View of the staircase of Cromwell House, 104 Highgate Hill, Highgate, looking up to the first floor. Carved woodwork in the staircase, newels, handrails and balustrading can be seen in the foreground, while two wooden doorcases are in the background. Details of the woodwork in the doorcase and carving on three staircase newels are visible. The balustrading features carved military motifs and emblems. Built for Richard Sprignell in 1638 by an unknown architect, this Grade I listed building, listing number 1079233, became home to Alvaro da Costa and his family from 1675 to 1749, making it the first Jewish-owned property in England since the expulsion of 1290. Used for institutional purposes since 1843, it operated as a convalescent home for Great Ormond Street Hospital from 1867 to 1924 before being converted into the Mothercraft/Truby King Children's Home, which remained in operation until 1951. Later, owned by Protestant and Catholic missionary orders, the building fell into disrepair by 1980 but was restored between 1983 and 1989. Today, it houses the High Commission of the Republic of Ghana and remains closed to the public.
