BARBICAN ESTATE

It was the first Barbican block to be built.

NAMED AFTER

John Speed, tailor turned mapmaker (1552–1629). He was probably born in St Paul's churchyard and trained as a tailor. The patronage of Sir Fulk Greville freed him to draw maps.

WHERE

It sits in the north-east corner and forms the north edge of Speed Gardens. Living rooms look south over the garden and the lake.

INSIDE

Below the podium are two-storey garden maisonettes with their own car ports. Penthouses on top have barrel vaults.

WAY IN

Doors on Speed Highwalk, with street access from Silk Street beside the Guildhall School