History

Over 2,000 years ago, the site of The Delft
would have been a marshy land most
suited for hunting and fishing.

Archaeological evidence suggests the area was a bustling

community, packed with workshops and other

industrial buildings.

Image: MOLA

The site was within the boundaries of St Mary Overy –
a priory which eventually became

Southwark Cathedral.

Image: Wellcome Collection (recoloured)

After the Dissolution of the Monasteries by Henry VIII
between 1536-1541, the priory buildings were sold
off and passed through many owners, including

Master of the Horse to Henry VIII and Viscount
Montague, who gives his name
to Montague Close.

The site was sold to Robert Bromfield and
Thomas Overman by Viscount Montague
and Lord Petre. They operated the lease 

of the wharf, kickstarting the site’s long
association with warehousing.

From 1612-1750, the former chapter house of St Mary Overy / Southwark Cathedral
became the centre of delftware pottery, with the first tin-glazed pothouse in
Southwark (and only the second in London) located here.

Image: V&A

From 1836, the site was known as New Hibernia Wharf, a riverside
warehouse owned by Alderman John Humphrey, later to become

owner of nearby Hay’s Wharf.

Amongst other things, the warehouse was used as a cold store for
perishable foodstuff, with this particular stretch of the river suitably
described as ‘The Larder of London’.

Image: Britain from Above

Developed in 1979 by Twigg, Brown & Partners, the
building became the London office of Grindlays Bank;
& Partners, Minerva House became agents and
bankers to the British army and business community
in
India. They commissioned a statue entitled ‘Minerva’,
most likely alluding to the Roman symbolism
of
wisdom, trade and strategy.

The Delft will offer 140,000 sq ft of next-generation workspace
that overlooks the Thames, a true riverside sanctuary designed
with wellness at the forefront.