Hatton Garden

Hatton Garden: A Rich History of London’s Jewellery Quarter

Hatton Garden, located in the heart of London, is one of the most famous jewellery districts in the world. Its rich history and heritage stretch back centuries, making it not just a shopping destination but a landmark steeped in intrigue, luxury, and craftsmanship.

The story of Hatton Garden begins in the 16th century. The area is named after Sir Christopher Hatton, an English politician and courtier under Queen Elizabeth I. In 1576, Queen Elizabeth granted him the land on which Hatton Garden now stands, an area that had been a peaceful stretch of open space since the Middle Ages.

By the 17th century, Hatton Garden began evolving, as businesses and homes were built, but it was not until the 19th century that it became the vibrant jewellery hub it is today. This transformation was largely driven by an influx of Jewish immigrants who brought with them skills in diamond cutting, goldsmithing, and jewellery-making. These trades quickly became the heart of the community, and by the late 1800s, Hatton Garden had solidified its reputation as London’s leading jewellery district.

During World War II, Hatton Garden faced significant damage from bombing raids. However, the resilience of its community allowed it to bounce back quickly, and the post-war years saw a resurgence in the demand for luxury jewellery. The district continued to evolve, with modern showrooms and workshops blending with the historic charm of its cobbled streets.

Today, Hatton Garden is home to over 300 businesses related to the jewellery trade, with more than 55 jewellery shops lining its streets. It is the go-to destination for engagement rings, wedding bands, and custom-designed pieces. Despite changes in the global jewellery market, Hatton Garden has maintained its position as the UK’s premier jewellery quarter, providing expertise and bespoke service that draws clients from around the world.

What makes Hatton Garden iconic is its specialisation in diamond jewellery. The district is home to hundreds of jewellery businesses, from small workshops to large retailers, creating an ecosystem that supports everything from diamond cutting and polishing to bespoke ring designs. Today, it is estimated that around 300 jewellery-related businesses are based in the area, employing over 1,000 people in the trade.

Hatton Garden has a particularly strong association with engagement rings, with generations of Londoners purchasing their wedding bands and diamond jewellery from the shops there. Its reputation has expanded internationally, drawing customers from all over the world seeking high-quality craftsmanship and competitive prices.

Despite the challenges of modern retail, Hatton Garden remains a significant player in the jewellery industry. Its small independent workshops often outshine larger commercial jewellery stores by offering bespoke services, personal consultations, and competitive pricing. Many customers visit Hatton Garden to commission unique, handcrafted pieces rather than buying mass-produced jewellery from chain stores.

The district has also embraced technological advancements in jewellery making, including 3D printing and computer-aided design (CAD), ensuring that it remains at the forefront of modern jewellery trends while maintaining its rich heritage of craftsmanship.

Visiting Hatton Garden

Today, a visit to Hatton Garden offers not just the chance to buy exquisite jewellery but also to experience a historical part of London. Visitors can explore a variety of jewellery boutiques, workshops, and even specialist antique jewellers. The area also has a number of excellent restaurants and cafés, making it an ideal destination for a day out in London.

For those interested in the artistry behind jewellery, Daniel Christopher Jewellery offer bespoke consultations, allowing customers to be part of the design process from start to finish. This combination of history, craftsmanship, and modern innovation continues to make Hatton Garden a must-visit for jewellery enthusiasts and those looking for unique pieces.

Hatton Garden is much more than a jewellery district; it’s a living piece of London's history. From its origins in the 16th century to its development into a global jewellery hub, Hatton Garden has remained a symbol of luxury, craftsmanship, and heritage. Its ability to preserve traditional skills while embracing modern technology ensures that it will continue to shine as one of the world’s most famous jewellery quarters for generations to come.

1. The Hatton Garden Heist (2015): One of the most famous stories associated with Hatton Garden is the daring heist that took place over the Easter weekend in 2015. A group of aging criminals managed to break into the Hatton Garden Safe Deposit Company’s vault and steal an estimated £14 million in jewellery, cash, and other valuables. Dubbed the "largest burglary in British legal history," the heist became the subject of several films and documentaries due to its extraordinary details, including the criminals’ use of a diamond-tipped industrial drill to break through a two-meter-thick vault wall.

2. The Crown Jeweller: Hatton Garden has been home to many prestigious jewellers, including those responsible for creating pieces for British royalty. For many years, the official Crown Jeweller, entrusted with maintaining and creating jewellery for the British royal family, was based in Hatton Garden. This highlights the area’s historical importance and continuing role in the world of luxury jewellery.

3. Hollywood Connections: Hatton Garden’s international reputation has led to its recognition in popular culture. It has been referenced in films, novels, and television series as a hub of wealth and fine jewellery. Some of its diamonds have even found their way to Hollywood’s most famous red carpets.

4. Underground River: Beneath Hatton Garden flows the River Fleet, one of London's "lost" underground rivers. It was once a significant waterway but was buried beneath the city's streets during the 19th-century urbanisation. While visitors to Hatton Garden may not see the river today, its existence adds an extra layer of mystery to the area’s long history.

5. Centuries of Craftsmanship: The skillsets passed down through generations are key to Hatton Garden's enduring success. Many businesses in the area have been family-owned for several generations, meaning that the knowledge of jewellery-making, diamond cutting, and design has been handed down over hundreds of years.

6. Ely Place and Its Secret History: Ely Place, adjacent to Hatton Garden, is home to the oldest Catholic church in England, St. Etheldreda's Church, which dates back to the 13th century. This private street was once part of the Bishops of Ely's residence, and interestingly, the historic Mitre Tavern is reputed to have a secret tunnel that connects to the church.

7. Hatton Garden’s Cultural Presence: Hatton Garden has featured in numerous films, TV shows, and books, often symbolising the world of luxury, diamonds, and intrigue. The 2017 British crime film 'The Hatton Garden Job' dramatises the infamous 2015 heist, bringing the area’s underworld reputation into popular culture.

8. The "Garden" That’s Not a Garden: Despite its name, there’s no longer a garden at Hatton Garden. It was originally named for the sprawling gardens of Ely Place, owned by the Bishops of Ely, but those have long since been replaced by streets and buildings focused on commerce.