(Photo: Friends of Bloomsbury Square)
Open:
Sunday 13:00–16:00
Description:
Bloomsbury Square was the first true garden square in London, laid out by the Earl of Southampton after the example of Covent Garden Piazza and Lincoln’s Inn Fields, under a royal licence granted in the 1640s.
Originally called Southampton Square, the square was renamed after the earl’s daughter Rachel married into the Russell family (the Dukes of Bedford) in 1669. (The name Bloomsbury comes from ‘Blemondisberi’ – meaning ‘the manor of Blemond’ – after the 13th-century owner, William Blemond.) Another daughter, Elizabeth, became the Duchess of Montagu and lived nearby in Montagu House, the original home of the British Museum.
In the early 1800s Humphry Repton, with architect John Nash, landscaped the square, newly open to Russell Square following the redevelopment of Bedford House, which had stood between the two. Repton designed a central circle of lime trees with shaded walks, oval corner beds and deciduous planting around the borders.
An extensive renovation in 2003 included restoration of Repton’s layout and new planting made in the Regency style. The square was awarded a Green Flag in 2008 and 2009.
The square has had an eventful history. In 1780 anti-Catholic Gordon rioters burned down the town house of the Lord Chief Justice. In 1950 the square was formally opened to the public.
An oval bas-relief at the centre of the square shows Bedford House and a quotation by the 17th-century diarist and garden designer, John Evelyn. To the north is an 1816 bronze statue of Charles James Fox, celebrated 18th-century rake, politician and libertarian, holding a copy of Magna Carta.
Activities:
The Friends of Bloomsbury Square will be available for information and will lead historical tours on Sunday 1-4pm. Jazz music provided by Camden Council.
Entrance:
All four sides
Nearest postcode: WC1A 2RJ
Buses:
1, 7, 8, 19, 25, 38, 55, 59, 68, 91, 98, 168, 188, 242
Station:
Holborn
Access:
After a Pelican crossing, there is level access from adjoining paved areas, via gated railings.
Dogs:
Dogs on leads
Further information:
Nearby Gardens (click on names for details):
Last updated: 06/03/2010