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.