View of the Water Gate, Essex Street, City of Westminster, from Temple Place on the Embankment. Essex Street is a cul-de-sac running south from the Strand. It was laid out by Nicholas Barbon between 1675-1680, in the grounds of Essex House, formerly Leicester House built in 1575 by Robert Dudley, first Earl of Leicester. Barbon's Watergate was a feature at the end of street, giving access to the riverbank, while separating the newly developed street from the wharf and warehouses below. The arch was adopted by the Essex Street publishers Methuen & Co as their logo. The arch was seriously damaged by World War II bombing, and after repair in 1953 was incorporated into an office building. It is Grade II listed, listing number 1066823. To the right is the wall enclosing the Middle Temple Garden which is Grade II listed, listing number 1001453. To the left, Two Temple Place, the former Astor Estate Office, built in 1895 by J. L. Pearson, designed to include a town flat for Lord Astor. It is Grade II* listed, listing number 1234514.