I recently spent many hours researching and reading about the history of Belgravia for a new historic brochure on the area. This historic part of central London is well known for its grand stucco houses and tree-lined streets and often known as ‘Cubbittopolis’ for its association with historic builder, Thomas Cubitt, but there is so much more to the history of the area than big houses.
The release of the brochure (which can be viewed here: http://www.chestertonhumbertspublications.com/history_of_belgravia.html) was combined with an event in our Knightsbridge and Belgravia branch where I spoke to an audience about the history of Belgravia.
Excerpt from map by John Rocque – 1746
The above map shows the area, including ‘Bloody Bridge’ which was the bridge over the river Westbourne and was the site of many attacks and murders, giving it the name.
The area was marshy and water-logged, so no building was undertaken until the early 19th century, when Thomas Cubitt drained the land allowing him to create solid foundations for new houses for the Duke of Westminster.
Belgrave Square by George Basevi
There are many stories to the history of Belgravia, from the early period through to the architects and builders of the now famous stucco houses, and the famous residents who have called it home. The full history is featured in the brochure, which can be viewed here – http://www.chestertonhumbertspublications.com/history_of_belgravia.html
Event at Knightsbridge and Belgravia – December 2010
