Anchor Terrace

Anchor Terrace is a large, symmetrical nineteenth-century building situated on the east side of Southwark Bridge Road in London, close to the southern bank of the River Thames. Constructed in 1834, the building is historically associated with the nearby Anchor Brewery, Southwark, one of the most significant brewing establishments in London during the nineteenth century. Today, Anchor Terrace is recognised both for its architectural merit and for its historical connections to London’s industrial, theatrical, and cultural heritage.

Location and Urban Setting

Anchor Terrace occupies a prominent position in Southwark, overlooking the site of the former Anchor Brewery and lying within walking distance of the Thames. Its location places it in an area historically characterised by industry, river trade, and working-class housing, which later underwent extensive regeneration. The building’s orientation and elevated position give it a commanding presence along Southwark Bridge Road, contributing to its visibility and enduring landmark status.
The rear of the building adjoins an area that has been used as a car park, beneath which significant archaeological remains were later discovered, adding further historical importance to the site.

Architectural Design and Features

Architecturally, Anchor Terrace is notable for its formal symmetry and restrained classical style, typical of high-quality residential developments of the early Victorian period. Originally designed as a terrace of eight individual residences, the building presents a unified façade that emphasises balance and proportion.
Above the central doorway, the name “Anchor Terrace” is prominently inscribed, reinforcing both the identity of the building and its connection to the Anchor Brewery. The overall design reflects the social status of its original occupants, combining functionality with an understated elegance appropriate for senior professionals rather than aristocratic elites.
The building is designated as a Grade II listed structure, recognising its special architectural and historic interest and affording it statutory protection.

Origins and Early Use

Anchor Terrace was built to house senior employees of the Anchor Brewery, Southwark, which at the time was owned by Barclay Perkins & Co. Ltd, one of the largest brewing companies in Britain. The provision of purpose-built housing for senior staff reflected both the scale of the brewery’s operations and the importance placed on retaining skilled and trusted personnel.
Among the early residents were John Hoy Waterman, a brewer, and Charles Spurrell (1783–1866), a member of the Spurrell family of Thurgarton, Norfolk. Charles Spurrell, along with his brother James Spurrell (1776–1840), was employed at the Anchor Brewery and played a role in its professional management. The Spurrell family also had notable connections to other prominent brewing families, including Watney and Gray, highlighting the interconnected nature of Britain’s nineteenth-century brewing industry.

Relationship with the Anchor Brewery

The building’s identity is inseparable from that of the Anchor Brewery, which dominated the surrounding area for much of its existence. The brewery was a major industrial presence in Southwark, producing beer on a vast scale and employing a large workforce.
In later years, Anchor Terrace ceased to function purely as residential accommodation and was adapted for use as the offices of the Anchor Brewery. This change reflects broader shifts in land use and employment patterns as industrial enterprises expanded their administrative needs. Even after the brewery itself closed and was eventually demolished, Anchor Terrace continued to overlook the former site, serving as a tangible reminder of Southwark’s industrial past.

Archaeological Significance and the Globe Theatre

One of the most remarkable aspects of Anchor Terrace’s historical importance lies beneath the ground behind it. Archaeological investigations revealed that the building stands on the site of the original Globe Theatre, famously associated with William Shakespeare and the Elizabethan theatre tradition.
Parts of the theatre’s foundations were discovered beneath the car park to the rear of Anchor Terrace, confirming the precise location of the original Globe. However, because Anchor Terrace is a listed building, large-scale excavation of the site is unlikely to take place. This has limited the extent to which archaeologists can explore the remains, balancing the preservation of built heritage against the desire to investigate earlier historical layers.
The discovery nevertheless adds a profound cultural dimension to the site, linking a nineteenth-century industrial-residential building with one of the most important landmarks in English literary history.

Later History and Conversion

By the late twentieth century, changes in industry and urban planning had transformed Southwark. The Anchor Brewery was no longer operational, and the area increasingly attracted residential redevelopment. In the late 1990s, Anchor Terrace was converted into luxury flats, reflecting wider trends in the regeneration of former industrial areas along the Thames.
The conversion preserved the building’s external appearance and historic character while adapting its interior for modern residential use. This redevelopment ensured the building’s continued occupation and maintenance, securing its future as a functioning part of the urban environment rather than a relic of the past.

Cultural Representation and Media

Anchor Terrace has also entered popular culture through its use as a filming location. The BBC television drama series This Life (1996) was partly filmed at the building, introducing it to a wider audience and reinforcing its association with urban London life. Its distinctive appearance and riverside proximity made it a suitable backdrop for contemporary drama, further embedding it in the cultural memory of the city.

Heritage Status and Conservation

As a Grade II listed building, Anchor Terrace is protected under UK heritage legislation. This status ensures that any alterations must respect its architectural and historical significance. The listing reflects not only the building’s design but also its associations with London’s brewing industry and its location on a site of exceptional archaeological importance.
Conservation efforts focus on maintaining the building’s façade, proportions, and defining features, while allowing for sensitive adaptation to modern uses. The balance between preservation and practicality has been central to the building’s survival into the twenty-first century.

Historical and Urban Significance

Anchor Terrace occupies a unique position within London’s historical landscape. It encapsulates multiple layers of the city’s past, from Elizabethan theatre to Victorian industry and modern urban regeneration. Its association with the Anchor Brewery highlights the importance of brewing in London’s economic and social history, while the discovery of the Globe Theatre foundations beneath it connects the site to the cultural achievements of the Renaissance.