History
The location of Savoy Place was originally called the Savoy Manor, taking its name from Peter II, Count of Savoy. He was given the land by Henry III on 12 February 1246 and built a palace on the site. After his death in 1268, the property was left to a French hospice. The Savoy Palace was extended by successive Earls of Lancaster and John of Gaunt, but was burnt down during the Peasants' Revolt of 1381. The palace was modified to become a prison in the 15th century.
In 1509, Henry VII left money in his will for a hospital. This was completed on the site in 1517. The hospital fell into decline and eventual became a military barracks and prison.
Various religious institutions were based on the site, including a Jesuit school. The area was also a retreat for the families of French Protestants. In 1723, a German Lutheran church was built on part of the site, but demolished in 1877 for the construction of the Thames Embankment.
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