Eaton Square, Belgravia: A Grand Address in the Heart of Westminster
Location: City of Westminster's Prestigious Belgravia District
Eaton Square is located in the affluent Belgravia area, within the City of Westminster. Though Belgravia straddles both Westminster and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, Eaton Square itself lies wholly in Westminster.Just a stone's throw from Buckingham Palace and Victoria Station, it sits at the heart of one of London's most desirable residential districts.
Not a Single Road, But a Collection
Despite being known as a "square," Eaton Square is not one continuous street. Instead, it comprises a series of short roads that encircle a central private garden. These segments are commonly referred to collectively as Eaton Square, even though they are technically broken up by junctions and named slightly differently at points.This fragmentation likely resulted from historical street planning and the alignment of Belgravia's grid-like road layout. Urban development in the 19th century often adapted to existing landownership patterns, leading to segmented streets with a unified identity under a single square name.
History and Development
Eaton Square was developed in the 1820s and 1830s as part of the Grosvenor Estate, under the direction of the Grosvenor family - now known as the Duke of Westminster. The square was designed by renowned builder Thomas Cubitt, who played a pivotal role in shaping Belgravia's grand architecture.Cubitt's development vision included wide streets, grand white stucco-fronted houses, and leafy private gardens. Eaton Square became one of the cornerstones of this vision, attracting the upper echelons of society from the Victorian period onward.
Map of Eaton Square, London
Origin of the Name
The square is named after Eaton Hall in Cheshire, the ancestral home of the Grosvenor family. The Grosvenors were prominent landowners in both rural Cheshire and London, and they named many parts of Belgravia in reference to their heritage. The name "Eaton Square" was established around the time of its construction in the early 19th century.Streets That Feed Into Eaton Square
Eaton Square connects to several roads, either directly or at its edges. These include:- Upper Belgrave Street (northwest)
- Lyall Street (northeast)
- Elizabeth Street (east)
- Ebury Street (southeast)
- Eaton Gate (south)
- West Eaton Place (southwest)
- Lower Belgrave Street (nearby, to the east)
Painting of Eaton Square (View full-size image here)
Notable Buildings and Architecture
Eaton Square is characterised by its grand terraced townhouses, most of which are painted white or cream and feature classical porticos, wrought iron balconies, and tall sash windows. On the east side, you'll find:- St Peter's Church, Eaton Square - A neo-classical Anglican church originally completed in 1827, with a striking portico and tall columns. It has been rebuilt following two major fires and remains a centre of community life.
- The Eaton Square School - An independent prep school located in one of the elegant converted townhouses.
- Several embassies and ambassadorial residences - including those of Bolivia and Greece at various points in history.
- Luxury residential buildings that have been converted into multi-million-pound flats while retaining their period exteriors.
Nearest Tube Stations and Transport Links
Eaton Square is well-served by nearby London Underground stations, making it convenient for residents and visitors alike. The closest stations are:- Victoria Station - Located a short walk to the east. Served by the Victoria, District, and Circle lines, along with National Rail and coach services.
- Sloane Square Station - Located to the southwest. Served by the District and Circle lines.
- Hyde Park Corner Station - Located further to the northwest. Served by the Piccadilly line.
Fun Fact: One of London's Most Expensive Addresses
Eaton Square consistently ranks among the most expensive residential areas in all of London - and indeed, the world. Several of its properties have sold for over £50 million.It has been home to an array of notable residents, including:
- Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin
- Sean Connery, the original James Bond actor
- Vivien Leigh, star of Gone with the Wind