in the late 17th century. As these attractions declined, house-building gained momentum in the latter half of the 18th century.
Exmouth Market holds a significant place in the neighbourhood, with its historical roots extending back to the 1760s. It served as a vital dividing line between early house-building and subsequent extensive development following the Napoleonic Wars. The street’s topographical connection to the old Spa Fields area creates a sense of continuity.
One notable feature is Wilmington Square, which was conceived in 1817 and became the centrepiece of a collection of new streets. Named in honor of Admiral Lord Exmouth, renowned for his role in the Battle of Lake Champlain, the square stands as a testament to the area’s history. Exmouth Market is home to architectural landmarks such as Tecton’s Finsbury Health Centre in Pine Street and J. D. Sedding’s Church of the Holy Redeemer, both contributing to the area’s character.
The street has witnessed various transformations over time. It is now predominantly pedestrianized, adding to the distinct charm of the entire area, which is characterized by a general absence of vehicles. Exmouth Market stands as a bustling commercial street, revitalized in the 1990s through a regeneration project. The street’s present-day vibrancy is a result of this endeavour, following a decline in the working-class street market that thrived in the 1890s.
The history of Exmouth Market’s development is multifaceted, with unique stories for the south and north sides. On the south side, Thomas Rosoman leased the Dog and Duck property in 1756, while Joseph Brayne, a stonemason, played a significant role in developing Brayne’s Row and other structures in the eastern part of the street. Smaller houses emerged along Northampton Row to the rear.
To the west, early buildings were known as Spa Place, and subsequent developments included Exmouth House and Chapel Street (later renamed Chapel Row). The north side of the street, known as Exmouth Street, witnessed the creation of a uniform terrace between 1816 and 1821. This development was part of the larger Spa Fields project, comprising around 400 new houses, led by John Wilson, a builder.
Over time, some buildings on Exmouth Street underwent changes due to infrastructure projects. For instance, certain structures were demolished in the 1860s for the construction of the Metropolitan Railway’s tunnel. However, the street has maintained its historical significance, with several shop-houses still standing from the early 19th century.
