BARBICAN ESTATE

It is the longest block on the estate, and it steps right over Golden Lane.

NAMED AFTER

Ben Jonson, playwright (1572–1637). He was taken out of school to lay bricks like his stepfather. He joined the army in Flanders, killed a Spanish soldier in single combat, then took up the theatre.

WHERE

The block lies across the north of the estate. The north side looks at the Golden Lane Estate and a school playground. The south side faces the Barbican Centre.

INSIDE

Most flats are maisonettes with stairs inside. Penthouses run to two or three storeys, with arched glass rooms on the roof. A dolphin fountain stands at the front.

WAY IN

Three lifts, at the west end, centre and east end, down to Bridgewater Street, Beech Street and Whitecross Street