Where is Belgravia?

Many of London’s most desirable districts are somewhat elastic in shape and size, but the boundaries of Belgravia are not disputed. Knightsbridge and Pimlico Road are its northern and southern borders, and it ends at Sloane Street and Buckingham Palace Road to the west and east. With famous landmarks such as Hyde Park Corner, Sloane Square, and Buckingham Palace at its corners, this is a fashionable and exclusive area.

History of Belgravia

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.

Travelling to Belgravia

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.

Past and present residents of Belgravia

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.

Life in Belgravia

The majority of Belgravia looks much as it did in the nineteenth century. Because the Grosvenor Estate is still the major property-owner, there have been restrictions on the uses to which the buildings could be put, and most are either occupied by diplomats or professional associations, or are still private homes. Elizabeth Street and Motcomb Street have small and exclusive shops and restaurants, but otherwise Belgravia’s streets are quiet and tranquil. However, there is easy access to world-class shopping in neighbouring Sloane Street and Knightsbridge.

Open spaces in Belgravia

There are no public parks in Belgravia, but many of the houses share quiet garden squares, and residents can walk to nearby Hyde Park to the north, Green Park to the east, and Ranelagh Gardens in the south west.

Belgravia – a tranquil village

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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