Aldersgate Ward Club

Visit to 2 Temple Place   February 19th 2025

Followed by Dinner at the Cheshire Cheese
 

Courtesy of the Master’s event planning we were privileged to visit 2 Temple Place.  This was the town house home of William Waldorf Astor.  It stands in a corner of the street overlooking the Thames, on Victoria Embankment at the eastern edge of Westminster before merging with the City of London. Described by Nikolaus Pevesner as a ‘perfect gem’.  The style is quite varied and ornate.  The House was built very quickly within three years by the end of 1895.   Not only was it Astor’s home but served as the Headquarters for the Astor Estate.  His other homes were Cliveden and Carlton House Terrace.  The architect John Loughborough Pearson assembled five craftsman and they were able to come up with amazing designs and rich materials without any financial constraint placed upon them.  This was due to the fact that Astor had a wealthy family and had also through his business dealings had amassed a considerable fortune. ` Downton Abbey Fans will have seen scenes which have been filmed here as well as the adventures of Hercule Piorot.

The façade was built of Portland Stone with ornate iron gates decorated wing carved urns There is a miniature galleon at full sail on top of one of the entrance lamps. The other figure is holding a light bulb. On the exterior there is an elaborate frieze again with urns, roses and fruit. There are also a few animals such as a part lion and serpent. The wing attached to the building is quite plain in comparison. The foundations had to be lower than other buildings because of the house’s proximity to the Thames. Heavy metal structures were built inside as security for Astor’s private vault. and other safes.

There is a sense of grandeur stepping into the building and seeing the Staircase Hall with magnificent carving and high quality oak wood which has carvings of figures leading up to the first floor.  One can then view the beautiful stained glass skylight. There is very elaborate carving on the panels as well.  There is also a beautiful inlaid marble floor with detail of Roman Churches on the ground floor. The first floor is dominated by the Great Room which is reached through a carved mahogany door. The apartment runs the whole length of the building and has a hammer beam roof.   The frieze around the Great Room has literary connections. Astor had a taste for ladies who had befallen tragedy such as Anne Boleyn and Shakespeare and Tennyson characters.  There are also silver gilt figures as an extra embellishment also in the door. Two stained glass windows either side of the Great Hall are very colourful with glorious landscapes.

We also had the opportunity to see the Library for Astor was an avid literary collector. We were extremely fortunate to view this splendid house.   Following our visit we then walked to the Cheddar Cheese pub, an old coaching inn dating back to the 1600s, which had an impressive dining room on the first floor, having a delicious meal and the chance to reflect on the wonderful home of William Waldorf Astor.