Berkeley Square
One of the grandest squares in Mayfair – Berkeley was designed by William Kent in 1737. It was built on land given to Lord Berkeley after he helped Charles II restore the monarchy.
It originally had thirty giant plane trees in the central garden, and houses down the east and west sides. Unfortunately, only those on the west rank survive – the others were torn down to build various office blocks, shops and showrooms.
If you want to get a glimpse of how Berkeley Square must have looked so long ago, then saunter over to the west corner, where No.44 is described as the best terraced house in London.
A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square…
Berkeley is perhaps most famous for the old-time tune, A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square.
- Robert Clive (a.k.a. Clive of India) – 45 Berkeley Square
- “Soldier and administrator, lived here.”
- George Canning – 50 Berkeley Square
- “Statesman, lived here.”
Facts and information
- Address:
- Berkeley Square, Mayfair,
London W1 - Bus route:
- 8 9 14 19 22 38 C2
- Train station:
- Bond Street CN JB, Green Park JB PC VC
Did you know… Queen Elizabeth II was born at 17 Bruton Street, on the east side of the square.
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Berkeley Square – Related articles…
Grosvenor SquareGrosvenor Square, home to the American Embassy, was the site of a huge student riot in 1968.
