BRIEF HISTORY DURING THE SNOW ERA (1813-58)

Bedford Square was built in 1775-80 on the former Bedford Estate, the London homes of the Earls and Dukes of Bedford.  The area became desirable quarters for lawyers and other professionals.  The central house on each side was plastered and stuccoed, while the rest were of brick.  Most unusual were the Until 1893, the square was sealed off by gates and tradesman were required to deliver goods in person. 

Prominent residents included Thomas Wakley, first editor of The Lancet who lived at 35 Bedford Square from 1828-48 and Thomas Hodgkin, the eminent physician who lived in the same house from 1849-66 (see Old Ordnance Survey map below for details). 

Bedford Square is in the upper left corner of cell J 15.   

Sources:

Porter R. London, A Social History, 1994.  

Richardson J. The Annals of London, 2000.

Weinreb B, Hibbert C (eds). The London Encyclopaedia, 1993.

Bedford Square in Cruchley's Map of 1846 Click here to see more details 13 years earlier

Bedford Square in 1930 as it looked since 1780 Click here to see earlier photograph

Old Ordnance Survey Map of 1870 Click here to see more details 11 years later