BARBICAN ESTATE

Nearly all its flats are studios, topped by a row of penthouse maisonettes.

NAMED AFTER

Nicholas Breton, poet (c.1545–1626). He was the son of a rich merchant of Red Cross Street, which now lies buried under the estate. His stepfather was the poet George Gascoigne.

WHERE

It forms the north edge of the estate, at right angles to Ben Jonson House. The east flats look over Whitecross Street. The west flats look over Cripplegate Library and Golden Lane.

INSIDE

There are 99 studios and 12 penthouse maisonettes with arched glass roofs. Each entrance is up an outdoor stair to a lobby serving five flats.

WAY IN

Raised entrances up outdoor stairs, with lifts inside