Queen Square, Bloomsbury

Origins and Royal Connections

Queen Square was laid out in the early 1700s, originally named Devonshire Square before being renamed in honour of Queen Anne. The land was once part of the gardens of Sir Nathaniel Curzon’s house, reflecting the era’s trend of transforming grand estates into fashionable urban developments. The square’s northern side was left open to preserve views of Hampstead and Highgate, a rare luxury for city dwellers at the time. The statue at the northern end, long believed to be Queen Anne, is now known to depict Queen Charlotte, consort of King George III, who was also associated with the square’s history and the nearby Queens Larder pub.

Medical and Academic Legacy

Over the 19th century, Queen Square evolved from a residential enclave into a hub for medical and educational institutions. The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, one of the world’s leading centres for neurological care, has its roots here. Other institutions, including schools for the blind and colleges, moved into the square’s grand houses, reshaping its character. The concentration of expertise in medicine and academia continues to define the area, making it a place of both historical and contemporary significance.

Tranquil Green Space and Memorials

Today, Queen Square is a peaceful public garden, enclosed by iron railings and dotted with benches, statues, and memorials. The central green offers a rare moment of calm in central London, with inscribed benches and a late Victorian water pump that taps into the same source as the original. A plaque set into the ground commemorates a Zeppelin bombing in 1915, a dramatic event that, remarkably, caused no injuries despite the square’s proximity to hospitals and residents. The atmosphere is one of quiet reflection, a testament to the square’s enduring role as a place of rest and remembrance.

Architectural and Cultural Character

The buildings surrounding Queen Square showcase a mix of Georgian elegance and later institutional architecture. St George the Martyr Church, one of the first structures on the square, stands as a reminder of its early days. The square’s evolution from a residential address to a centre of learning and healing is reflected in its varied facades and the stories embedded in its stones. Queen Square remains a living example of London’s ability to blend history, culture, and community in a single, harmonious space.