The development of Oxford Street began in the 18th century once local fields had been purchased by the Earl of Oxford.
In 1739, a gardener called Thomas Huddle built property on the north side. Buildings were erected on the corner of Oxford Street and Davies Street in the 1750s and further development occurred between 1763 and 1793.
By the end of the 18th century, Oxford Street had been built up from St Giles Circus to Park Lane, containing a mix of residential houses, pubs and theatres.
Oxford Circus was designed as part of the development of Regent Street by the architect John Nash in 1810. The four quadrants of the circus were designed by Sir Henry Tanner and built between 1913 and 1928.