Dolphin Square

Standing in front of Dolphin Square, a giant, neo-Georgian apartment complex in London, you might be forgiven for thinking you’ve stumbled into a small town. The square offers a quiet haven from the bustle of the city. Yet, it has played host to some of the most infamous figures in British history. This vast block used to be called Ormonde Court. It was originally planned to be an opulent and lavish apartment building. However, Dolphin Square as it is now known was born out of financial struggles and a need for a new vision of its development. Costains, the company that ended up constructing Dolphin Square, saw the potential of this location and sought to create something unique. They hired renowned architect S. Gordon Jeeves. Together, they set about crafting a residential utopia. What was once a vision of grand luxury evolved into a thriving community. Dolphin Square has attracted luminaries from the worlds of politics, entertainment, and even espionage. Harold Wilson, a former Prime Minister, called one of the flats home. So did Peter Finch, the charismatic star of the film, Network. But perhaps the most notorious resident of Dolphin Square was John Vassall, a Soviet spy, who was arrested at apartment 807 in Hood House. The complex became the headquarters of General De Gaulle’s Free French during World War II. It also became the wartime base for a section of MI5 responsible for infiltrating subversive groups. Dolphin Square is a place of contrasts. It is a quiet haven in the heart of London, yet it has seen its fair share of scandals and intrigue. The walls of its 1,250 flats have witnessed a fascinating tapestry of British history. Dolphin Square is a place where history and modernity collide, creating a unique and captivating experience. From its origins as a failed development to its role as a haven for the powerful and infamous, Dolphin Square offers a glimpse into the rich and complex history of London.