Grecian Coffee House facts for kids

The Grecian Coffee House was a popular place in London, England, like a cafe where people met, drank coffee, and talked. A Greek sailor named George Constantine opened it around 1665. It was first located near the River Thames at Wapping Old Stairs.

After nearly 200 years, the coffee house closed in 1843 and was remodelled into a public house

A New Location and Famous Visitors

The Grecian Coffee House became very successful. By 1677, George Constantine moved it to a more central spot. This new location was in Devereux Court, just off Fleet Street, a busy area in London.

A Meeting Place for Important People

In the 1690s, the Grecian Coffee House was a favorite meeting spot for a political group called the Whigs. These were people who wanted certain changes in the government. Important members like John Trenchard and Andrew Fletcher often met there.

In the early 1700s, many famous scientists and thinkers visited. Members of the Royal Society, a group dedicated to science, were often seen there. These included the famous scientist Sir Isaac Newton, who discovered gravity. Other notable visitors were Sir Hans Sloane, who was a doctor and collector, and Edmund Halley, who studied comets. The well-known writer and politician Joseph Addison also enjoyed spending time at the Grecian.

Scholars and a Strange Duel

People who studied old languages and history, called classical scholars, also gathered at the coffee house. One time, two of these scholars had a big argument. They disagreed about how to say an ancient Greek word. Their argument became so heated that they went outside and had a fight in the street!

A Hub for Law Students and Writers

In the 1760s and 1770s, the Grecian Coffee House became popular with Irish law students. Many young Irishmen studying to become lawyers at a place called the Middle Temple would meet there.

Oliver Goldsmith and His Friends

These students were drawn to the coffee house because of the famous writer Oliver Goldsmith. He was a poet and playwright who loved to entertain his friends there. One of his friends was Henry Grattan, who would later become an important politician.

Edmond Malone's Favorite Spot

The Grecian was also the favorite coffee house of Edmond Malone. He was a very important scholar who studied the works of Shakespeare. In 1776, he wrote a letter to his father from the coffee house. He mentioned how noisy and busy it was, with famous people like the political writer Mr. Scott and the actor Charles Macklin nearby.

The End of an Era

By 1803, the Grecian Coffee House was no longer the main meeting place for scientists or political groups. Instead, it became a popular spot for lawyers. Finally, in 1843, after nearly 200 years, the Grecian Coffee House closed its doors. It was then changed into a pub. Today, a pub called The Devereux stands on the same site. It is considered a Grade II listed building, meaning it's an important historical structure.