The Morrells of 44 Bedford Square

Lady Ottoline Morrel in Bedford Square.

From 1906 until its sale in 1920, 44 Bedford Square was owned by Lady Ottoline Morrell and her husband, Philip.

Bedford Square lies at the heart of the Bloomsbury area of London and is considered to be amongst the most beautiful in London. Built in the 1770s it remains one of the best preserved Georgian areas of London, and indeed houses 1-54, which includes Lady Ottoline’s home, are Grade 1 listed.

With a garden in the middle and surrounded on all sides with uniform terrace houses, Bedford Square created a pattern which was replicated far and wide. The central house on each side of the square is rather grander than its neighbours, adorned with pediments and pilasters.

The garden itself is private and can only be enjoyed by the public on rare occasions and is itself a Grade II listed. After World War I, facing financial pressures, the Morrells were forced to sell 44 Bedford Square. The buyer was HH Asquith, the former prime minister. Today, the house is home to a French medium school.