Unearthing Historic Property Documents: My Journey with the 1857 Deed for 22 St George’s Square, Pimlico
Understanding London’s rich architectural history often involves delving into age-old documents that tell stories beyond bricks and mortar. Recently, I had the pleasure of acquiring an original vellum indenture dating back to 1857, which has offered fascinating insights into the development of Pimlico, London. In this article, I will share my journey of researching this historic deed, how I identified the specific property involved, and the exciting efforts underway to reconnect with its current owners.
Discovering the Deed
The document in question is an indenture of underlease dated April 18, 1857. Crafted on high-quality vellum, it records a lease within the then-expanding Pimlico area, situated in the County of Middlesex, now part of Greater London. The deed references notable figures of the time, including The Most Honorable Robert Grosvenor, Marquess of Westminster, whose Grosvenor Estate was instrumental in shaping much of the local landscape, and Thomas Cubitt, the esteemed master builder responsible for many of Pimlico’s iconic terraces.
Key Details From the Document
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The lease pertains to a “messuage or dwelling house with buildings and appurtenances,” located on a corner of St George’s Square.
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The property’s approximate dimensions are 25 feet by 63 feet 3 inches.
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It grants rights to access and use the communal garden in St George’s Square, with the owner being responsible for its maintenance.
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The annual ground rent is noted as £20 sterling.
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Landmarks such as Lupus Street and the site reserved for a church (later St Saviour’s Church) are also referenced.
Piecing Together the Location
One of the most telling clues in the deed is the phrase: “the corner house of St George’s Square.” The deed specifies that the property faces east onto St George’s Square, indicating a corner lot on the west side of the square — a significant narrowing of possible locations.
Furthermore, references to Lupus Street and the church site align with the layout of the surviving terraces in the area. Given the dimensions and orientation, it appears highly probable that the property in question is 22 St George’s Square, Pimlico.
Confirming this identification was achieved through a comparative analysis of historic maps, existing Grade II-listed buildings, and the development patterns by Thomas Cubitt. Remarkably, 22 St George’s Square still exists today, maintaining its original mid-19th-century character.
A Personal Mission: Reaching Out to Present-Day Keepers
Given the historical importance of this deed, I’ve embarked on a grassroots effort to connect with the current owners of 22 St George’s Square. Despite being based in Maryland, USA, I managed to trace Ann O’Kelly’s contact information through local contacts—someone who previously resided in the building—and will be shipping her the original document next week.
I’ve asked Ann to send a photograph with the deed once received, which I look forward to sharing. It’s been thrilling to witness this project unfold and to involve a broader community in celebrating London’s enduring heritage.
Conclusion
This journey highlights how historical documents, when carefully analyzed and contextualized, can breathe life into stories of the past. The discovery and identification of the deed for 22 St George’s Square exemplify the fascinating connections that can be made across centuries, especially with the aid of modern tools like AI and meticulous research.
I remain excited about the prospect of sharing this piece of history with its current custodians and the broader community. It’s a testament to the enduring importance of preserving and understanding our shared architectural heritage.
If you have any insights or similar stories about historic properties, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s keep exploring London’s rich past together!