New Burlington Street

[1] In 1771, Sir Joseph Banks acquired a house in the street[1] after his return from Captain James Cook's first great voyage (1768–1771), during which he visited Brazil, Tahiti, and Australia.

[1] Her home was the site of numerous literary parties over more than fifty years, attended by figures such as Dr. Samuel Johnson, Richard Brinsley Sheridan, King George IV, British Prime Minister George Canning (who once practised his debating skills at the nearby Clifford Street Club), the actors Sarah Siddons and her brother John Kemble, and the poet Lord Byron.

[4] Her house was described as "most tastefully fitted for the reception of her illustrious guests: every part of it abounded in pretty things — objets, as they are sometimes called, which her visitors were strictly forbidden to touch.

At the last, she would assemble two or three fine ladies, two or three wits or poets, two or three noblemen and distinguished members of the House of Commons, and one or two of her own family, seldom exceeding ten or twelve, at a round table".

[4] Numbers 1 and 2 New Burlington Street have been accorded Grade II listed building status by English Heritage.