Open House Festival

The Mission Building

housing

-, 1924

747 Commercial Road, Limehouse, E14 7LE

The British Sailors' Society Mission, 747 Commercial Road, Stepney, on the corner with Salmon Lane. A point on the black cab's knowledge on the corner of Salmon Lane . The building is 100 years old in 2024. It was used by sailors, then a hostel and now private homes. A unique building with vistas of London.

Getting there

Tube

Canary Wharf, Limehouse, Westferry

Train

Limehouse

Bus

115, 135, 15, 277, D3

Access

Facilities

Family-friendly event
Handrails on stairs
Toilets

Accessibility notes

The building is accessible from ground level with two steps. We have a lift to the roof where there is two flights of stairs to the top.

What you can expect

Calm and oasis amongst the hustle of the city.

The Mission Building
Photo Credit Hurford Salvi Carr.

The Mission from Commercial Road
Photo Credit Hurford Salvi Carr.

Courtyard
Photo Credit Hurford Salvi Carr.

Drop in activities

Sat 14 Sep

10:00–16:00

Drop in: Open Day

Sun 15 Sep

10:00–16:00

Drop in: Open Day

Activities

Sat 14 Sep

Guided tour

10:00–11:00

Open Day

Guided tour

12:00–13:00

Open Day

Guided tour

15:00–16:00

Open Day

Sun 15 Sep

Guided tour

10:00–11:00

Open Day

Guided tour

12:00–13:00

Open Day

Guided tour

15:00–16:00

Open Day

About

History

We are passionate residents who love the building we live in. It is a historical centre piece for the local area and a point on the knowledge for Black Cab drivers. An iconic building in East London that has changed use with the movement through time. However it holds the charm of when it was built in 1924,. It was a resting place for sailors when in the London Docks for decades before becoming a hostel for the homeless or immigrants until the 1980's when it was converted to homes. People are keen to see what is behind the big blue doors and amazed to see our wonderful courtyard and the vista's of the city. We would like to share this with the community and welcome everyone to explore the building and take in the history and charm.

Online presence

www.londonpicturearchive.org.uk/view-item?i=122940&WINID=1715635873331

www.iwm.org.uk/memorials/item/memorial/53173#

Nearby

Drop in

St Anne's Church, Limehouse

religious, concert/performance space, community/cultural

St Anne's Limehouse has been described as 'the finest parish church in England.' Designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor, it is Grade I listed and one of the Major Churches in the Church of England. It is home to a thriving Christian congregation.

Nicholas Hawksmoor, 1730

Walking tour

Gongoozlers of Regent’s Canal & Limehouse Basin

walk/tour

This walk invites all canal enthusiasts – also known as ‘gongoozlers’ – on a walk through the social and industrial history of the Limehouse Basin and along Regent’s Canal. Discover how a purpose-built canal shaped the lives of East Enders, Londoners and the United Kingdom.

John Nash, 1820

Drop in

St Paul's Bow Common

religious

Described as 'the most significant church built after the WWII in Britain' - Brutalist, inclusive and influential signpost for future church design.

Robert Maguire and Keith Murray, 1960

Walking tour

East London Chapels & Churches Walk

religious

A walk visiting 5 historic chapels and churches in Tower Hamlets. Saturday 21 Sept, meeting at 9.55am.

Drop in

Royal Foundation of St Katharine

religious

Founded by Queen Matilda in 1147 and with HM Queen Elizabeth II as our previous patron, The Royal Foundation of St Katharine has served as a centre for worship, hospitality and service over many centuries. With 45 bedrooms, 11 meeting rooms, and a community café, it is a unique, quiet sanctuary in the heart of London.

Drop in

St Dunstan and All Saints Church

religious, event

Grade I listed early medieval parish church (from 952 before Tower of London) in spacious churchyard. Fine interior: Anglo-Saxon Rood, Norman font, 'squint', fine memorials incl founders of Trinity House, 1950s glass. Bells of Stepney.

Unknown , 1300