Soho Square

Soho Square
Rodhullandemu · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Name	Soho Square
Location	West End, City of Westminster, London
Created	1681
Designer	Robert Moor
Area	1.4ha
Status	Public garden square

Soho Square Soho Square is a historic garden square in the West End of London, within the City of Westminster. Laid out in the late 17th century, it has been associated with aristocracy, publishing, theatre, and the film industry and remains a focal point for media, music, and diplomatic activity. The square sits amid streets known for Carnaby Street, Oxford Street, and Piccadilly Circus, and it is surrounded by buildings linked to the Royal Family, British Museum, and several cultural institutions.

History

Originally developed in 1681 by Bishop Henry Compton and surveyor Robert Moor, the square quickly attracted residents from the English aristocracy such as the Earls of Shaftesbury and the Dukes of Suffolk. Throughout the 18th century it became associated with the Enlightenment circles that included visitors to the nearby Museum, and by the 19th century houses were occupied by publishers connected to the Industrial Revolution and the expanding British Empire. In the 20th century the square was linked to the growth of the British film industry, with companies like Warner Bros. and broadcasters such as the BBC establishing offices nearby, while the music business — including managers associated with The Beatles, Rolling Stones, and Queen — used the surrounding streets. During the Second World War the area experienced damage during the Blitz, drawing attention from the Ministry of Home Security and reconstruction programs related to the Postwar reconstruction of London. In recent decades conservation efforts by the City of Westminster and heritage groups such as English Heritage have preserved many original facades, while contemporary tenants include creative firms linked to Island Records, Virgin Records, and multinational corporations like Google and Apple Inc. with offices in the West End.

Architecture and Layout

The square’s plan reflects late 17th-century design practices influenced by architects like Inigo Jones and urbanists connected to Christopher Wren. Surrounding terraces display Georgian and Victorian townhouses with stucco fronts, mansard roofs, and sash windows typical of the Georgian era and the Victorian era. Notable architectural elements include formal railings, elm-lined pathways, and a central lawn with specimen trees similar to plantings found in Russell Square and Trafalgar Square. The layout is punctuated by rear service alleys that once served coach houses and mews associated with households of the Peerage of the United Kingdom. Nearby streets — Dean Street, Frith Street, Berwick Street, and Old Compton Street — form a grid that connects Soho Square to transport arteries leading to Charing Cross Road and Regent Street.

Notable Buildings and Institutions

Prominent addresses around the square have housed diplomatic missions such as the Italian Embassy offices and consular suites linked to the United States and France in different periods. Cultural and media institutions include a history of occupancy by publishing houses like HarperCollins and Penguin Books as well as music publishers tied to EMI and Sony Music Entertainment. The square has hosted clubs and venues associated with theatrical producers of West End theatre linked to producers working with the Royal Opera House and venues represented by agencies managing acts for the Glastonbury Festival and Reading Festival. Educational and research links include proximity to campuses of University of Westminster and specialist institutes comparable to the Royal College of Art and the London School of Economics. Commercial tenants have included law firms with cases in the High Court of Justice, fashion houses connected to Alexander McQueen and Vivienne Westwood, and restaurants frequented by figures from the British monarchy, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom’s entourage, and international celebrities represented by agencies such as CAA.

Cultural Events and Public Art

Soho Square and its environs stage festivals and events associated with the London Festival circuit, including film premieres tied to distributors like Film4 and music launches affiliated with labels such as Island Records and XL Recordings. Public art installations have included contemporary sculptures commissioned by arts bodies like the Tate Modern and the Arts Council England, and temporary exhibits during Frieze Art Fair seasons and promotions by the British Council. Annual community events have involved local business associations working with the Westminster City Council and charity campaigns supported by celebrities connected to Oxfam and Amnesty International. Street performances on adjoining thoroughfares often feature ensembles from institutions such as the Royal Academy of Music and touring companies associated with the National Theatre.

Transportation and Access

Soho Square is served by the London Underground network with nearest stations including Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Circus, Tottenham Court Road, and Leicester Square. Numerous Transport for London bus routes along Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Charing Cross Road provide surface links to hubs like King's Cross St Pancras and Victoria station. Cycling infrastructure connects to Cycle Superhighway 2 and Santander Cycles docking stations maintained by Transport for London and private operators such as Serco Group plc. For international travellers, access is facilitated via Heathrow and Gatwick with rail links to central London provided by Heathrow Express and Gatwick Express services.

Category:Squares in the City of Westminster