Wimpole Street

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RoyalSocMedicine2011

Wimpole Street is a renowned street located in the Marylebone district of the City of Westminster in London. Known for its historical and cultural significance, Wimpole Street runs from Henrietta Place north to Weymouth Street, intersecting with notable roads such as New Cavendish Street and Queen Anne Street along its course.

History

Wimpole Street's history is rich and varied, dating back to the 18th century when it was first developed. The street is named after Wimpole Hall, a country house in Cambridgeshire, which was owned by Edward Harley, 2nd Earl of Oxford and Earl Mortimer. Over the years, Wimpole Street has been home to a number of notable residents, including literary figures, politicians, and medical practitioners.

Notable Residents

Among the most famous residents of Wimpole Street was the poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning, who lived at number 50 from 1838 to 1846. It was here that she wrote many of her early works and conducted her courtship with Robert Browning, another prominent Victorian poet. Another significant figure associated with Wimpole Street is the psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud, who lived at number 20 after fleeing Nazi-occupied Austria in 1938. The building that housed Freud and his family is now the Freud Museum, dedicated to his life and work.

Medical Associations

Wimpole Street is also well known for its association with the medical profession. The street is home to several medical societies and clinics, including the Royal Society of Medicine and the British Dental Association. This concentration of medical institutions has led to Wimpole Street being recognized as a center for medical practice and research in London.

Architecture

The architecture of Wimpole Street is predominantly Georgian, with many of the buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. These historic buildings are characterized by their elegant facades and are often listed as buildings of architectural and historical interest.

Cultural References

Wimpole Street has been mentioned in various works of literature and popular culture. Perhaps most famously, it is the setting for George Bernard Shaw's play Pygmalion, which was later adapted into the musical My Fair Lady. The street's association with Elizabeth Barrett Browning and the Victorian era also makes it a point of interest for literary tours and enthusiasts.

See Also

• Marylebone
• City of Westminster
• Elizabeth Barrett Browning
• Sigmund Freud
• Royal Society of Medicine