Colville Place, dates back to 1766 and is so picturesque it is often featured in photos of Fitzrovia.
There is a lot of character with old streetlamps in the centre line, and a sloping pavement from each side, unlike modern paving which is cut with a machine, Colville Place has lots of hand cut flagstones.
It was built by John Colvill, who gave his name to the estate, he was carpenter to the Goodge Brothers Francis & William who owned the land and leased it to William Franks.
It was planned as a double row of modest dwellings, three storeys in height, some of the ground floors would have been shops.
Back when it was built it was called Colville Court – and originally it did have houses down both sides, but the area suffered bomb damage during World War 2 resulting in some of the houses being demolished and left desolate until the early 1960s when the space became a car park.
After a campaign by local residents a public space was laid out in 1985, known as Crabtree Fields, it’s currently undergoing renovations following a public consultation so it will be great to see this space revived.
Today, the area is part of the Charlotte Street conservation area properties are much sought after.
Join Camden Guide Chris to explore Bohemian London and both the wealthy and not so wealthy parts of the community. Passing homes of celebrities past and present, and the workhouse that inspired Dickens to write Oliver Twist. You will also see Dickens first London home, and some very ‘quirky firsts’. We walk along Colville Place a hidden gem. As this walk is on a Wednesday, we are able to visit the amazing Fitzrovia Chapel which is a real rare treat. This is the location where King Charles in 2024 chose to give his annual Christmas speech to the public.
We will end in an iconic tavern, where it is easier to state who hasn’t drunk there than who has!
Details and booking st the following link:
