Here in Barnsbury Square, history whispers from every corner. Its story is unique among Islington’s squares. This is because it didn’t evolve as continuous terraces. Instead, it emerged as a central space. Disparate villas and paired houses mark its three sides. No side mirrors another.
Barnsbury Square’s story starts with a myth. In the 18th and 19th centuries, this area was said to be a Roman camp. People believed Gaius Suetonius Paulinus, the Roman governor, camped here. He supposedly planned his attack on Queen Boudica. This battle occurred at Battle Bridge. Today it is known as Kings Cross. This myth lacks archaeological proof. Most historians now think the battle happened in the Midlands. The earthworks here were likely from a medieval manor house. It belonged to Barnsbury Manor. These earthworks were built over in the 1930s.
Barnsbury itself gets its name from the de Berners family. They held land here after the Norman Conquest. Their estate remained until the early 16th century. The manorial estate was broken up. Housing development began in the early 19th century.
Development around Barnsbury Square started in the 1820s. The area was known as “Pond Field”. Minerva Terrace on Thornhill Road was the first construction. It began in 1827. But it was never fully part of the square. The name “Barnesbury Square” appeared in 1834. Mountfort House was built in 1835 on the west side. It included the old earthworks in its garden. Mountfort Crescent started around 1837. It featured bow-fronted houses on the west side. The north and south sides followed. Building finished by 1848.
In the late 19th century, Barnsbury’s prosperity declined. Housing and industry filled open spaces. Mountfort House became an industrial site. A workshop was added to its north side. Its garden was replaced by Mica House factory. During the Blitz, two villas on the north side were destroyed. They were replaced by low-rise houses.
Today, Mountfort House and Mica House have been restored. They are now private homes. The workshop is gone. A modern glass building stands in its place. Gentrification has revived the buildings surrounding Barnsbury Square.
The central gardens span one acre. They measure different lengths on each side. Until 1909, houses around the square had rights to the “soil”. The gardens were private pleasure grounds for residents. In 1889, the Metropolitan Public Gardens Association bought the lease. They laid out the gardens. In 1891, they transferred them to Islington Vestry. The gardens were opened to the public.
The lease expired in 1909. Disputes arose over the freehold. Attempts to buy it for the public failed in 1911. The gardens were leveled. They were used as tennis courts. The railings were broken. Trees were damaged. Islington Council acquired the freehold in 1933. The MPGA funded restoration.
The Islington Gazette described the restored gardens in 1934. It noted neat lawns, paths, and a rockery. Also included was a fountain and teak seats. The Council maintains the gardens. Re-landscaping occurred in the 1960s. It added a pavilion, railings, paths, and raised beds. Volunteers from The Friends of Barnsbury Square Gardens help maintain the area today.
Barnsbury Square has notable residents. The Forbes-Robertson family lived at Mountfort House. Sir Johnston Forbes-Robertson, a Shakespearean actor, spent his childhood here. His siblings were also residents. This included novelist Frances, actors Ian and Norman and painter Eric. Their father John was a journalist and art critic. Artists and writers often visited Mountfort House. These included Algernon Swinburne, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, and William Morris.
Ernest Starling, a physiologist, was born at number 2 Barnsbury Square.
In film, Barnsbury Square appeared in an episode of Upstairs, Downstairs in 1974.
Barnsbury Square embodies a rich history. It is a blend of Roman myths, Victorian development, and artistic heritage. Take a moment to appreciate its unique charm. This square is a testament to London’s evolving story.