Bloomsbury in Camden in Greater London, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)

Welcome to Brunswick Square Gardens

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, October 12, 2017

1. Welcome to Brunswick Square Gardens Marker

Inscription. Brunswick Square Gardens were laid out in 1796 as part of the Foundling Hospital Estate. The main building of the hospital for children who could not be brought up by their natural parents had been built in 1745 on the site of modern-day Coram's Fields; it was the first children's charity in London. At the time, the site was on the urban fringe, with only fields separating London from what were then the villages of Hampstead and Highgate. The hospital's designers wished to retain a sense of openness around the development and created Brunswick Square to the west and Mecklenburgh Square (not open to the public) to the east of the main hospital buildings. The square was named after Queen Caroline of Brunswick, wife of the Prince of Wales. later King George IV. James Burton (1761-1837) was responsible for building the original Georgian terraces from 1792 to 1802 and for laying out the garden.

The original layout of the garden was very simple, with the majority of the area being grass with planting beds, surrounded by a perimeter path and enclosed by cast iron palisades five feet high, on a stone kerb. At the time, great

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emphasis was not placed on the design of the garden but more on the creation of an open green space around the hospital development. The space did not even merit the title 'Gardens' until later. In the mid-19^th century it was still referred to as 'Brunswick Square enclosure'. The significance of such a green space in London at a time when it was rapidly expanding into the surrounding countryside was illustrated by Isabella. a fictional character in Jane Austen's Emma. who praised Brunswick Square saying, 'our part of London is so very superior to most others... we are so very airy'.

In 1926, most of the Foundling Hospital buildings were demolished and the hospital moved out of London. In 1939 the north terrace of Brunswick Square was demolished to make way for the School of Pharmacy. Although only five houses were damaged beyond repair by World War II bombs, the historic garden railings were removed and melted down for munitions. Redevelopment in the 1960s saw the remaining Georgian houses in the west and south terraces replaced by the Brunswick Centre and International Hall, respectively.

Nevertheless. Brunswick Square. together

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, October 12, 2017

2. Welcome to Brunswick Square Gardens Marker

with Coram's Fields and Mecklenburgh Square are listed by English Heritage as being of Grade II importance in their Register of Historic Parks and Gardens.

Following years of gradual degradation. Brunswick Square Gardens were restored in 2002-3. Although the buildings have changed greatly, the layout of the gardens has returned to its 18' century appearance so that today the gardens still primarily provide, as originally intended, a vital open space for city dwellers.

Erected by London Borough of Camden.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1796.

Location. 51° 31.456′ N, 0° 7.338′ W. Marker is in Camden, England, in Greater London. It is in Bloomsbury. It can be reached from Brunswick Square just south of Hunter Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Camden, England WC1N 1AX, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Greater South East. Globally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean, in the North Atlantic Region, in Europe, in Atlantic Europe,

Marker inset: <i>Brunswick Square</i> image. Click for full size.

circa 1830

3. Marker inset: Brunswick Square

on one of the British Isles,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Brunswick Plane (a few steps from this marker); Sarah Parker Remond (1826-1894) (within shouting distance of this marker); Sir James Matthew Barrie (within shouting distance of this marker); The Bloomsbury Group (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Thomas Coram (about 120 meters away); Horizon Magazine (about 120 meters away); Winifred Cullis (about 180 meters away); Wing Commander Yeo-Thomas (about 180 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Camden.

More about this marker. The marker is located on the west side of Brunswick Square Gardens, just across the street from the Brunswick Centre.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 27, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 26, 2018, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 741 times since then and 65 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 26, 2018, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.