Howard’s House was built in the mid to late 17th century for Henry Howard, who had laid out the ‘pleasure gardens’ that extended east from here to the the river on the site of the Austin Friary. It is possible that this building, now converted to offices, contains the remains of the Friary gatehouse. The building itself is of red brick and flint rubble, with a pantile roof and rendered street facades. Although it underwent alteration in the 17th and 18th century, it retains a fine staircase with open-work panels inside.