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Property for sale or rent in Farringdon EC1
You could say that Farringdon has suffered in the past from an identity crisis. In the City of London, it comprises two wards: Farringdon Within and Farringdon Without, for those parts which were inside or outside the historic city walls. In the last twenty years, the boundaries have been changed more than once, with the result that Farringdon as an area is seen as something of a moveable feast.
But a feast, nevertheless, it is. Historically a largely industrial area, Farringdon today houses many thriving small businesses, including countless media companies. It’s also home to many young professionals, helped by its ideal proximity to both the City and the West End. In fact it’s one of the most up-and-coming areas of London.
Farringdon also forms part of the City Fringe Partnership, an initiative by the City Of London and various authorities to develop areas of London close to the City.
Properties in Farringdon
Although there are period houses to be found, much of the available property in Farringdon is flats, including many splendid apartment blocks and converted office buildings. There are also some attractive maisonettes and amazing loft conversions.
Farringdon is very popular with young professionals for work and leisure, and many also call it home. Not surprisingly, there’s an excellent choice of restaurants and bars.
Buying or renting in Farringdon – useful information
Transport links – Farringdon has some of the best transport links in London, and Farringdon Station is being redeveloped and expanded, with the current Thameslink to be supplemented by Crossrail. Farringdon is also very close to King’s Cross, which means in one way or another it’s quick and easy to reach almost anywhere. For more details, see Transport for London
Schools – Farringdon mostly lies within the London Borough of Islington. Schools in Islington today are for the most part good to excellent. For more information, see the School League Tables
Places of interest in Farringdon – Hatton Garden • Exmouth Market • Leather Lane market • Smithfield Market
Local Authorities – Islington, although some areas are in Camden. Details of amenities, council tax rates and more are on the Camden Council website and the Islington Council website
Find out more about property in Farringdon
Outlet Estate Agents generally has a good selection of property in Farringdon on offer, mainly in apartment blocks, but also in new and long-standing conversions. For current property, see properties for sale or to rent in Farringdon
In addition, anyone with property to rent or for sale in Farringdon, or anywhere in the EC1 postcode is welcome to contact us.
You may want to also have a look at one or two of our property guides in adjacent areas , including:
King’s Cross Property Guide
Euston Property Guide
Holborn Property Guide
Further reading about the area of Farringdon
The area was previously a village known as Battle Bridge which was an ancient crossing of the River Fleet.
The name "Battle Bridge" led to a tradition that this was the site of a major battle between the Romans and the Iceni tribe led by Boudica. The tradition is not supported by any historical evidence and is rejected by modern historians. The suggestion that Boudica is buried beneath platform 9 or 10 at King's Cross Station seems to have arisen as urban folklore since the end of World War Two.
In 1830 a monument to King George IV was built at the junction of Gray's Inn Road, Pentonville Road, and New Road, which later became Euston Road. The monument was sixty feet high, topped by an eleven foot high statue of the king, and was described as "a ridiculous octagonal structure crowned by an absurd statue". The unpopular building was demolished in 1845, though the area has kept the name of Kings Cross.
King's Cross Railway Station now stands at the junction where the cross stood. The station was designed by architect Lewis Cubitt and opened in 1852.
After World War II the area declined from being a poor but busy industrial and distribution services district to a partially abandoned post-industrial district. By the 1980s it was notorious for prostitution and drug abuse. It is now going through a major regeneration programme.
Relatively cheap rents and a central London location made the area attractive to artists and designers and both Antony Gormley and Thomas Heatherwick established studios in the area. In the 1990s the government established the King's Cross Partnership to fund regeneration projects, and the commencement of work on High Speed 1 in 2000 provided a major impetus for other projects. Within a few years much of the socially undesirable behaviour had been moved on, and new projects such as offices and hotels have begun to open.
The area has increasingly become home to cultural establishments. The London Canal Museum opened in 1992, and in 1997 a new home for the British Library opened next to St Pancras Station.
The area is expected to remain a major focus of redevelopment through the first two decades of the 21st century. The London terminus of the Eurostar international rail service moved to St Pancras station in November 2007. The station's redevelopment led to the demolition of several buildings, including the Gasworks. Following the opening of the new high speed line to the station, a redevelopment of the land between the two major stations and the old Kings Cross goods yard is underway. To be called King's Cross Central, this will be one of the largest construction projects in Greater London in the first quarter of the 21st century. Already, more upmarket shops and eating places have opened in the area and property prices have been rocketing. It is very close to the city centre, great transport links with the Eurostar and all the trains going to the north of the UK. The area can only continue to grow in popularity.
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