Inventory Site Record

Lansdowne Circus was laid out in 1843-50 as part of speculative housing development, largely undertaken by John Snell. Development in this area accelerated after Vauxhall Bridge was constructed. The layout of axial roads around the formal circus, numerous street trees, and detached, semi-detached and terraced housing has little changed since the mid C19th. The central garden enclosure was planted with grass and trees but appears not to have been accessible. Lambeth Borough Council compulsorily purchased the garden in 1951.

Previous / Other name:

Lansdowne Circus; Lansdowne Green

Site location:

Lansdowne Gardens

Postcode:

SW8 2EF

What 3 Words:

quarrel.police.tummy

Type of site:

Garden Square, Public Gardens

Borough:

Lambeth

Open to public?

Yes

Opening times:

unrestricted

Special conditions:

Facilities:

Events:

Public transport:

Tube: Stockwell (Victoria). Bus: 288

Citymapper    
Google Map    
streetmap.co.uk

Research updated:

01/04/2012

Last minor changes:

19/07/2023

Please check with the site owner or manager for latest news. www.lambeth.gov.uk

Lansdowne Circus comprises uniform Neo-classical style terraces around a central circular garden. It formed part of speculative housing development, largely undertaken by John Snell on land owned by James Humphries, and was designed to cater particularly for the middle classes. The layout of axial roads around the formal circus, numerous street trees, and detached, semi-detached and terraced houses has little changed since the mid C19th. St Barnabas Church was provided for the new residential area in 1850, now converted to flats as Ekarro House. The whole area was built up by the 1870s, the later houses generally in the Italianate style that had become fashionable. The garden enclosure was planted but appears not to have been accessible to residents of surrounding houses. It was kept locked from 1927, but no occupants had keys. In 1928 it was described as a 'Circular area planted with grass, thick shrubberies and some trees'. Lambeth Borough Council compulsorily purchased the garden from an unknown owner in 1951. Surrounded by listed buildings it is 'one of Lambeth's most attractive enclosures' (Draper) and remains largely grass and trees, with no features or paths, and surrounded by low utilitarian railings.

The nearby Lansdowne Green estate is generally well landscaped with shrubs, trees, pergolas and rosebeds.

Sources consulted:

Marie Draper 'Lambeth's Open Spaces, An historical account', LB Lambeth 1979; Lansdowne Gardens Conservation Area Draft CA Statement, 2007; Report of the Royal Commission on London Squares, 1928

Grid ref:

TQ302769 (530212,176901)

Size in hectares:

0.08

Site ownership:

LB Lambeth

Site management:

Environment Directorate, Parks and Greenspaces Unit (Team Lambeth)

Date(s):

1843

Designer(s):

Listed structures:

LBII: 23-51 (odd) and 20-54 (even) Lansdowne Gardens

On National Heritage List for England (NHLE), Parks & Gardens:

No

Registered common or village green on Commons Registration Act 1965:

No

Protected under London Squares Preservation Act 1931:

Yes

Local Authority Data

The information below is taken from the relevant Local Authority's planning legislation, which was correct at the time of research but may have been amended in the interim. Please check with the Local Authority for latest planning information.

On Local List:

No

In Conservation Area:

Yes

Conservation Area name:

Lansdowne Gardens

Tree Preservation Order:

Yes - in surrounding area

Nature Conservation Area:

No

Green Belt:

No

Metropolitan Open Land:

No

Special Policy Area:

No

Other LA designation:

Protected London Square. Open Space. Article 4 Direction

Lansdowne Gardens - Photo: Colin Wing
Date taken: 05/10/20 14:30

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