Modern Britain

The aristocracy departed their former cramped and outdated houses in Soho, Whitehall, Holborn, and the City and relocated westwards to the new mansions, townhouses, and green squares of Mayfair.

Of the initial 227 houses built, 117 had titled owners. Dukes, duchesses, marquesses, and earls rivalled each other to secure the best houses and dress them in lavish style.

By 1850, the heart of the social scene was Buckingham Palace, with the most sought-after mansions being in Mayfair, now firmly London's top address; with Belgravia being the next address of choice, and Pimlico being the least sought after part of the Grosvenor family's estate - an almost 'middle class' place for second sons, widowed aunts, and less wealthy relations...

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Main Sources

Adapted by Jayne Weldon to promote the publication of the book, The Story of Mayfair, by Peter Wetherell, Erik Brown and Oliver Bradbury, London 2014, which looks at the social, financial and physical development of Mayfair, one of the world's most famous addresses over 350 years. Reproduced with permission.

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