The gallows to the home of a prime minister
My latest blog for Country Life takes me to a lovely Georgian Square in the heart of London. Connaught Square was built over fields during the 1820s, which a few years earlier had been the location for the Tyburn Tree, London’s main execution site from 1388 to 1783.
Tyburn Tree 1680
The area was part of a large estate belonging to the Bishop of London (and today is still held by the Church Commissioners). It was in 1795 that the Bishop acquired permission to grant building leases and a grand plan was drawn up by estate surveyor, Samuel Pepys Cockerell. Connaught Square was the first square built on the Hyde Park Estate, constructed during the 1820s. The simple Georgian designs of brick and stucco were by architect, Thomas Allason.
Connaught Square
Connaught Square has been the home of a number of notable residents, including ballerina, Marie Taglioni; author, Nigel Balchin; DJ, Paul Oakenfold; and more recently TV presenter, Claudia Winkleman. However, Connaught Square is most famous for its connection with former prime minister, Tony Blair and his family.
Georgian terraces of Connaught Square
Chesterton Humberts are currently selling a six bedroom house on Connaught Square – for more details check our website – Connaught Square
For the full story of Connaught Square and this house visit my latest blog post for Country Life.
Really an interesting post, thanks for sharing
I’m really fascinated with properties that are part of history. Rather than demolishing, it is great that there are those that prefer to preserve history.