Origins & Name
Norland Square, along with surrounding streets like Norland Place and Norland Road, takes its name from the Norland Estate. Formarly farmlands in the northern part of Kensington parish. The name "Norland" dates back to at least 1599, literraly meaning the "Northlands".
Development & Architecture
- In 1825, Norland House, once standing near today's 130 Holland Park Avenue, was destroyed by fire.
- Around 1838, the estate was sold to solicitor Charles Richardson, who partnered with architect Robert Cantwell to design and develop the area.
- Norland Square was built between 1837 and 1846, with the first leases granted in 1842.
- However, the project faced challenges, including its proximity to the notorious “potteries” slum and drainage issues related to the new railway. Richardson went bankrupt.
- Cantwell's design also included other architectural “set-pieces” such as Royal Crescent and St James's Gardens within the broader Norland Estate.
The Garden Square
- The central garden, a private communal space, was built in the early 1840s along with the surrounding homes. It features lawns, ornamental shrubs, winding gravel paths, a children's play area, and a tennis court.
- Historic railings that were removed during World War 2 to help the war effort (though reportedly the metal was not actually used as it was the wrong sort of metal and was ultimately dumped at sea to save embarrassment), were reinstated in 2007.
Conservation & Heritage
- In 1969, the Norland area became the first Conservation Area in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. It was later designated an “Outstanding Conservation Area,” and the Norland Conservation Society was founded that same year to protect its heritage.
- Many homes around Norland Square are Grade II listed, recognising their architectural and historical importance.
Notable Resident
- Emily Mary Jane Ward, nee Lord (1850-1930), was a pioneer of childcare education in England. She founded several institutions including Norland Place School in 1876 and the Norland Institute in n 1892, a training school for nannies and children's nurses. She lived at 9-10 Norland Square.
Community Stewardship
For over a century, residents have maintained the gardens collectively. Today, the Garden Committee continues this tradition, balancing heritage with the needs of a modern community.