History
Eccleston Square was developed in the 1828 as part of a broader urban planning initiative to create new residential areas in London. Created from a low-lying swamp, it was drained in the early 17th century and designed in 1828 by Thomas Cubitt (1788-1855).
Cubitt was one of the most respected and influential builders in London in the first half of the C19. He was approached by Prince Albert to work on Osborne House, in the Isle of Wight, a scheme on which Cubitt collaborated with the prince. He not only built the mansion but also the considerable Italianate gardens and terraces which surround it, and he was given the government contract to build the extensions to Buckingham Palace. Cubitt himself built many of the houses around Eccleston Square but the development was still not completed when he died in 1855. Cubitt's map, dated to 1863, shows Pimlico with the square garden laid out with perimeter paths and central linking paths but by the first edition Ordnance Survey map of 1875, the design had changed a little to become almost identical to that of today.
Eccleston Square is named after Eccleston in Cheshire, part of the Duke of Westminster's estates. The garden has been replanted over three decades to provide year-round interest. The square was designed as a high-class residential area with large townhouses surrounding a private garden in the center. This was a common feature in London’s urban development during the Regency and Victorian periods.
The Garden
The garden boasts many specialist collections, including camellias, climbing and shrub roses, and a National Collection of ceanothus. In 2006, a Wollemi pine – considered extinct until found recently in Australia – was donated to the square. Other unusual tender plants include the giant Mexican dahlia, Dahlia imperialis, and the white sunflower tree, Rojasianthe superba, from Guatemala.
There are two blue plaques in the square. The first is for Winston Churchill, who moved to Eccleston Square a year after marrying Clementine Hozier, and their first two children, Diana and Randolph, were born there.
The second blue plaque is for the conductor and orchestra reformer Sir Michael Costa, who lived at Wilton Court, 59 Eccleston Square, from 1857 to 1883.
About us
Set on an idyllic residential square close to Victoria Station, Belgravia and Chelsea, Eccleston Square Hotel is the ultimate Central London luxury boutique hideaway for both leisure and business travellers.
Eccleston Square Hotel guests have access to the garden square when staying in the hotel.
Recognised as one of the best boutique hotels in London, the family-run property combines intuitive technology with sophisticated interiors and bespoke service.
