No 1 Poultry

What do a submarine conning tower and an Art Deco clock have in common? You might be surprised to find they both feature in the building right here in front of us: No 1 Poultry. No 1 Poultry is one of London’s most striking examples of postmodern architecture. Completed in 1997, it stands on a prominent wedge-shaped site where Poultry and Queen Victoria Street meet. Its bold, colorful design, the brainchild of architect James Stirling, sparked controversy from the start. Despite its modern appearance, the history of No 1 Poultry runs deep. Excavations before its construction unearthed a Roman road and a wooden drain dating back to 47 CE. This discovery provided concrete evidence of Roman Londinium’s early development in this area. Look closely at the building’s facade. Notice the playful stripes of pink and yellow limestone? The turret rising above the building might remind you of a submarine conning tower, a quirky touch characteristic of Stirling’s style. And that’s not all. The clock face perched atop the building takes its inspiration from the Palazzo delle Poste in Naples, an Art Deco masterpiece. No 1 Poultry is a building that defies categorization, a fusion of historical references and modern design elements. In 2016, it earned Grade II*-listed status, protecting this architectural gem for future generations and cementing its place in London’s eclectic architectural tapestry.