Belgravia’s location
Belgravia is a clearly-defined area of Central London. Unlike many London districts which have rather vague borders – such as Hampstead Village – Belgravia has established borders on four sides. They are Sloane Street and Buckingham Palace Road to the west and east, and Knightsbridge and Pimlico Road to the north and south. It is thus a regular shape, with Hyde Park Corner at the north east, and Sloane Square to the south west. It is obvious from these landmarks that this is a desirably central location.
Belgravia’s history
Belgravia was developed in the early part of the nineteenth century on land belonging to the Grosvenor family, which still owns much of the area’s property. The head of the Grosvenor family is the Duke of Westminster, whose titles include Viscount Belgrave. It was an earlier Viscount Belgrave who gave his name to Belgrave Square, which is a fine residential square to the north of the district.
Getting there and getting about
Travel links could scarcely be better than those in this part of London. Victoria Station lies at its corner, with trains to Southern England and an express service to Gatwick Airport. There are underground stations at Knightsbridge, Hyde Park Corner, and Sloane Square, as well as Victoria. Victoria Coach Station is London’s principal terminus for long-distance bus services, and there are also numerous local bus routes. Road access to the west and north of London is simple, with the M4 and M40 motorways within reach.
Who lives or has lived here?
It is virtually impossible to list all the well-known people who have made their home in Belgravia. Musicians Chopin and Mozart are both known to have stayed here, and a more recent composer in residence is Andrew Lloyd Webber. Poets and authors have included Mary Shelley (the writer of Frankenstein) and Poet Laureate Alfred Lord Tennyson. James Bond creator Ian Fleming lived here, and so did two of the actors who portrayed 007 on film, Sir Sean Connery and Sir Roger Moore. With the Houses of Parliament lying close by, it’s not surprising that famous politicians such as Margaret Thatcher, Stanley Baldwin, and Neville Chamberlain all chose to live in Belgravia.
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Belgravia life
Because much of Belgravia is still owned by the Grosvenor Estate, piecemeal redevelopment has not been allowed to occur. With the exception of Elizabeth Street and Motcomb Street, which have small high-class shops and restaurants, there are few commercial or retail premises (although there are excellent shopping areas, such as Sloane Street and Knightsbridge, adjoining). Most properties are occupied either as private homes, or for diplomatic or professional purposes. The streets are quiet and discreet.
Belgravia greenery
Most of the green spaces in Belgravia are private garden squares, accessible to, and shared by, the resident of neighbouring houses. Nearby, however, are Green and Hyde Parks, and Ranelagh Gardens to the south west.
A special place
Belgravia has been at the centre of London life for centuries, and it remains a special and appealing place to live.
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