Lowndes Square (Cubbitt's own map)

As early as 1810, plans were made to exploit the two adjacent Estates belonging to the Lowndes and Grosvenor families in the western most limits of Belgravia. In 1819, permission was granted for a joint application to lay drains, an essential first step in the development process, and one that thwarted the eastern edge of the Lowndes Estate. Click on Thomas Cubbitt’s personal development plan to inspect the extraordinary blending of squares and crescents into a cohesive, complex whole. It is worth noting, while studying Cubbitt’s plan, the division of his targeted market groups and the important use of mews to accomplish the unbroken ranges surrounding the square. 

Lowndes Square

 Cubbitt was already engaged with the Grosvenor Estate immediately to the west of future Lowndes Square. In 1828, he assumed control over this portion of the Lowndes estate, having been granted the year before permission to develop William Street. Thomas built the east and north sides of the Square between 1838 and 1849, leaving the south side for a speculative development involving his brother Lewis.

 Only a tiny portion of the original fabric is left on the east side. Elsewhere, rebuilding has occurred, and the scale altered – – the 17 story hotel at the northern end being the most drastic. The square itself is too long from both the point of view of recognition as well as permeability – having no connection to Wilton on the east side.

 The railings around the park date from the 1930, though the original gate piers are intact. The specimen Plane trees give a special character to the square.