The Square

Origins and Construction

Fitzroy Square sits in the heart of Fitzrovia, London W1T, and is the only Georgian square in the district — indeed, the district takes its name from the square. The land belonged to the FitzRoy family, descendants of Charles II’s illegitimate son. An Act of Parliament in 1768 enabled development, and Charles FitzRoy, 1st Baron Southampton, began laying out the square around 1790.

Construction proceeded in four distinct phases. The east side (1794–1798) was designed by Robert Adam — his last major commission before his death in 1792 — and completed by his brothers James and William Adam. Eleven houses with unified palace-front façades were built using exquisite Portland stone shipped from Dorset.

The south side followed the same Adam design. Then came a 30-year gap caused by the Napoleonic Wars and a property slump. Charles FitzRoy died in 1797 with only half his vision realised. The north side (1827–1828) and west side (1832–1835) finally completed the square, though in cheaper stucco rather than Portland stone.

Heritage Designations

The east and south terraces are Grade I listed — on the National Heritage List for England since 1954. The north and west terraces hold Grade II* listed status. The square sits at the heart of the Fitzrovia Conservation Area and is designated a Private Open Space under the London Squares Preservation Act 1931.

All external works to the listed buildings require Listed Building Consent from Camden Council. The Committee works closely with The Georgian Group on matters affecting the historic fabric of the terraces.