The Plex, its history and occupants

Before The Plex was home to freelancers, charities, and small teams building something of their own, The Plex had a life of its own.

Originally known as The Cliff — a grand villa on Margaret Street, built in circa 1824 an era when Wakefield's professional and merchant classes were competing to build the finest townhouses in the city. The property was constructed as part of the St John’s residential area.

Over the next two centuries, The Cliff was home to lawyers, railway directors, coroners, and even a Mayor of Wakefield — before becoming a clinic, and eventually the flexible workspace it is today.

Over the next few weeks, we're telling the stories of the people who lived here. First up: a lawyer who arrived in 1827.