Bedford Square, WC1B
Brunswick Square, Bloomsbury. Leafy squares characterise the Bloomsbury district of London. Brunswick Square was originally part of the recreation grounds of the Foundling Hospital.
Credit: Stephen McKay
Bedford Square was designed as a unified architectural composition in 1775-6 by Thomas Leverton.

The land to the north of Bedford House was deliberately left open to maintain the 4th Duek of Bedford’s view of the hills of Hampstead and Highgate. Plans for Bedford Square, on the western edge of the estate were first conceived in the 1760s.

Following the Duke’s death in 1771, the plans were advanced by his widow.

Bedford Square was designed by Thomas Leverton and built by a number of builders with strict controls over the elevations.

Its construction marked the beginning of systematic development of the land to the north of the estate.

return to article