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Norman Conquests in Blemund’s Lande

It all started in 1066, when William the Norman, the new King of England, chilled out on Holborn Hill, preparing to attach the city of London. Confronted by a rather substantial army, the city folk decided rather than fight it out, they would open the gates and offer their allegiance to his Royal Highness.

Roger de Bellmonte (one of William’s trusted barons) was granted a vast track of land stretching from Hampstead in the North to the Thames in the south and present day Hyde Park in the west, this was Blemund’s Lande or Blemundsbury, thus Bloomsbury was founded.

Fringing Covent Garden Bloomsbury is becoming a very “in” residential area now, and the areas west from Tottenham Court Road to Grays Inn Road in the east, divided by Euston Road in the north and to Theobald’s Road in the south, is the heart of where the most interesting residential properties and developments are located.

If period places are your favoured option, wander around Leigh Street, Sandwich Street and Marchmont Street which evoke a “Dickensian” atmosphere. Currently you could purchase a top floor 2 bedroom maisonette in Leigh Street with a superb roof terrace for £330,000 which, with some delicate TLC and design, could become a really interesting investment.

Grand Edwardian / Victorian blocks feature prominently in the Bedford Square area, the most prestigious block being Bedford Court Mansions. One bedroom flats sell from £235,000 upwards with high ceilings and ornate cornicing. The pieces de resistance are the larger ¾ bedroom flats with all of the grand reception rooms this classic block has to offer. Prices start from £425.00. In red Lion Street, in a recently converted period building, a selection o f 1 bedroom flats with wood flooring and stylish kitchens are selling on long leases from £183,000 –£186,000.

Wander across the road to Lamb’s Conduit Street and the modern minimalist style new development No 10/12 provides two bedroom flats which would cost £300,000 upwards, including a private parking space – a rarity indeed in this charismatic semi-pedestrian street.

A variety of residential accommodation eventually can be identified and in order to gain a true feel for the real Bloomsbury a little leg work is a must. The ultimate can almost be found and the penthouse in Bloomsbury Mansions adjacent to Russell Square offers a unit of considerable style with a substantial roof terrace and conservatory, refurbished to a high standard of finish, offering a spacious reception room and three bedrooms at £895,000, proving that quality is available in a superbly serviced and well located block.

Investment and potential are factors always governing the discerning purchaser’s requirements and it would be prudent and well worthwhile keeping a serious eye on Bloomsbury as a jewel for William the Conqueror’s Crown! He may be somewhat perturbed that it has taken so long for people to realise that this area has a great deal to offer. But now, we know Bloomsbury as an area for poets, artists, writers, musicians, actors, historians and philosophers – so there is much to be told, my lord.