Queen Square

Queen Square is a small garden square in London's Bloomsbury district, in the Borough of Camden. Laid out in the early 18th century, it keeps a quiet, intimate feel despite sitting in the heart of the city. It makes a good stop if you want a break from busy streets and a glimpse of Georgian London.

How did Queen Square come about?

The square was built between 1716 and 1725 on land that had been the garden of Sir John Cutler's house. Sources differ on its first name, but it ended up named for the reigning monarch, Queen Anne. The surrounding houses were originally residential, then gradually gave way to educational and, above all, medical institutions.

What is there to see?

At the northern end of the garden stands a lead statue of a queen. For a long time it was assumed to be Anne; today it is more often said to be Charlotte, wife of George III, though Anne or Mary II remain possibilities. It is a nice reminder that even well-known London monuments can be puzzles.

Other things to look for on the square:

• a small plaque marking a bomb that fell here during a Zeppelin raid in the First World War, causing no deaths,
• benches in memory of 16 doctors from the homeopathic hospital who died in the 1972 Trident air disaster,
• a 2001 bronze called Mother and Child,
• a sculpture of a cat named Sam.

Medicine and royal history

The square has a strong medical identity. The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery and the Royal London Homeopathic Hospital are on or near it. It also features in the story of King George III, who was treated for mental illness in a house on the square. Local tradition says Queen Charlotte stored some of his food in the cellar of the building that now houses the Queen's Larder pub.

The garden today

The gardens are protected by an Act of Parliament from the 1830s, and trustees appointed under it still look after them. That is why the square remains a green place to sit rather than just a gap between buildings. Bring a coffee, take a bench and look at the brick facades around you.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Queen Square? In Bloomsbury, central London, in the Borough of Camden, close to the British Museum and many university buildings.

Is it the same as Queen's Square in Belize? No. Belize has an electoral constituency with a similar name, but it is an entirely different place. This is a garden square in London.

Who does the statue show? Traditionally Queen Anne, but it is now more often identified as Charlotte, wife of George III. Sources are not definitive.

How long does a visit take? Fifteen to thirty minutes is enough. It pairs well with a walk through nearby Bloomsbury streets.

Can I sit and rest here? Yes, the garden has benches, and the Queen's Larder pub, linked to the George III story, is next door.