Fitzalan Square

The Fitzalans were a lesser branch of the Howard family, Dukes of Norfolk and the major local landowners at that time.

The Grade II listed[4] Post Office building was up for sale for a considerable time before finally being sold for development in early 2006.

Another public house, the Elephant Inn, stood on the corner where Norfolk Street entered the square.

Fire bombs caused widespread panic, and many people took shelter in the Marples’ extensive cellars, believing they were safe under the robust seven-storey building.

The next day seven men were dug out of the rubble still alive, as a small section of cellar roof had, amazingly, withstood the impact.

[9] The Edward VII statue was cleaned and protected from pigeons, and lights were added to illuminate it at night.

New sandstone paving and steel benches were installed, the trees were pruned and the street lighting was improved.

In the inner part of the square there is also a fast food hut named @Marples and a small police cabin.

It is believed the Council will be further updating and improving the central area/island within the Square, possibly closing off one side to traffic.