Ever heard of a place described as genteel and sacred to professional men? That’s Pimlico. Welcome to Pimlico a district in the City of Westminster. Pimlico began as a southern extension to Belgravia. It is known for garden squares. It features distinctive Regency architecture.
Thomas Cubitt planned Pimlico in 1825. He created a grid of residential streets. These streets are now protected as the Pimlico Conservation Area. Buildings decrease in grandeur away from the squares.
The Manor of Ebury was divided in the 16th and 17th centuries. James I sold the freehold of Ebury in 1623. Mary Davies inherited the land in 1666. Her dowry included Pimlico, Belgravia, Mayfair and Knightsbridge. At twelve years old she married Sir Thomas Grosvenor. The Grosvenor family gained enormous wealth through this land.
The area became known as Pimlico in the late 17th or early 18th century. William Gifford suggested Pimlico was named after a famous alehouse master. Another theory claims it’s named after Ben Pimlico. Ben Pimlico was known for his nut-brown ale. His tea-gardens were near Hoxton.
By the 19th century Pimlico was ripe for development. This followed an increase in demand for property. The demand was in the West End of London. Pimlico had been previously unfashionable. Thomas Cubitt was contracted by Lord Grosvenor in 1825 to develop Pimlico. Soil from the construction of St Katharine Docks reclaimed the marshy land.
Newspapers in 1877 described Pimlico as sacred to professional men. They considered it not rich enough for Belgravia. But it was rich enough to live in private houses.
Parts of Pimlico declined by the 1890s. Some considered it moving to west London slums. Despite this, Peabody Estates were built. These provided affordable housing.
Pimlico became a center of political activity. The Labour Party and Trades Union Congress shared offices here. The general strike was organized in Pimlico in 1926.
Dolphin Square was constructed in the mid-1930s. These up-market flats became popular with MPs. Oswald Mosley lived here until his arrest. The Free French headquarters was located here during World War II.
Pimlico retained its character during the war. However, parts sustained bomb damage. Redevelopment occurred in the 1950s. Churchill Gardens and other estates were built. Many Victorian houses were converted to hotels.
Pimlico installed a district heating system. This provided affordable heating to residents. The Pimlico District Heating Undertaking began operating in 1950.
The Second Duke of Westminster sold part of the Grosvenor estate in 1953.
Pimlico connected to the London Underground in 1972. Conservation areas were designated. Extensive regeneration followed. Today Pimlico combines exclusive residences with council facilities.
Dolphin Square was the largest block of flats in Europe. Churchill Gardens replaced industrial works damaged in the Blitz.
The former Empire Terminal of Imperial Airways is on Buckingham Palace Road. It now serves as the headquarters of the National Audit Office.
Pimlico contains many Anglican churches. St Gabriel’s and St Saviour are among them. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference headquarters are in Eccleston Square. Tate Britain is a short walk from Pimlico Underground station.
Numerous notable people have resided in Pimlico. Winston Churchill lived on Eccleston Square. Joseph Conrad lived on Gillingham Street. Bram Stoker author of Dracula, died at St George’s Square.
Pimlico is the setting for Gaslight and Passport To Pimlico. G. K. Chesterton described Pimlico as a desperate thing in Orthodoxy.
So, as you wander through Pimlico, remember its journey. From marshy fields to a genteel district. From political hub to a blend of residences and culture. Pimlico’s story is etched in its buildings and streets.