Established in the 17th century, Bloomsbury Square is one of the oldest London squares

Bloomsbury Square was laid out by the Earl of Southampton, the Lord Treasurer, after the example of Covent Garden and with Lincoln's Inn Fields under a Royal Licence granted in the 164o's.

Originally called Southampton Square, it was renamed Bloomsbury Square after the Earl's daughter Rachel married into the Russell family (the Dukes of Bedford) in 1669.

Surrounded by Georgian architecture, the square has evolved over time, mirroring the changing face of London's society, from a haven for nobility to a hub for intellectuals.

Bloomsbury Square has been a quiet witness to many historical events, including the infamous duel between John Law and Edward 'Beau' Wilson in 1694.

Bloomsbury Square also contains a bronze statue by Richard Westmacott of Charles James Fox, who was a Whig associate of the Dukes of Bedford.