Bloomsbury

Christ the King, Gordon Square, London WC1 - geograph.org.uk - 1592452

German Historical Institute London 5 Dec 2016

St Giles & Holborn Civil Parish Map 1870

Holborn Met. B Ward Map 1952

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Bloomsbury is an area in the West End of London within the London Borough of Camden. It is renowned for its historical and cultural significance, primarily due to its association with the arts, education, and medicine. The area is bounded by Euston Road to the north, Gray's Inn Road to the east, Bloomsbury Way and Theobalds Road to the south, and Tottenham Court Road to the west. Bloomsbury is notable for its garden squares, academic institutions, and as the home of the British Museum, one of the world's leading historical and cultural institutions.

History

Bloomsbury has a rich history dating back to the Norman Conquest, but it gained most of its prominence in the 17th and 18th centuries. The area was developed by the Russell family, who became the Dukes of Bedford. Bloomsbury Square, laid out in the 1660s, is one of the oldest garden squares in London. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Bloomsbury became an affluent residential area.

Cultural Significance

In the early 20th century, Bloomsbury became associated with a group of influential British writers, intellectuals, philosophers, and artists, known as the Bloomsbury Group. Members included Virginia Woolf, John Maynard Keynes, E.M. Forster, and Lytton Strachey. The group was known for its progressive views on art, literature, and society.

Education and Medicine

Bloomsbury is a major educational and healthcare hub in London. It is home to several institutions of the University of London, including University College London (UCL), the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, and Birkbeck, University of London. The area also hosts the British Library, the UK's national library. In terms of healthcare, Bloomsbury is known for the Great Ormond Street Hospital for children and the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery.

Architecture

The architecture of Bloomsbury is characterized by its Georgian and Victorian buildings. Many of the area's garden squares, such as Russell Square and Bedford Square, are surrounded by historic townhouses and are key features of the district's layout.

Modern Bloomsbury

Today, Bloomsbury retains its academic and cultural character. It is a popular destination for visitors to London, offering a range of museums, libraries, and galleries, alongside its educational institutions. The area's literary and artistic heritage continues to be celebrated, and it remains a vibrant part of London's cultural landscape.