Prince’s Square and Leinster Square are ’twin’ picturesque garden squares situated in the Bayswater area - the two squares share a street.
Surrounded by Victorian private housing estates known for their architectural beauty and landscaped gardens, the symmetrical Prince’s Square, faces Hereford Road and Garway Road. During the London Blitz, much of the area suffered war damage, but it was swiftly restored, with houses rebuilt to replicate the original tall terraces.
The squareis adorned with Grade II listed Victorian terraced houses. The buildings feature basements with elegant black railings, mansard roofs made of slate, sash windows, and yellow bricks adorned with white stucco projections, pediments and dressings.
Since 2015, a series of upscale developments have been taking place within the square. New flats and townhouses have been constructed behind the façade of two former hotels, blending modern living with the square’s historic charm.
The buildings surrounding the square are individually listed as Grade II on the National Heritage List for England.
The development of Prince’s Square (and Leinster Square), began in 1856 and was completed in 1864. The project was primarily undertaken by George Wyatt, a lesser-known builder and speculator. The gardens within the square are dominated by plane trees, which were planted during the original construction period. Notably, a tree was planted in the middle of the garden on February 26, 1887, in honour of Queen Victoria’s Jubilee Year.
In 1977, following a period of neglect, the garden underwent refurbishment. Extensive planting was carried out, which has largely survived to this day, and the iron railings were restored. The original railings had been removed during the Second World War. Presently, access to the garden is restricted to residents with keys, and it is managed by the Leinster Square Gardens Association (LSGA).
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