006: Cromwell House

Cromwell House, built 1637-8 for Richard Sprignell, one of London’s finest 17th century houses, Grade I Listed, with elaborate interiors. In 1675 it was purchased by Jewish merchant Alvaro da Costa, the first property in England to be owned by Jews after their re-admission in 1656. A school from 1830, it was damaged by fire in 1865, was a convalescent home 1869-1924 and is now the Ghana High Commission. It has no connection with Oliver Cromwell, the name dating to c.1833.