by Dorothee Schröder
A District Between Two Boroughs
Fitzrovia lies in central London, with its eastern half in the London Borough of Camden and its western half in the City of Westminster.
From Manor to Metropolis
Originally part of the Manor of Tottenham Court, the area began to urbanise in the 18th century as London expanded westwards.
From FitzRoy to Fitzrovia
Fitzrovia takes its name either from Fitzroy Square or from the Fitzroy Tavern — both linked to the Dukes of Grafton, who owned much of the land until the late 19th century. They were descendants of Henry FitzRoy, the illegitimate son of King Charles II and Barbara Villiers. “FitzRoy” means “son of the king” in Norman French.
The use of the name Fitzrovia itself can be traced back to the 1930s, when the journalist and politician Thomas Driberg began using it to describe the area’s bohemian quarter — and the name has remained ever since.
A Bohemian Reputation
From the mid-1920s onwards, Fitzrovia became known as a centre for writers, artists and bohemians. Among those associated with the area were Dylan Thomas and George Orwell, while Walter Sickert, Virginia Woolf and George Bernard Shaw also lived here at various times.
Literary Footprints
Fitzroy Square was once home to Ian McEwan, who chose the surrounding streets as the setting for his novel Saturday, weaving modern London life into the district’s long literary tradition.
The Fitzrovia Chapel
The Fitzrovia Chapel at Pearson Square, once part of the Middlesex Hospital, is a gem of Byzantine inspired architecture. Today it serves both as a place of quiet reflection and as a venue for contemporary art and cultural events.
A Home of Broadcasting
Fitzrovia is home to the BBC’s New Broadcasting House, along with several other BBC buildings, reinforcing its role in Britain’s cultural landscape.
A Walkable Neighbourhood
With many residents choosing to walk or cycle, Fitzrovia has one of the lowest rates of car ownership in the UK.
The Grant Museum of Zoology
Part of University College London, the Grant Museum of Zoology houses more than 68,000 zoological specimens, offering a fascinating insight into the diversity of animal life.
A Desirable Address
Fitzrovia’s distinctive character did not go unnoticed: in 2016, The Sunday Times named it London’s best place to live.
Cover picture: Fitzroy Square (Photographer: Philipp Röttgers)
