Golden Square

Golden Square is a small garden square in the heart of Soho, in the City of Westminster, London. It is a quiet, mostly paved space surrounded by classical office buildings, a few minutes' walk from the crowds of Piccadilly Circus and Regent Street.

Where is Golden Square?

The square sits in the western part of Soho. Its centre lies about 125 metres east of Regent Street and roughly twice that distance north-north-east of Piccadilly Circus, so it is easy to reach on foot from the West End's main shopping and theatre streets. Access to the square is from the north and the south. A short distance to the south runs Brewer Street, a lively street of shops, cafes and nightlife, which makes the square a convenient pause between busier places.

What does it look like today?

Unlike many London squares with wide lawns, Golden Square is mainly hardscaped. The centre is paved and furnished with seating, with a handful of mature trees and raised borders adding greenery. The surrounding buildings are classical in style and are mostly offices. This gives the square a calm, slightly formal character, quite different from the busy streets nearby.

A short history

The square dates back to the late seventeenth century. Around 1675 it was laid out on land leased from the Crown by Sir William Pulteney, as part of the building of this part of Soho. Its original formal garden layout was removed after a private Act of Parliament in 1750, and a new design was put in its place.

The statue in the middle

The best-known feature is the Portland stone statue at the centre of the garden. It shows a figure in Roman dress and is commonly said to be King George II, though the evidence for that identification is thin and some writers suggest it may represent another monarch. Its origin is uncertain too. It is often linked with a set of statues made for the estate of the Duke of Chandos at Cannons, and the sculptor is variously given as John Nost the Elder or a later member of the Nost family. The statue was set up in the square in 1753, was damaged in the Second World War, was restored in 1988, and has been a Grade II listed structure since 1970.

A square of media and literature

Golden Square has appeared in many works of literature, and today it is closely tied to Soho's creative industries. Its office buildings house many media, advertising and public relations companies, which give the neighbourhood its modern working character.

Frequently asked questions

Is Golden Square worth visiting? Yes, if you like quieter corners of central London. It is small, so a short visit is enough, and it combines well with a walk through Soho.

How do I get there from Piccadilly Circus? Walk roughly 250 metres north-north-east through the streets of Soho. Regent Street is just to the west of the square.

Whose statue is in the square? It is usually described as George II, but the identification is uncertain, as is the sculptor.

Is there a lot of greenery? Not a great deal. The square is mainly paved, with a few mature trees and raised borders.