Imagine Hackney in 1845. Cassland Road was renamed that year. Before that, it was Hackney Terrace. This symmetrical early 19th-century terrace at 20-54 Cassland Road E9 stands as a testament to that era.
These buildings are more than just bricks and mortar. They whisper tales of London’s growth. They echo with the footsteps of generations past.
The terrace comprises several houses. Each house boasts three storeys and a basement. Three windows grace each facade. A central pedimented feature spans two houses. This feature showcases garlands and a coat of arms.
Stock brick forms the primary material. Stone accents provide contrast. A stone cornice and parapet coping add elegance. The east end house features a raised slated mansard. Dormer windows punctuate the roofline.
Notice the first-floor cill band. Gauged flat brick arches frame the sash windows. Glazing bars divide the panes. First-floor windows are long. Ornamental cast iron balconies adorn them.
Five steps lead to the doors. Each door features six flat panels. A cornice head and radial fanlight surmount each entrance. Round-arched stuccoed recesses frame the doorways. Cast iron handrails guide visitors up the steps.
These houses possess group value. They contribute to the streetscape’s character. They evoke a sense of harmonious design.
Sir John Cass is connected to Cassland Road. He never lived here. The road is named after him. Cass was involved in the slave trade. He was a member of the Royal African Company.
The Tyssen family also had Hackney connections. They owned plantations in Antigua. Their wealth came from slavery. They are memorialized in Hackney with street names.
20-54 Cassland Road E9 is a Grade II listed building. This designation recognizes its special architectural and historical interest. It protects the building from inappropriate development.