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Survey of London, Volume 05 (of 14), the parish of St. Giles-in-the-Fields, part 2 cover

Survey of London, Volume 05 (of 14), the parish of St. Giles-in-the-Fields, part 2

Chapter 256: Biographical notes.
By William Edward Riley
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About This Book

The volume presents a detailed architectural and historical survey of a central London parish, documenting boundaries, streets and individual buildings. It pairs descriptive history with measured drawings, elevations, photographs and maps to record houses, churches, public and institutional sites, and their notable features. Arranged street by street, entries trace development, alterations and former uses, and the work includes plate descriptions, plans and an index. The combined illustrations and text enable readers to follow the parish’s changing built fabric and to identify architectural details and surviving monuments.

LXXXIX.—No. 48, BEDFORD SQUARE.

Ground landlord.

His Grace the Duke of Bedford, K.G.

General description and date of structure.

On 16th January, 1777, a lease[761] was granted of the sixth house westward from Charlotte Street, on the south side of the square. This was No. 48.

There were formerly four fine marble chimneypieces in this house. Unfortunately burglars have destroyed three of these by breaking away all the sculptured portions, and have mutilated the fourth by the removal of its central panel. This last is situated in the front room on the first floor, and is shown on Plate 102. It is of large size, and has three-quarter attached Ionic columns, mottled buff coloured marble surrounds, and inlaid flutings in the frieze, and when complete it would appear to have been an excellent example of the period.

The ceiling in the same room (Plate 103) is in ornamental plaster work, with small plaques.

Condition of repair.

The premises are in good repair.

Biographical notes.

The occupiers of this house, according to the ratebooks, were:—

1782–83. —— Bevan.
1784–89. Samuel Gaussen.
1789– Robt. Parnther.

The Council’s collection contains:—

[762]Ground and first floor plans (measured drawing).

[762]Marble chimneypiece in front room on first floor (photograph).

[762]Ornamental plaster ceiling in front room on first floor (photograph).