Update from the House Historian
It has been a while since I updated you on my adventures in the world of researching the history of houses. As well as taking a trip to Wiltshire to research two houses (one of which has a gruesome story related to a skeleton – the story will follow soon), I have been spending a lot of time researching historic areas of London.
After the success of the history of Chelsea Garden Squares, I have completed a brochure on Islington Squares. The development of Islington offers a very different look at the history of London: firstly being a holiday destination for the wealthy and slowly becoming a rural community dominated by livestock heading to Smithfield market and it commonly became known as ’the dairy of London’ offering fresh milk and cheese.
Illustration of Islington in 1780 from 'Old and New London'
The completed brochure on Islington Squares is being printed at the moment, so I’ll be sure to send you the link when it becomes available.
I have also been writing an historical overview of the history of Belgravia. Most people may have heard of ‘Cubittopolis’ and the grand stucco terraces of Belgravia, but there is so much more to the history of one of the most sought after addresses in London. Prior to building it was in fact known as being notoriously dangerous and populated by highwaymen and footpads. The ground was so swampy that no one could build on it and it was relegated to an open waste until the early 19th century.
Horwood's map of London 1799 showing the open fields behind Knightsbridge
In fact, along the Kings Road (which was still only for the private use for the King at this time) was Bloody Bridge, nicknamed for the number of murders and attacks that took place.
Of course, we now know that Belgravia became the most fashionable address in London after Thomas Cubitt came along and built the grand stucco terraces and squares, changing the fortune of the area dramatically in as little as ten years.
Belgrave Square designed by George Basevi
The area history of Belgravia will be published in a brochure and culminating with an event where I’ll be telling some of the stories of this fascinating part of London.
