[1] The square is dedicated to naval commander Sir John Hawkins.

Within close proximity of the Square there are two pubs: The Swan and Kitty O'Hanlons; as well as The Merchant's House Museum, a Restaurant, the dBs Music College, and a Plymouth College of Art studio.

[3] The square gained media attention in June 2020 during the George Floyd protests in the United Kingdom due to John Hawkins' connection to the Transatlantic slave trade.

[4] Plymouth City Council announced plans to rename the square.

[5][6] On 18 June 2020, Plymouth Council proposed that the square be renamed Jack Leslie Square after Jack Leslie, who would have become the first black football player to represent England internationally.