“Fancy a bit of history tucked away in a London square?” I ask. Right here before us stands the Oakley Square Gardens Lodge. It is a Grade II listed building steeped in Victorian charm.
Oakley Square itself has a rich history. It was once part of the Bedford Estate owned by the Dukes of Bedford. The square gets its name from Oakley. That is a village in Bedfordshire that the family owned since the 18th century.
The square was laid out in the early Victorian era. This was around the same time as nearby Mornington Crescent and Arlington Road. The Oakley Square Gardens Lodge is a testament to that era.
Originally, the square featured Victorian terraced housing on its northern side. Some of these buildings still stand today. The redbrick Working Men’s College established in 1854 also remains. The southern side has seen more modern developments.
Notice the white stucco exterior of the Oakley Square Gardens Lodge. This architectural detail marks it as a notable structure within the square. It adds to the historical significance of Oakley Square.
From 1854, St Matthew’s Church stood in Oakley Square. John Johnson designed it. The church was later deconsecrated and demolished in 1977. The old vicarage, however, still stands. It too is Grade II listed.
Speaking of John Johnson, he designed Alexandra Palace. He designed the vicarage of St Matthew’s Church. The vicarage later became a home with a unique gothic style.
The area around Oakley Square has evolved over time. Godwin Court Council apartment block stands on what was once a bomb site. There was also an Emergency Water Supply tank. Godwin Court was built after 1946.
If you walk alongside the manicured gardens of Oakley Square, you will see stucco-fronted Georgian townhouses. They are identical except for the occasional red door.
One property on Oakley Square has ties to surrealist artist Nancy Fouts. She lived and worked there for over 40 years. Her unique artistic vision left a mark on the building. The building started its life as the vicarage of St Matthew’s Church. It survived the church’s demolition.
The Oakley Square Gardens Lodge and the surrounding area offer a glimpse into London’s past. From its origins as part of the Bedford Estate. To its Victorian architecture and artistic connections. Oakley Square has a story to tell.
The lodge and the houses offer a unique charm. They make Oakley Square a special place in London. Take a moment to appreciate the history and beauty around you. The lodge is a reminder of the square’s enduring appeal.