Referred to as London’s jewellery district, Hatton Garden has become the centre of the UK Diamond trade, home to over 300 jewellery businesses. From ultrasonic cleaners to Colombian emeralds, Hatton Garden is the number one stop for any jewellery enthusiast when visiting London.
The History of Hatton Garden
But far from the bustling jewellery district we see today, Hatton Garden was once the site of the Bishop of Ely’s palace, dating back to the 12 and 13th century. All that survives of the palace today is St Etheldreda's Church, one of the oldest churches in England and one of only two buildings in London dating to the reign of Edward I.
Under Elizabeth I, Sir Christopher Hatton established a mansion on the site and acquired the garden and orchard of Ely Place - formerly part of the Bishop of Ely’s palace. The land remained in possession of the Hatton family, and by the 1600s, it had been developed into a desirable residential area.
By the early 19th century, Hatton Garden began gaining fame in the jewellery trade. As the Hatton family began to sell off parts of their estate, wealthy merchants moved in, transforming the area into a hub for high quality jewellery. Today, Hatton garden hosts hundreds of jewellery businesses, including major names such as De Beers.
Thanks to its long and rich history attracting a wealth of skilled craftsmen and experts, Hatton Garden is now one of the world's top destinations for buying and selling jewellery.
