Queen Square, Bloomsbury – A Historic Medical and Architectural Landmark

Origins and Early Development of Queen Square

Queen Square was constructed beginning around 1706 on land that once belonged to Sir Nathaniel Curzon. Named in honor of Queen Anne, the square was initially a fashionable residential area featuring houses on three sides, with the northern side left open to preserve views of the countryside, including the hills of Hampstead. The Church of St George the Martyr, built concurrently with the square, served as a chapel of ease and is one of the earliest surviving buildings. Early residents included notable figures such as Fanny Burney and Dr. Burney, who hosted Captain James Cook. The square’s layout and architecture reflect London's expansion from rural estates to urban squares in the 18th century.

Transition to a Medical and Institutional Hub

By the 19th century, Queen Square began to shift from residential to institutional use. Charities, medical institutions, and schools gradually replaced private homes. The National Hospital for the Paralysed and Epileptic, established in 1859, expanded significantly, acquiring properties and reshaping the square’s western side. Other institutions included schools for the blind and colleges, marking the square as a center of medical expertise, particularly in neurology. This transformation mirrored broader urban trends where central London squares adapted to new social and professional functions.

Architectural and Cultural Features

Queen Square showcases a variety of architectural styles from its original Georgian terraces to later institutional buildings. A notable feature is the statue of Queen Charlotte, often mistaken for Queen Anne, which stands prominently at the northern end of the square. The square’s gardens, managed by trustees since a private act of Parliament in 1832, provide a tranquil green space amidst the urban environment. A late Victorian water pump marks the site of an ancient reservoir that once supplied water to the area, linking the square to London's historic water infrastructure.

Historical Events and Anecdotes

Queen Square bears witness to significant historical moments, including a Zeppelin bombing raid during the First World War in 1915. A bomb dropped by the German Zeppelin L13 exploded in the square, yet remarkably caused no casualties despite the proximity of hospitals and sleeping occupants. The square’s resilience and continuity through such events underscore its enduring role in London's urban fabric. Additionally, the square has connections to prominent historical figures such as King George III, who was treated nearby, and Sir Mark Isambard Brunel, who lived here while developing his engineering innovations.

Modern Significance and Visitor Experience

Today, Queen Square remains synonymous with medical excellence, particularly neurology, housing the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery and related institutions. The square offers visitors a blend of historic architecture, peaceful gardens, and commemorative plaques that narrate its layered past. It stands as a testament to London's ability to integrate heritage with ongoing professional and scientific advancements, providing a unique cultural and historical experience in the heart of Bloomsbury.