BARBICAN ESTATE

It stands where the Scottish earls of Lauderdale once kept their London house.

NAMED AFTER

The Earls of Lauderdale, Scottish nobles. The first earl, John Maitland, was made earl in 1624. His family's London house stood on this spot.

WHERE

The westernmost tower, close to Aldersgate Street and Barbican station. Its flats look over Thomas More Garden.

INSIDE

Three big flats on each floor, each with living rooms in the corners. Three penthouse maisonettes sit at the jagged top, with roof gardens. The tower turns up in the TV drama Luther.

WAY IN

Street-level entrance on Lauderdale Place, off Beech Street, with a staffed foyer