The ghosts of Bram Stoker and William Huskisson linger here in St George’s Square. Can you feel their presence?
St George’s Square in Pimlico is more than just a pretty square. It’s a living testament to London’s history. Its elegant stucco townhouses whisper tales of a bygone era. The square itself wasn’t always so grand. Originally laid out in 1839 as two parallel streets it was transformed into the formal square we see today by 1843. Thomas Cubitt the visionary behind much of Pimlico’s development designed its gardens.
Imagine London’s first residential square open to the River Thames. That was St George’s Square. Until 1874 a pier St George’s Wharf stood here. Watermen and later steamers plied the river. This riverside access made it a truly unique place. The square was even more special than most. St George’s Square boasted a thriving social scene. Famous residents included the author Bram Stoker who died at number 26 in 1912. Dorothy L Sayers found inspiration here. Even the inventor of lawn tennis Walter Clopton Wingfield lived and died in the square.
Look closely at the small riverside garden Pimlico Gardens. There you will find a statue of William Huskisson. He was the first person killed by a railway engine. The statue a stone Roman toga-clad figure was originally intended for the Royal Exchange. Sir Osbert Sitwell famously described it as boredom rising from the bath.
Today St George’s Square retains its charm. Cubitt’s buildings though reduced in number still stand. Many of the townhouses are now apartments. Yet the square retains the air of elegance and prestige it has always possessed. A recent survey shows a diverse community though White British residents form the largest group. St George’s Square remains a vibrant heart of Pimlico a place where history and modern life intertwine. A place that continues to captivate its residents and visitors alike. A place that holds the secrets of the past while looking towards the future. It is a square that embodies both the enduring spirit of London and its ever changing face.