Orme Square

It was set out and first occupied between 1820 and 1826 in the environs of Kensington Palace and was one of the first developments beyond Tyburn (the present Marble Arch) which then marked the western rim of London.

The square (originally known as Ormes Square) is named after the British engraver, painter, publisher of illustrated books, and property developer Edward Orme (1775-1848) who bought the land in 1820 and who, in partnership with a builder, Wright Ingle, created a dozen homes in Regency style but in different configurations.

The square features a distinctive double Tuscan column topped by a bird facing the entrance to the Orme Gate in Kensington Gardens.

Over the years, the statue has sparked controversy, with different interpretations suggesting it could represent an eagle, a phoenix, or a falcon.

There has been some confusion about early residents, partly because street names changed frequently and house numbers were absent or informal until 1855.