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Description
Sir John Summerson describes the mixed motives behind the 18th century urban development. Following the restoration of the monarchy in 1660 the Earl of Southampton laid out Bloomsbury Square on lan...d in front of his London house. The development was a speculative venture but the square was designed as an amenity area following the precedent of Covent Garden and Lincoln's Inn Fields in an effort to attract middle class buyers for the sites. This pattern of development was an immediate financial success and was followed by a whole series of planned squares and streets as the western edge of London was built up the Grosvenor, Burlington and Harley estates. The land was leased to speculative builders for development and plans were influenced by the need to maximise the number of houses and therefore the profits but, at the same time, to attract buyers from the gentry by offerring local amenities such as a church and a market within a pleasing overall environment. In Grosvenor Scuare those considerations produced a design for a terrace of houses looking like a palace. The idea of architectural display to attract custom was taken up by the architect-builder-developer John Wood, whose designs for Bath were the most spectacular realisation of Georgian town planning.
Metadata describing this Open University video programme
Module code and title: A322, English urban history 1500-1780
Item code: A322; 07
First transmission date: 16-08-1977
Published: 1977
Rights Statement:
Restrictions on use:
Duration: 00:24:30
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Producer: Patricia Hodgson
Contributor: John Summerson
Publisher: BBC Open University
Keyword(s): Bath; Georgian architecture; London squares
Footage description: The programme opens with shots of various London squares, over which Summerson comments on the aristocratic air of these squares. Over prints of 17th and 18th century country houses he argues that the aristocracy preferred to spend on their country residences. He states the aim of the programme is to discover who, then, was responsible for urbar architectural development. Over early prints of Bloomsbury Square, Lincolns Inn Fields and Covent Garden, Summerson sketches the 17th century development of squares. Over several prints of St. James's Square he traces its construction, including the erection of adjacent church and market. Over film of St. James's Square, Summerson describes briefly how the residential pattern based on the square became established. Over an animated map of London he describes some of the builders who were responsible for the new developments. In particular he outlines the career and methods of Nicholas Barbon, over shots of some of his houses that remain. An animated map shows the l8th century expansion of London into the aristocratic estates of Middlesex. Summerson describes the influence of such lords as Bedford, Grosvenor and Burlington over these new developments. The construction of the new Harley estate is described in detail, over old prints and current film of the area. The erection of Grosvenor Square is described, and Summerson indicates in what way it was architecturally innovative. 18th century prints of the square are displayed. Over 18th century prints of Bath, Summerson describes how John Wood introduced the innovations of Grosvenor Square to Bath. Wood's romantic beliefs about Bath are described. Over shots of Queen Square, the Circus and the Crescent, Summerson describes how this area was constructed. Aerial views of the area. Over shots of Regent Street and Regent's Park, Summerson describes how Nash adapted Wood's idea in London. He describes how the Nash buildings were financed, and concludes by identifying the people who were responsible for the urban development of the 18th century.
Master spool number: 6HT/72319
Production number: 00525_3269
Videofinder number: 3327
Available to public: no