the history of belgravia
Past & Present
Knightsbridge London
01 the history of belgravia
Early Knightsbridge Today, Knightsbridge and Belgravia are known
However, the name of Knightsbridge has also
for exclusivity, fashionable shopping and
been attributed to the story of two knights who
luxurious houses, but the early history of the area
were heading across the bridge at the River
couldn’t have been more different. Images of
Westbourne. The two knights fought to the death
shopping at Harrods and walking down Sloane
and from that time it was commonly known as
Street are replaced by open fields dominated by
the ‘Knights Bridge’. The early bridge over the
market gardens and at night it was a popular
river that gave the area its name formerly sat by
place for thieves and highwaymen.
today’s Albert Gate.
The early history dates back to the 11th century when it was recorded as ‘Kyngesburig’ or ‘Kyngesbrigg’ - Kings Bridge, which is believed to originate from the association with Edward the Confessor. The King held the lands here and, it is believed, built a bridge for the monks of Westminster, who were given portions of the land around Hyde Park and the River Westbourne.
02 the history of belgravia
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Early Belgravia
During the 16th century, the area where
century more houses had been built along
area was the King’s private road and where the
Belgravia is situated today was simply known as
Knightsbridge to the north and Grosvenor Place
road crossed the river was a bridge known as
Ebury Farm and covered 430 acres of meadows
to the east.
‘Bloody Bridge’ due to the number of attacks
Map of London 1746 by John Rocque
and pastureland. The estate was acquired by the
and murders that took place there. The infamous
Grosvenor family in the 17th century, when Sir
Up until the early 19th century the land behind
fields were also used for cock-fighting, as well as
Thomas Grosvenor married the young heiress,
Knightsbridge, Sloane Street and Grosvenor
bull and bear-baiting.
Mary Davies in 1676. The Grosvenor family can
Place was still open fields and marsh land known
be traced back to Gilbert le ros Veneur (meaning
as ‘Five Fields’. The name originated from the
One of the other main features of Knightsbridge
Chief Huntsman), a nephew of Hugh Lupus,
way tracks and paths divided the area into
during this time was the taverns and it was
Earl of Chester, who was a nephew of William
separate sections. During the day, the fields were
well-understood that many of the innkeepers
the Conqueror. When Mary Davies married into
used for market gardening, apparently
were in the pockets of thieves who frequented
the Grosvenor family, she brought to the
well-known for asparagus, as well as watercress
the area. To travel across Knightsbridge, people
marriage extensive land holdings across today’s
from the banks of Westbourne River, and grazing
would gather in an organised group to walk from
Mayfair, Belgravia and Pimlico, which still make
animals and hanging out washing. However, at
Hyde Park Corner to Kensington, and a bell
up a large part of the estate today. However,
night, Five Fields became a notoriously
sounded for the imminent departure of a group
in the 17th century, the area was only marshy
dangerous area. The lack of lighting and buildings
for those wishing to have the security of safety in
ground unsuitable for building so very little was
meant it was a popular haunt for highwaymen
numbers through Knightsbridge.
done to the land. In the 18th century some
and footpads (thieves on foot), with many stories
building began to appear on the outskirts of the
recorded about robberies and murders in Five
area, with the oldest houses in Ebury Street,
Fields. The open fields were also a popular
constructed in 1720. By the turn of the 19th
destination for duels. The only road to cross the
04 the history of belgravia
Cubbitopolis
The name Belgrave originates from Belgrave
Of course, Thomas Cubitt held a lot of
as they appear today, but rather imitation yellow
outside of Leicester, where the landowners, the
responsibility for the building of Belgravia, but
ochre of Bath Stone, which was the stone used on
Grosvenor family had an estate. However, the
estate surveyors from the Cundy family were also
Buckingham Palace.
name ‘Belgravia’ was invented from the fact that
heavily involved, as were architects, Seth Smith
Belgrave Square sat within the heart of the new
and George Basevi. In fact, the first plans for
On 18th March 1825, an agreement was made
grand building scheme by Cubitt. But, the name
building on the Grosvenor estate in Five Fields
between Lord Grosvenor and Thomas Cubitt for
took some time to be accepted, as Hermione
dates from around 1812 when the estate surveyor,
the development of most of the estate, less a few
Hobhouse explained in Country Life that in the
James Wyatt drew up plans for the area. In 1813,
specific areas which were given to Seth Smith
early period a letter addressed to “Thomas Cubitt,
a further plan was put forward by Alexander
whose premises were in Davies Street and who
Eaton Place, Belgravia”, was sent to Vienna ‘on
and Daniel Robertson. Large parts of this plan
had done considerable work in Mayfair, as well
the grounds that such an outlandish name could
remained, even after the Robertson’s themselves
as Joseph Cundy, the speculative builder brother
only belong to an Hungarian province’. The area
were no longer involved in the project.
of the estate surveyor and a few other smaller
has also been called ‘Cubittopolis’ as, still today,
builders. In 1826 it was Cubitt, with the approval
it is seen as one of Thomas Cubitt’s greatest
The first building agreements were in 1821,
of the Grosvenor Estate, who obtained the
achievements. However, this does distract from
well-timed with the recently renovated
Grosvenor Place and District Improvement Act,
the fact that many other architects and builders
Buckingham House for George IV by John Nash.
with 36 Trustees responsible for paving, lighting,
were involved in the development of Belgravia.
It is worth noting that the buildings would not
policing, drainage etc.
have originally been finished in the cream colour
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Master Builder - Thomas Cubitt Cubitt was not only a builder, but he was the
continued a modest lifestyle, refusing a title from
first to establish a building business that was able
Queen Victoria, and in particular he continued to
to supply all the building trades, as well as the
call himself ‘builder’ instead of ‘architect’ or ‘land
architectural designs for a house. Along with his
surveyor’ as was more socially acceptable.
brothers, William and Lewis, the Cubitt’s took care of land drainage, sewerage, roads, lighting, gardens, as well as the construction of the houses
One other key feature of Cubitt’s legacy in
and mews. They employed their own trades-
Belgravia was his ingenious way of overcoming
men – bricklayers, masons, carpenters, plumbers
the problems with the swampy ground. Firstly,
as well as painters and decorators. The Cubitt’s
Cubitt dug up the top layer of clay and used it to
were also known for the good workmanship and
make bricks, and secondly used earth taken from
efficiency, further establishing them as the high
the recently excavated St Katherine’s Dock to
quality builders of the age. Cubitt became known
level the ground and allow for the foundations of
as ‘the emperor of the building trade’, but he
houses to be built on gravel.
Estate Surveyors - The Cundy’s The Cundy family had a long association as
vise the progress of ongoing work. He oversaw
estate surveyors for the Grosvernor’s, with three
many aspects of the development, including
generations managing the estate from 1821 until
checking the measurements of the buildings
1890. Thomas Cundy I (1765-1825) was estate
on site and monitoring the quality of the work.
surveyor from 1821 until his death in 1825, but
Thomas Cundy, junior was also responsible for
during that time he produced and submitted the
the designs of three estate churches: St Paul’s
definitive plan (though there were later additions
Wilton Place (1840-43), in Perpendicular style;
and alterations) for Belgravia. His son, Thomas
St Michael’s Chester Square (1846) in decorated
Cundy II, junior (1790-1867) replaced his father
Gothic style; and the church of St Barnabus in
and his role was to provide plans for developers,
the street of that name, off Pimlico Road (1848-
and sometimes individual builders, and to super-
50) in pure Gothic style.
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Belgrave Square
Belgrave Square is the centre piece of Cubitt’s
The building of the terraces took place from 1825
development. Lord Grosvenor, 1st Marquess
until 1828, although building in the square was
of Westminster commissioned Thomas Cubitt
still ongoing into the 1830s. At the time of
to oversee the development of his estate, but in
completion, Basevi’s designs were the largest
Belgrave Square the development was handled by
terraced houses in London: four storeyed and
the Haldimand Syndicate. George and
stuccoed and featuring Corinthian pillars or
William Haldimand, along with Alexander Louis
pilasters and elaborate stucco decoration in the
Prevost took over much of the building of the
course above the attic. However, the facades are
terraces of Belgrave Square with architect George
not identical with slight variations in each, while
Basevi. George Basevi is known as being Sir John
still giving the impression of a grand uniform
Soane’s finest pupil, as well as the cousin of Prime
appearance.
Ordnanace Survey map 1869
Minister, Benjamin Disraeli. He was the architect of the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge, and
Although the designs for the terraces and villas
suffered an untimely death, falling from
of Belgrave Square were completed by others,
scaffolding at Ely Cathedral in 1845.
Cubitt was responsible for the central gardens and the vital infrastructure, including the sewers,
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roads and pavements. Cubitt insisted on using only the best materials available and ensured the highest standard of workmanship.
The the history of belgravia
Four Corners
Ordnanace Survey map 1869
The four corners of Belgrave Square were
In the north western corner, No.12 was leased
the Marquis of Tweeddale; and in the 1850s was
uniquely laid out for separate large villas. Three
to Earl Brownlow, who employed Sir Robert
the home of Earl Ducie. It has been altered a
of the plots were leased to tenants who employed
Smirke to design the house. It later became the
number of times and today is the Spanish Em-
their own architects, although the fourth villa, in
home of the Earl of Ancaster and today, it is the
bassy. In the south eastern corner, No.37, known
the north east, was abandoned with the building
Portuguese Embassy. No.24, in the south western
as Seaford House, was leased to the 3rd Earl of
of Grosvenor Crescent. However, No.49, on the
corner, was leased to Brighton developer, Thomas
Sefton, who employed Philip Hardwicke to de-
angle of Grosvenor Crescent, slightly compen-
Kemp, who employed H.E. Kendall to design
sign his house. It was constructed by Cubitt and
sates for the loss. It was designed by Cubitt for
his house. The house, later known as Downshire
completed in 1846. It later became the home of
Sidney Herbert, 1st Baron Herbert of Lea and
House, was completed in 1834, but Kemp was
Lord de Waldon, who renamed it Seaford House
completed in the late 1840s. It later became the
forced to let it rather than live in it himself, and
after an ancestor. Today it is the Royal College of
home of the Duke of Richmond, and today is the
in 1837 it became the home of Viscount Hill,
Defence Studies.
residence of the Argentine Ambassador.
Commander-in-Chief of the British Army. It later became the home of Lady Harriett
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Drummond; the Right Honourable Lord Pirrie;
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Distinguished Residents
Since its completion, Belgrave Square has been a
It later became the home of Viscount Baring; the
House, was also later home of the Dowager
highly sought-after address in London. Almost
earl of Eglintoun; and cricketer, Lord Hawke.
Marchioness Conyngham, as well as Colonel
immediately houses were taken by high-ranking
Douglas Pennant. Other residents have included
politicians, military men and aristocrats. In fact,
The square has also been home to the Earl and
the Earl of Albermarle; Earl Fortescue; the
there were so many notable residents it is difficult
Dowager-Countess Beauchamp; geologist, Sir
Archbishop of York; the Duke of Connaught;
to record them all here, but below is a selection
Roderick Murchison; 1st Earl of Ellesmere; the
and the Earl of Ilchester.
of illustrious names who have lived in Belgrave
Earls of Faversham; Henry Labouchere, Baron
Square.
Taunton; and Lord Crewe. No.18 is the official
No.43 was built for the Earl of Bradford, and
residence of the Austrian ambassador and nearby
formerly known as Bradford House, before
General Sir George Murray, Quartermaster-
at Nos. 21-23 is the German Embassy. The south
becoming the home of Charles McLaren Esq.
General to the British Army during the
east terrace (Nos. 25-36) features two Coade
No.44 was the home of the Honourable Percy
Peninsular War lived at No.5, which also later
Stone reliefs with allegorical cherubs of 1796.
Wyndham; No.45, the Duke and Duchess of
became the home of philanthropist, 7th Earl of
They were installed in 1968 from the former
Montrose; and No.48 was the home of Viscount
Shaftesbury. No.6 was the home of the 7th Duke
Danish-Norwegian consulate in Stepney.
Combermere. The square was also home to Sir
of Bedford; Lord Newton and later the Earl of
William Molesworth; Sir Charles Wood, later
Pembroke. Today, Nos.9 and 10 is the Institute
Nos. 29 and 30 Belgrave Square have been the
Lord Halifax; and the Duc de Bordeaux, better
of Directors, but it has also been home to the 5th
former homes of British Prime Ministers, with
known as the Comte de Chambord, who with his
Earl of Essex, who lived at No.9 with his second
Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman at No.29 and
mother, held court here in 1843.
wife, opera singer, Kitty Stephens, in 1838, a year
Charles, 2nd Earl Grey at No.30. No.36 was the
before he passed away. The Countess of Essex
home of Queen Victoria’s mother, the Duchess
continued to live in the square for another 40
of Kent, who lived in the house in 1840 while
years, until 1882. No.10 was the home of French
waiting for apartments to be prepared for her in
ambassador, M. Drouin de Lhuys, in 1850.
Kensington Palace. The house, known as Ingestre
10 The the history history of of belgravia belgravia
21st century Belgrave Square
Along with many large houses and villas in central London, the effect of two World Wars, higher taxes and death duties meant that few could afford to live in these large houses any longer. In the late 20th century many of the houses were converted for institutional and commercial use, in particular Belgrave Square is an extremely popular location for embassies. In fact, there are said to be over 20 embassies in this area alone. Belgrave Square is also the home of many Societies and Associations, including the Royal College of Psychiatrists; Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons; and the Institute of Physics. There are still some residential homes, but many
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of the houses were divided into separate apartments.
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Eaton Square
The name Eaton originates from the Grosvenor’s
The central terrace is in the more familiar stucco
st peter’s church
country seat, Eaton Hall in Cheshire. Eaton
with a continuous line of porches with fluted
On the eastern edge of Eaton Square is St Peter’s
Square has a slightly unusual layout, being di-
Doric columns. The terrace took a little longer to
Church, the location for many fashionable
vided by the King’s Road. The King’s private road,
complete, with building starting in 1830 but was
Belgravia weddings. It was designed by Henry
formerly a small footpath, was created by Charles
not completed until 1847. The third terrace, also
Hakewell and part of the early development, with
II for the sole use of the King and his family
by Cubitt, was different again constructed in an
Lord Grosvenor laying the foundation stone in
travelling to Hampton Court Palace. Anyone else
Italianate style.
1824. It was completed three years later and
wishing to use the road required a token, which
consecrated by the Bishop of London in June
was presented to the toll booth at the junction
The southern terraces were built by Seth Smith
1827. However, within a few years it was
with Grosvenor Place. The entire stretch of the
and George Sutton. Seth started work in 1825
devastated by fire and was completely rebuilt in
King’s Road, from Grosvenor Place to Fulham
to 1830, but in 1840 he passed the development
1837. It was later enlarged and remodelled by Sir
was opened to the public in 1830.
to Charles James Freake, who is remembered for
Arthur Blomfield during the 1870s. Misfortune
his building in South Kensington. He completed
struck again in 1988 when St Peter’s was once
Building in Eaton Square began in 1826, but was
the western section, as well as several sites in the
again almost entirely destroyed by fire. It was
not completed until the 1850s. The variation in
central block.
restored by architects John and Nicki Braithwaite,
architectural detail on some of the homes is due
and completed in 1991 retaining the original
to the length of time in construction and the
facade.
changing tastes in architecture from the 1820s to the 1850s.The three northern terraces are by Thomas Cubitt and his brother Lewis, with the earlier sections constructed in 1826-30, closest to
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St Peter’s, in a simplified late Georgian style, with the exterior in stock brick and stucco.
The the history history of of belgravia belgravia
Distinguished Residents Like Belgrave Square, Eaton Square has been the
Lord Hampton lived at No.41 in 1874; No.43
Baldwin was three times Prime Minister and also
home of many distinguished residents. The first
was home to Lord Cottesloe; another Prime
the cousin of Rudyard Kipling. No.93 was also
tenant to move in was William Whitbread of the
Minister, Lord John Russell lived at No.48 in
the home of Sir William Clay. No.114 was the
brewing family, with others such as Lord Truro,
1858; while at No.44 was Austrian
home of Lady Baden-Powell; and No.115 was
who was Lord Chancellor; Sir George Gray,
statesman, Prince Klemens Metternich, Prince of
the home of the Earl of Ellenborough, son of the
devoted servant and friend of Queen Victoria;
Metternich-Winneburg-Beilstein. When Foreign
great Lord Chief Justice Ellenborough in 1859;
General Sir Thomas Bradford; Colonel Sibthorp;
Minister he was one of the principal
Eaton Square was also the home of renowned
and Lord Napier of Magdala who was chief
organisers of the Congress of Vienna at the
American philanthropist, George Peabody, who
engineer with Sir Colin Campbell’s army during
end of the Napoleonic Wars. He was forced to
is remembered for his social housing across
the Indian Mutiny in 1857.
resign from the Austrian government during the
London.
revolutions of 1848 and took temporary refuge in No.4 Eaton Square was the home of Sir Francis
London.
Baring, first Lord Northbrook, who was
The 20th century brought great change to Eaton Square, particularly after World War II. Under
Chancellor of the Exchequer in 1839-41 and
Other notable residents have included: Lord
the 1939 Defence Regulations, many houses in
First Lord of the Admiralty in 1849-52; No.7
Sandhurst at No.60; Colonel Tulloch at No.63;
Eaton Square were requisitioned by the
was home to Sir Frederick Thesiger, Lord
Lord Alvanley at No.62; while No.71 was used as
government during the war, and for some time
Chelmsford, the victor of Ulundi over the Zulus
the official residence of the Speaker of the House
afterward. After the end of the war, plans were
under Cetewayo in 1879; No.10 was the home
of Commons during the rebuilding of the Houses
put in place to redevelop the square by converting
of General Sir William Codrington, who was
of Parliament; and No.74 was Lord Cardwell.
most of the houses into flats and maisonettes.
present at the Battle of Alma and Inkerman and
who held many positions, including President
was chief in command at the Siege of Sebastopol.
of the Board of Trade; Secretary for Ireland;
He was the second son of Admiral Sir Edward
Colonial Secretary and from 1868 to 1874 was
Codrington, who had formerly lived at No.92
Secretary for War.
Battle of Trafalgar and was chief commander at
No.75 Eaton Square has been the home of MP,
Navarino.
Ralph Bernal; as well as Baron Martin; and Viscount Knutsford. No.76 was the home of
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Former British Prime Minister, Neville
Viscount Falkland; No.92, Sir Augustus Clifford;
Chamberlain, lived at No.37 Eaton Square from
and No.93 was the home of Stanley Baldwin,
1923 until 1935; politician, Sir John Pakington,
later Earl Baldwin of Bewdley, in 1920-3.
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Courtesy of City of Westminster Centre
Eaton Square, who commanded the Orion at the
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15 the history of belgravia
16 Courtesy of City of Westminster Centre
the history of belgravia
Upper Belgrave Street & Belgrave Place
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The streets off Belgrave Square have also been
1880-81 and Hon. Robert Smith, eldest son of
highly sought after and were a vital part of
Lord Carrington lived at No.3. No.13 was the
Cubitt’s design for the Duke of Westminster’s
home of George Fitzclarence, eldest son of King
estate. Upper Belgrave Street, first known simply
William IV by his mistress, the actress, Mrs
as Belgrave Street, was laid out by Thomas Cubitt
Jordan. Fitzclarence became a Lieutenant of
in 1826, with No.1 Belgrave Street said to have
the Tower of London and later became Earl of
been the first completed house in Belgravia.
Munster in 1831, before he committed suicide
People began to move in during the late 1820s,
in 1842. No.13 later became the home of Lord
but it wasn’t until 1835 that the entire street was
Harewood. Belgrave Place was originally known
occupied. In 1827, Thomas Cubitt himself lived
as Upper Eccleston Street, but was renamed
at No.12 Belgrave Street, which later became the
in 1870. No.3 was the home of Lord Charles
home of writer and economist, Walter Bagehot.
Wellesley, and is also believed to have been the
Poet, Alfred Lord Tennyson, lived at No.9 in
home of the Duke of Wellington.
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Chester Square Chester Square is one of the key squares of
ornate Italianate designs. The square is dominated
of poet, Shelley; No.22 was the home of
Belgravia. It was originally laid out as streets, but
by St Michael’s Church, built by Thomas Cundy
Matthew Arnold, who became Professor of
in 1828 Joseph Cundy, Seth Smith and another
in a decorative gothic style. It was completed in
Poetry at Oxford, but he is most remembered as
developer, Watkins proposed a new layout as an
1846, but altered again in 1874.
an essayist and poet; and No.26 was the home of
oblong square. The name of Chester originates
John St Loe Strachey, son of Sir John Strachey
from the city of Chester, where the Grosvenor’s
Chester Square has also been home to many
who rose to become a successful journalist and
country seat, Eaton Hall, is located. Building
illustrious residents including geologist, Dr.
editor of The Spectator from 1898 to 1925.
began in around 1832, but was not completed
Gideon A. Mantell, who became a Fellow of the
During World War II, No.77 was the location
until the 1840s. The south east and north east
Royal Society at the age of 35 and his collection
for the Secretariat of Queen Wilhelmina of the
terraces were built and designed by Thomas
of fossils is held in the British Museum. No.24
Netherlands, and it is also believed that the spy,
Cundy II. The north west side was built by Seth
Chester Square was the home of Mary
Guy Burgess lived in the square, staying with a
Smith, with a mixture of plain stucco and more
Wollstonecraft, author of Frankenstein and wife
friend.
Eaton Place Eaton Place was constructed to accompany
politician, Lord Carson at No.5; social reformer,
nearby Eaton Square, situated to the west
William Ewart at No.16; and scientist and
towards Sloane Square. Eaton Place has been
writer, Lord Avebury was born at No.29 in 1834.
immortalised by the television programme
In 1848, composer Chopin gave his first musical
Upstairs Downstairs and clearly illustrates the
recital in London at No.99 Eaton Place and in
type of household that would have existed in
1922 No.36 was the site of the assassination of
Belgravia during the 19th and early 20th centu-
Field-Marshal Sir Henry Wilson who was shot
ries. Building development also took place over
by two Irishmen when he was getting out of his
a number of years, between 1828 and the 1840s.
car. Eaton Place continued to be the home of
Thomas Cubitt also used a number of the houses
many notable residents, with many retired
in Eaton Place as his offices throughout the
military leaders, aristocracy and politicians.
development of Belgravia. It has been the home of scientist, Lord Kelvin, who lived at No.15;
18 The the history history of of belgravia belgravia
Cadogan Estate
The Cadogan Estate, which covers a large part
cadogan place
of Knightsbridge and Chelsea, was created when
Cadogan Place was laid out as part of Henry
House of Lords. Other residents have included,
Charles Cadogan, 2nd Baron Cadogan of Oakley
Holland’s scheme for the Cadogan Estate. Today,
statesman, Charles Pelham Villiers; Private
married Elizabeth Sloane, daughter of lord of
it is a highly sought-after address in
Secretary and friend of William IV, Sir Herbert
the manor, Sir Hans Sloane, in 1717. Cadogan
Knightsbridge. Charles Dickens famously
Taylor; philanthropist, Zachery Macaulay, whose
later inherited the manor and the larger portion
referred to Cadogan Place in novel, Nicholas
son, Thomas Babington Macaulay also lived in
of Sloane’s estate. The Knightsbridge section
Nickleby as “between the aristocratic
the house in 1812-23.
of the estate, near to Sloane Street was one of
pavements of Belgrave Square and the barbarism
the first areas to be developed, in the late 18th
of Chelsea”.
century, when Henry Holland set about building
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Hans Town (named after Sir Hans Sloane). The
Cadogan Place has been the home of a number
area underwent extensive redevelopment at the
of famous residents, including the mistress of the
time of George Cadogan, 5th Earl of Cadogan
Duke of Clarence, (and mother of ten of his
in the late 19th Century, which transformed the
children), Mrs Jordan, who lived at No.30 in
area from plain, classic Georgian terraced houses
1811. The abolisher of slavery, William Wilber-
into the Victorian red brick ‘Queen Anne Style’
force, died at No.44 in 1833, only a month before
houses that dominate the area today.
the Slavery Abolition Act was passed through the
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Shopping in Knightsbridge sloane street
Harrods
Sloane Street sits on the west of Belgravia and is
Harrods was founded by Henry Charles Harrod,
corner of Knightsbridge and Sloane Street, was
at the heart of the Hans Town development. It
a tea merchant based in east London. He moved
constructed by C.W. Stephens in 1889-94 with a
was laid out as a main route from Knightsbridge
to Knightsbridge in 1849 to open a small grocers
simple brick and stone facade. It was extended to
through to Chelsea and also named after Sir
shop and it was over the next 30 years that his
the south west and south east between 1922 and
Hans Sloane. Originally developed in plain,
son Charles Digby Harrod and his nephew
1934 by F.E. Williams & Alfred Cox, with giant
uniform Georgian terraces, large sections of
William Kibble transformed this small grocers
pilasters in a ‘Selfridges’ style.
Sloane Street and surrounding Hans Town was
shop into a large department store. By 1880, the
redeveloped during the late 19th century.
store had nearly 100 assistants and had extended
Knightsbridge Green
premises and purchased neighbouring properties.
Further along Knightsbridge towards Brompton
Sloane Street has been home to a number of
The store was devastated by fire in 1883, but was
Road is the former village green, which originally
notable residents, with many being honoured
soon rebuilt and by the time the new building
covered the entire area on the corner of
with blue plaques, including Sir Herbert
opened in 1884 the turnover had almost doubled.
Knightsbridge and Brompton Road. There is so
Beerbohm Tree at a house on the site of No.76;
The familiar building we recognise today was
little remaining of the green, in fact a single tree
Sir Charles Wentworth Dilke at No.75; and
built in 1901-5, designed by Stevens and Munt,
and the street between Brompton Road and
Edgar Allen Poe went to school, which formerly
but complete rebuilding had not been completed
Knightsbridge, but until the 19th century there
sat on the east of Sloane Street. Sloane Street was
until 1939. Harrods was the first department
was a cattle market, a watch and the village stocks
also home to Count Cagliostro, in 1780, and the
store to install escalators and had staff standing
were all located here. It is also understood that
artist, Felix Moscheles lived in a house on the
at the top with smelling salts for any ladies who
the small triangle section that remains is the site
east side in 1862, where Robert Browning was
found the
of a former burial pit for victims of the plague
a visitor, but the house was demolished in 1890.
experience overwhelming.
that hit London in 1665.
The Peruvian Embassy is at No.52 Sloane Street and a few doors down is the dramatic Royal
Harvey Nichols
Danish Embassy, at No.55, designed by Arne
Harvey Nichols was founded by Benjamin
Jacobsen and completed in 1978. The Cadogan
Harvey as a small linen-draper’s. However, the
Hotel at No.75 Sloane Street was built in 1887
exact details of the origins of the store are not
and was famously the location for the arrest of
clear, but it is believed to have started trading in
Oscar Wilde in 1895. It was also the home of
around 1813. The store operated as Harvey and
actress and mistress to King Edward VII, Lillie
Co until, after joining with linen draper, Colonel
Langtry. Today, Sloane Street is renownowed as one
Nichols, it officially became Harvey Nichols in
of the most exclusive shopping streets in London.
1859. The home of Harvey Nichols, on the
20 The the history history of of belgravia belgravia
The Lowndes Estate is the section of Belgravia to
on his estate. He also commissioned Thomas
the north, where Lowndes Street and Lowndes
Cubitt, who set about building Lowndes Square,
Square are situated today. The estate consisted of
starting with the north, west and east sections,
Large parts of Lowndes Square were redeveloped
two fields, either side of the Westbourne River,
between 1838 and 1849, while the southern part
during the 20th century, with very few original
which wasn’t covered over until 1842. The estate
was constructed by Cubitt’s brother, Lewis.
houses remaining. Sloane Street was widened and
has been in the hands of the Lowndes family of
During the building development many relics of
Harvey Nichols was extended during the 1920s;
Buckinghamshire since the 17th century. The first
the Civil War were uncovered.
on the north, the Grand Metropolitan Hotel was
building to take place was in 1670 when Henry
other politicians, military and titled residents.
built in 1968-73; Richmond Court, a block of
Swindell leased a portion of the land in the north
Lowndes Square has been the home of many
flats with shops was completed in 1937-8; and
east corner, where he built a house surrounded
distinguished residents, including civil engineer
where West Halkin Street meets Lowndes Street
by extensive grounds that became a well-known
and architect, Sir John Rennie; architect, Sir
is Bolebec House by Sir Lancelot Keay, Basil
pleasure resort called ‘Spring Gardens’, where
William Tite; Admiral Southey; and railway
Duckett & partners in 1962. Across the street
Samuel Pepys was a frequent visitor. The house
contractor, Thomas Brassey. No.1 Lowndes
is the distinct semicircular Chelsea House, with
attached to the gardens was demolished in 1828
Square was the home of Sir William Molesworth
flats over shops, completed in 1935 by Thomas
to make way for Lowndes Square.
and Mr Leader, MP for Westminster; No.7
Tait.
was the home of General Lord Airey; while the
21
At around the same time that Lord Grosvenor
square was also home to writer, Mrs Gascoigne;
was planning the development of Belgravia,
Lady Morgon; Right Honourable Robert Lowe,
William Lowndes was also planning for building
MP, and later Lord Sherbrooke; and a number of
the history of belgravia
chestertonhumberts.com
Ordnanace Survey map 1869
The Lowndes family & Spring Gardens
Albert Gate
To the north of Lowndes Square, Albert Gate,
and Henry Graham and the Countess of
A number of old houses and the pubs were
named after Prince Albert, marks more than just
Derwentwater, daughter of Charles II, in 1705.
demolished in 1841 for the creation of Albert
a short-cut to the Hyde Park. It was at this point
On either side of the chapel were pubs (remem-
Gate. The new gates were installed in 1845, with
that the early ‘Knights Bridge’ was located. It was
bering that much of early Knightsbridge was
the two stags that had formerly been on a
also around this area that some of the earliest
highwaymen and taverns), including ‘The Queen’s
gateway to Green Park. At the same time, Cubitt
houses were located. To the east was the site of an
Head’, dating back to 1576, but demolished in
was planning for the construction of two grand
ancient hospital believed to have been built in the
1843.
stucco mansions on either side of Albert Gate.
late 1500s and used for those suffering from the
The house on the east became the home of ‘rail-
Bubonic plague in 1665 and also for those
On the western side of today’s Albert Gate was
way king’ George Hudson, and since that time
suffering from Leprosy. After the hospital had
‘The Fox and Bull’, which was said to have been
has been the French Embassy, where Emperor
been demolished in the early 1800s, the site was
founded at the time of Elizabeth I and where
Louis Napoleon held a levee in 1855.
used for the Cannon Brewery, but it didn’t last
she would stop on her way to visit Lord Burleigh
long as it too had been demolished in 1841.
at his house in Brompton. It is also believed to
Hyde Park Hotel
Attached to the hospital was Holy Trinity
have been visited by Sir Joshua Reynolds and also
The Hyde Park Hotel, now the Mandarin
Chapel, which was often the location for secret
where the wife of the poet Shelley was brought
Oriental Hyde Park was constructed as a ‘gentle-
marriages. It appears that Knightsbridge was one
after she drowned herself in the Serpentine. In
men’s chambers and club, in 1889-91 by Archer
of the destinations for those wishing to cover
1809 six entire male skeletons were discovered
& Green. It was constructed in a French Early
their indiscretions or for those wishing to go
under the grounds of the pub, supposed to be
Renaissance style, with pyramid roofs with
against the wishes of relatives. Irregular marriages
remains of soldiers from the Civil War.
lanterns and ornate decoration. It became a hotel
that took place at Holy Trinity included Sir
shortly after construction, in 1902. The main
Robert Walpole and Katherine Shorter in 1700
staircase is the original from 1889.
The the history history of of belgravia belgravia
22
Courtesy of City of Westminster Centre
Motcomb Street
Kinnerton Street
Life in Belgravia
shops in the heart of Belgravia. It was originally
by Seth Smith and named after a village in
not want shops to be seen, but rather, along
named Kinnerton Mews, but the name changed
Cheshire on the Grosvenor estates. The street was
with pubs, they were banished to the mews and
shortly after completion in 1830. The north side
built as a service road, including coach houses,
smaller streets on the outskirts. Cubitt planned
of Motcomb Street features the stucco front
with accommodation above; artizans’ houses;
for the area to be exclusively private houses,
of the ‘Pantechnicon’, built by Seth Smith to
small businesses and pubs. Today, it still retains
but unusually Seth Smith deliberately created
designs by Joseph Jopling in 1830. It formerly
a feeling of a small village. Earl Mountbatten
the Pantechnicon in Motcomb Street, as well
housed carriage show rooms, shops and extensive
of Burma, who was assassinated by the IRA in
as Halkin Arcade, which is now Waitrose. Still
warehousing, with a bazaar in the block opposite.
1979, maintained a house at No.2 Kinnerton
today, the majority of the pubs in Belgravia are
The supposedly fire-proof warehouse behind
Street from 1968 until his death. Studio Place,
tucked away in the mews. Through traffic was
burnt down in 1874, and its replacement became
renamed in 1931, was built as College Place in
also banned from the estate, which was enforced
a shopping arcade and garden.
1844. It contains Bradbrook House which until
by bars across Pont Street and the King’s Road,
1890 was a series of schools of anatomy. It was
attended by barkeepers in top-hats, who were
then converted into artists’ studios, renamed
given strict instructions to turn back commercial
Kinnerton Studios in 1893 and then Bradbrook
vehicles, and unauthorised private carriages.
Today, Motcomb Street is a small enclave of
Kinnerton Street area was developed from 1824
In the design for Belgravia, landowners did
House in 1948. During World War I it was used as a hospital.
23 the history of belgravia
chestertonhumberts.com
Ordnanace Survey map 1869
The Wiltons
Wilton Crescent and Wilton Place were both
Wilton Place was built on the site of an old cow
built by Seth Smith between 1824 and 1828.
yard from 1827. It has been the home of actress,
The name Wilton originated from Lady Eleanor
Mrs Reynolds; and No.13 was the home of
Egerton, daughter of the 1st Earl of Wilton,
antiquary, Honourable Thomas Stapleton. St
who married Robert Grosvenor, 1st Marquess
Paul’s Church in Wilton Place was built in
of Westminster. They have been the home of a
1840-43 by Thomas Cundy, junior.
number of prominent residents, with Wilton Crescent the home of historian, Henry Hallam,
Today, Wilton Row is known for renowned
at No.24 where he entertained many from the
Grenadier pub, believed to be one of the most
literary world; No.16 was the home of the Right
haunted pubs in London and named for its
Honourable James Lowther, MP and later Lord
close association with the former Foot-Guards
Dudley Stuart; No.37 was the home of Lord
Barracks. Wilton Row, built by Thomas Cubitt,
Chewton, who was later killed at the Battle of
was first known as Wilton Crescent Mews and
Alma; No.30 was the home of Lord John Rus-
completed by the early 1830s.
sell; and the poet, Swinburne also lived in the Crescent in 1856.
24 The the history history of of belgravia belgravia
Chesham Street St George’s Place Old Barrack Yard & Chesham Place
Chesham Street was laid out for building during
Prior to the building of Belgravia, some earlier
Old Barrack Yard was laid out in 1830 and
the 1830s as part of the building development of
houses were constructed facing Knightsbridge
originally named Phillips Terrace, until 1836. It
William Lowndes on land that ran adjacent to
during the 18th century. The section between
was an entrance to a cow pasture at the rear of
the Westbourne River. The name Chesham
today’s Lowndes Street towards the Lanesbor-
Knightsbridge on which barracks of the Foot
originated from the family home of the Lowndes,
ough Hotel, much of which has been demolished,
Guards were built from 1758. In 1830, Thomas
in Chesham, Buckinghamshire. Nos. 2-10
was known as St George’s Place. The section
Phillips rebuilt it as cottages and stabling.
Chesham Street were first completed in the mid
towards Hyde Park corner, named Knightsbridge
1830s with residents including a Viscountess, a
Terrace, was home to a selection of notable
Baronet, and an Earl. Chesham Place was laid
occupants, including Maurice Morgann, part of
out in 1831 and was the home of Madame
the embassy sent to negotiate peace with America
Vestris in 1837; while No.37 was home of Lord
in 1783; Charles II’s Ambassador to Persia, Sir
John Russell; No.35 was home to Sir Charles
John Chardin; and at No.8 Knightsbridge Terrace
Wood in 1851; and No.29 was the Russian
was the home of William Penn, the founder of
Embassy.
Pennsylvania in the United States. Other notable residents of this part of old Knightsbridge have included: poet and friend Harrison; Portuguese chevalier who became Secretary to the Embassy at Vienna, Francis Xavier D’Oliveyra; and the Countess of Yarmouth, mistress of George II. Nos. 11-13 was originally an entrance to Hyde Park tube station,
24
as is identified by the familiar deep red tiled exterior.
the history of belgravia
chestertonhumberts.com
Courtesy of City of Westminster Centre
of Joseph Addison and Jonathan Swift, Thomas
26 the history of belgravia
On the corner of Knightsbridge and Hyde
curiosities such as a half-sovereign taken from
The old entrance was through an arched passage
Park Corner is the grand Lanesborough Hotel,
Mr. Brunel’s windpipe and money and knives
and past a pub, ‘The Turf ’, a popular spot for a
formerly St George’s Hospital, which is on the
taken from patients’ stomachs.
drink, as well as offering accommodation for
site of the former ‘country house’ of James Lane,
the many grooms, jockeys and horse-dealers.
Viscount Lanesborough. The original house was
St George’s Hospital continued at Hyde Park
By 1864, Tattersalls had become completely
built on the outskirts of London in 1719 when
Corner until 1980, when it relocated to Tooting.
surrounded in buildings and streets and it was
this area was still countryside. Lanesborough
The Grosvenor estate then bought back the site
decided to relocate it further west to
was most notably responsible for the gilding of
and in 1988 it was agreed the hospital would be
Knightsbridge Green, where the Tattersall Tavern
the upper gallery around the dome of St Paul’s
converted into a new high class hotel, now known
is the only reminder of the former horse
Cathedral, at his own expense. He passed away in
as the Lanesborough Hotel.
auctioneers in Knightsbridge.
1724 and by 1733 the house had been acquired by the governors of the Westminster Infirmary to
Tattersalls
convert into a hospital. Over time, the old house
Behind today’s Lanesborough Hotel, was the
was converted and extended, but by the 1880s it
famous Tattersall’s horse market, “so renowned
was clear that a new building was required.
through all the breadth and length of horseloving, horse-breeding, horse-racing Europe”.
27
The new hospital was designed by William
Tattersalls was the destination point for buying
Wilkins, who was also responsible for the designs
and selling horses across the country, as well as
of the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square. The
those for Europe seeking out the best breeds for
new hospital, built in a neo-Greek style with
the nobility and gentry and was popularly known
projecting wings and a large portico of four
as ‘the corner’. It was founded in 1773 by Richard
pillars facing Green Park, was built in 1827-29.
Tattersall, former training groom to the Duke of
The new building not only included hospital
Kingston.
wards, but also a chapel, a museum, lecture room and private apartments. The museum held
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chestertonhumberts.com
Map of London 1799 by Richard Horwood
St George’s Hospital – Lanesborough Hotel
Wellington Arch & Hyde Park Corner
Prior to the building of Wellington Arch and
to complete the arch with the planned external
proposed a new plan for Hyde Park Corner
Hyde Park Screen by Decimus Burton, Hyde
decoration and Burton was forced to leave it with
which required the moving of Wellington Arch.
Park Corner was simply the entrance to London,
the plain external work, as it remains today. The
In 1883, the arch was completely dismantled
marked by a toll gate. In the early 19th century,
Arch, at this time known as Green Park Arch,
(including the removal of the statue of
a number of plans for new grand city gates were
was also situated in a different position, in line
Wellington on top) and the arch was rebuilt
submitted, including designs from Sir John Soane
with Hyde Park Screen and parallel to Grosvenor
where it stands today, looking down Constitu-
and Robert Adam, but they were deemed too
Place.
tion Hill as a grand avenue towards Buckingham
extravagant. However, after the end of the
Palace. The statue of Wellington was relocated to
Napoleonic Wars it was proposed that a grand
A few years later, in 1838, it was decided that the
a site near the
arch be built to mark the entrance to the new
top of the green park arch was an ideal
garrison church at Aldershot and a new statue
Royal Palace of George IV, Buckingham House,
situation for a monument to the Duke of
of the Duke of Wellington by Sir Joseph Boehm
which would double as a monument to the Na-
Wellington. Artist, Matthew Cotes Wyatt was
was placed outside Apsley House, the former
poleonic victories.
chosen to complete the statue, but unfortunately
home of the Duke of Wellington, in 1888.
Decimus Burton’s design for a new grand
his design, featuring the Duke of Wellington on
gateway into Hyde Park, which is the one that
a horse, was almost universally disliked. There was
The removal of the notorious Wellington statue
still stands today, was approved in 1825, and at
a great outcry against the statue, but it was still
meant that the top of the arch was empty. King
the same time he was commissioned to design a
placed on top of the arch in 1846.
Edward VII suggested a statue by sculptor,
new arch to mark the entrance to Buckingham
Within forty years, the growing traffic using
Captain Adrian Jones, who began work on
Palace. The original designs for the arch featured
Piccadilly, and the increased traffic after the
the quadriga, based on a smaller work called
ornate decoration with statues and frieze, as
opening of Victoria Station in 1860 meant that
‘Triumph’. The final work was unveiled in the
well as trophies of arms and a sculpture on top.
the roads needed to be widened. In 1880, the
presence of George VI and Queen Mary in April
However, by 1830, there was no further budget
First Commissioner of Works, Shaw Lefevre
1912.
The the history history of of belgravia belgravia
28
Grosvenor Place
Grosvenor Place was one of the earliest parts of
nistoun, Glasgow MP; and Right Honourable
Smith and those on the south were by Cubitt.
Belgravia to be built on, with the first building to
Philip Henry, 5th Earl of Stanhope, MP and
Notable inhabitants have included Lord Ash-
the south, the Lock Hospital, built in 1746, when
historian. No.17, built in 1875 by R.J. Waller
bourne at No.5; Right Honourable Sir George
much of the surrounding area was covered in
became the Irish Embassy. Other residents have
Trevelyan, Bart, M.P at No.8; the Duke of Leeds
fields. It was originally built as an isolation hos-
included: Sir Thomas Neville Abdy, first baronet
at No.11; and C. Bulkeley Barrington, MP at
pital, in particular to cure females “suffering from
MP and High Sheriff of Essex in 1875; Lord
No.14.
diseases contracted by a vicious way of life.”
George John Manners, MP and son of the 5th Duke of Rutland; Sir Thomas Bateson, Bt. Later,
Halkin Street
Grosvenor Place was laid out with houses from
it was home to first Baron Deramore; J.H. Man-
Halkin Street is dominated by Forbes House,
1767, shortly after George III made Buckingham
ners-Sutton, Lord of the Treasury and Colonial
formerly known as Mortimer House, a nine bay
House a royal country residence. The original
Governor who became 3rd Viscount Canterbury;
house, built with yellow brick and hidden behind
18th century houses were large detached villas,
and Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman, Prime
a walled forecourt with trees. The original part of
with a number of notable residents. However, by
Minister from 1905 to 1908.
the house was built in around 1810 by Sir Robert
the 1860s, and after Belgravia had become the
Smirke for the 5th Earl of Oxford, but it was
centre of fashionable London, it was decided to
Since the turn of the 20th century, many of the
later extended in 1824 for the 3rd Earl Fitzwil-
redevelop Grosvenor Place. Thomas Cundy, the
houses along Grosvenor Place have now been
liam, and again in around 1912, for the 8th Earl
younger was responsible for much of the building
converted for commercial or institutional use,
of Granard, who was responsible for the name of
in 1865-71 in a 17th century French Renaissance
with large sections entirely rebuilt.
‘Forbes’. The Caledonian Club was built in 1913
style.
on the site of the Belgrave Chapel, which had Grosvenor Crescent
29
been built by Sir Robert Smirke in 1811.
The new houses along Grosvenor Place were soon
Grosvenor Crescent was laid out from 1837,
taken up by wealthy residents, including Honour-
over the corner of Belgrave Square through the
Chapel Street
able Harry George Vane, MP, who later became
grounds of the old Tattersalls horse auction mart,
Chapel Street was named after the former
4th Duke of Cleveland; Baron Sir Anthony de
but was not completed until 1860. The houses
Chapel attached to the Lock Hospital, which
Rothschild of the banking family; John Den-
in the northern terrace were completed by Seth
was located here. It was first built up in the late
the history of belgravia
chestertonhumberts.com
18th century, but only partly completed at the turn of the 19th century. Most notably it has been the former home of Richard Jones, teacher of elocution, who became known as ‘Gentleman Jones’. He was a highly sought after teacher for politicians, preachers and lawyers who needed assistance with their speech. Wilton Street Wilton Street was built between 1819 and 1825. No.8 was the home of Henry Gray, who worked at St George’s Hospital and wrote the anatomy textbook, Gray’s Anatomy that is still used by medical students today. It was also home to actress and stage performer Miss Ruth Draper during 1936. Wilton Street was also the home of former Prime Minister Edward Heath who moved to No.17 after the loss of the election in
Ordnanace Survey map 1869
1974.
30 The The history history of of belgravia belgravia
the historian melanie backe-hansen
At Chesterton Humberts we understand the
made available within property details. Historical
or a particular building and wondered how long it
importance of national heritage, with our own
information such as former residents, when the
has been there or what it may have been hundreds
history dating back to 1805.
house was built, how the area developed, and even
of years ago. The Chesterton Humberts historian
any significant events in the house are used to
can give an insight to these mysteries and an
Chesterton Humberts greatly value the history
give insight into the history of the house and the
overview of the life of a house and the people
of houses and the insight they give to the lives of
people who have lived there.
who have called it home.
our ancestors and our nation’s social history. As well as being property experts we believe that it is
Along with providing an historical overview of
important to understand our history – to support
the house, the Chesterton Humberts historian
this we employ our own in-house historian to
works closely with our marketing team and
bring the history of property to life. Chesterton
journalists with a view to generating additional
Humberts is the only UK estate agent to offer this
publicity for the property. Whether the home
unique service.
of a famous resident, striking architecture or an association with an historic event, the historian
The Chesterton Humberts historian is responsible
can offer a unique perspective that may generate
for uncovering and bringing to life the stories
further media coverage.
behind each house, as well as giving insight into the history of local areas and streets.
People are increasingly interested in knowing more about the history of their house or the
On homes where the history is deemed
house they hope to live in. Most people have
particularly valuable, historical information is
walked along a street and noticed a blue plaque
melanie backe-hansen
Specialist in researching the history of houses. Chesterton Humberts is the only estate agent to employ a full time house historian. Read Melanie’s blog at http://property-blog.chestertonhumberts.com/ or follow Melanie on twitter http://twitter.com/househistorian
30 the history of belgravia
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31 the history of belgravia
32 the history of belgravia
the history of belgravia
Knightsbridge and Belgravia Office 31 Lowndes Street Knightsbridge London sw1x 9hx sales t: 020 7235 8090
sales.knightsbridge@chestertonhumberts.com
lettings t: 020 7235 3530
lettings.knightsbridge@chestertonhumberts.com
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