London Group walk through Victoria and Belgravia

Thursday 16 July, 6.30–8.30pm

Join the London Group and guide Roger Wilkinson for a walk through Victoria and Belgravia. Discover how the development of Belgravia was shaped by the creation of Buckingham Palace, explore the work of Thomas Cubitt, and learn how this once notorious district became one of London's most celebrated historic neighbourhoods.

The development of Belgravia stemmed indirectly from King George IV's decision to move to Buckingham Palace. The area was known as the Five Fields during the Tudor period and later became notorious for highway robberies. In the early nineteenth century it was developed by the Marquess of Westminster, with Thomas Cubitt acting as Master Builder.

Thomas Cubitt established his building firm at the age of 22 and was one of the first builders to bring all trades under his own management. Belgravia was among his earliest major projects. His work can be seen in Eaton Square, where elegant classical terraces create one of London's most distinctive townscapes. The walk will also examine surviving eighteenth-century buildings from a period when nearby Chelsea was still considered countryside.

There will be opportunities to ask questions throughout the walk.

Accessibility

The event consists of a walking tour along public streets and pavements. Surfaces may be uneven in places and participants should be comfortable standing and walking for up to two hours. If there is anything we can do to make this event more accessible, please email membership@spab.org.uk.

Anything we can do to make this event more accessible for you? Please email membership@spab.org.uk.

Photos and filming:We may take photos or videos at this event to be used in future promotion, including in print and online. Participants may take photos and short videos for personal use, with permission of the course leader and all other participants in frame. If you want to post on social media, please message SPAB's Comms Team (press@spab.org.uk or @spab1877) for permission. If your material is good, we might ask to share it with our followers.

All bookings are subject to our Terms and Conditions.

Photo credit: Roger Wilkinson