Bloomsbury has no official boundaries but is generally considered to be bordered by Euston Road and Theobald’s Road / Bloomsbury Way in the north and south respectively, Tottenham Court Road in the west and Gray’s Inn Road to the east.
In 1661, the 4th Earl of Southampton obtained a license to build on the land between his home, Southampton House and High Holborn. Around the sides of his mansion the Earl of Southampton left space for the construction of a residential square. The result was Southampton Square, what is now known as Bloomsbury Square.
Following the trend of the time, the Earl of Southampton obtained a license to hold a market in Bloomsbury Square; by 1666 a market was held four times a week selling meat and fish.
During the 1700’s Bloomsbury became a respectable and enviable address. The proximity to the Inns of Court attracted lawyers, doctors and other wealthy families to the classical mansion blocks in the area.
In the first half of the 20th century, Bloomsbury became know for its literary greats, in particular members of the Bloomsbury Group; from which the publishing house takes its name.
With universities, hospitals, law courts and the City all being close by, the appeal of Bloomsbury with its eclectic mix of architecture and quaint individual nature, continued throughout the second half of the 20th century, into the 21st.
An established residential district and a world renowned cultural hub, current day Bloomsbury is still influenced by literature and education.
Home to the museums including the British Museum and universities including University College London, Bloomsbury is very popular with domestic and international students, tourists and academics.
The area also appeals to lawyers and doctors also due to its proximity to law courts and hospitals.
Victorian terraces sit alongside Georgian townhouses, Edwardian mansion blocks and modern apartments with many offering views over quiet squares and quaint streets lined by independent shops and cafés.
These spacious residences provide the ideal mix of historic character, in a quiet, village like location in the heart of the capital.
Bloomsbury is centrally located, and within a short walk of both the West End and City. There are numerous tube stations, including Euston, Euston Square, Goodge Street, King’s Cross St Pancras, Russell Square, Tottenham Court Road and Warren Street. Alongside numerous bus routes for trips around the capital, mainline stations nearby include Euston, Kings Cross and St Pancras, offering rail services to the north, Scotland, and mainland Europe.
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