(Photo: Loire Valley Wines)
Open:
Saturday 09:00–21:00
+ Sunday 10:00–21:00
Description:
Canonbury Square was named as the 2006 Loire Valley Wines Legacy Garden. A major makeover of the east side of the square included the planting of a small vineyard with a rose bed as its centrepiece – reflecting the planting of the vineyards in the Loire Valley.
The original square was built in 1807 by Henry Leroux (architect of Compton Terrace) who faced bankruptcy in 1812 when a new road cut through the square, making it unattractive to buyers.
By the 1840s, the square had become bed-sit land. Its residents included theatre manager Sam Phelps (who went on to revive Sadler’s Wells) and writers Evelyn Waugh and George Orwell, before it fell into Blitz-damaged disrepair.
The square was rediscovered in 1955 when renovation of the derelict properties began. Fully rejuvenated today, Canonbury Square is considered by many to be the most perfect square in London.
Activities:
Entrance:
Canonbury Road
Nearest postcode: N1 2AW
Buses:
4, 19, 30, 43
Station:
Highbury & Islington
Access:
From the west side only
Dogs:
Working assistance dogs only
Further information:
Nearby Gardens (click on names for details):
Last updated: 03/07/2009