Cavendish Square, London
Cavendish Square is a historic garden square located in Marylebone, part of the City of Westminster in central London. The square is an elegant enclave of heritage architecture, green spaces, and premium real estate just a stone's throw from the bustle of Oxford Street.
Layout and Surrounding Streets
Cavendish Square is a formal open space with a garden at its centre, framed by buildings on all sides. It connects to several important streets in Marylebone:
- Cavendish Place to the north, leading toward Great Castle Street and Oxford Street.
- Margaret Street to the east, a thoroughfare known for its mix of commercial premises and heritage sites.
- Henrietta Place to the south, providing a route to Oxford Street and Holles Street.
- Holles Street on the southeast corner, linking directly to Oxford Street.
- Wigmore Street to the west, connecting the square with the wider Marylebone area.
Today, the square is a mix of medical establishments, private clinics, office spaces, and historic buildings, contributing to its status as one of London's prestigious addresses.
History of Cavendish Square
Cavendish Square was developed in the early 18th century as part of the grand plan to urbanise the northern expansion of London. It was laid out in 1717 and forms part of the Portland Estate, which was controlled by the Duke of Portland. The square was designed to be a fashionable residential address for aristocracy and wealthy Londoners.
The square is named after the Cavendish family, the Dukes of Devonshire, who were closely related to the Portlands by marriage. The name is pronounced ‘KAV-en-dish' (/ˈkævəndɪʃ/), with the stress on the first syllable. This pronunciation remains consistent among locals and visitors alike.
Interesting Sights and Landmarks
Among the most notable sights in Cavendish Square is the central garden itself, which serves as a public space and occasional venue for seasonal installations and sculptures. The garden is maintained by the City of Westminster and offers a tranquil retreat from the surrounding commercial bustle.
On the north side of the square stands the Royal College of Nursing headquarters, a prominent building reflecting the area's association with healthcare and medical institutions.
Nearby landmarks include:
- John Lewis Oxford Street – A major London department store located adjacent to the square.
- Harley Street – Famous for its concentration of private medical practices, just west of the square.
- Wigmore Hall – A world-renowned venue for chamber music, situated a short walk to the west.
Real Estate in Cavendish Square
Residential properties in Cavendish Square and its immediate vicinity are among the most desirable in London. As of July 2025, prices for properties around the square average between £2,200 to £2,800 per square foot (£23,680 to £30,140 per sq m) for premium residential spaces1. This places Cavendish Square well above the London average of £750 per square foot (£8,073 per sq m) in central areas1.
Typical flats in the area range from 900 sq ft (84 sq m) for one-bedroom apartments to over 3,000 sq ft (278 sq m) for luxury penthouses. For rental properties, expect monthly rents from £6,000 for smaller apartments to upwards of £25,000 for larger, furnished residences as of mid-20251.
Nearest London Underground Stations
The closest London Underground Stations to Cavendish Square are:
- Oxford Circus Station – served by the Bakerloo, Central, and Victoria lines.
- Bond Street Station – served by the Central and Jubilee lines, and the Elizabeth line.
- Goodge Street Station – served by the Northern line, located to the northeast in Fitzrovia.
Bus Services
Several bus stops are located on Oxford Street, within a two-minute walk of Cavendish Square. These stops serve numerous routes connecting the West End with other parts of London.
Fun Fact
Cavendish Square once featured a colossal equestrian statue of William, Duke of Cumberland. However, due to his controversial role in suppressing the Jacobite rebellion, the statue was removed in the 19th century. Today, the plinth remains beneath the square's central garden, serving as a curious subterranean relic of London's past.
Quick Facts
- Cavendish Square is located in Marylebone, in the City of Westminster, London.
- It connects to Cavendish Place, Margaret Street, Henrietta Place, Holles Street, and Wigmore Street.
- The square was laid out in 1717 as part of London's urban expansion under the Portland Estate.
- The name Cavendish Square comes from the Cavendish family, pronounced ‘KAV-en-dish' (/ˈkævəndɪʃ/).
- Nearby landmarks include John Lewis Oxford Street, Harley Street, and Wigmore Hall.
- Residential property prices average £2,200–£2,800 per sq ft (£23,680–£30,140 per sq m) as of July 2025.
- Nearest Underground stations: Oxford Circus, Bond Street, and Goodge Street.
- Local bus stops are located on Oxford Street, serving various London routes.
- The square once had a large statue of the Duke of Cumberland, now removed but with the plinth still present underground.
References
Map of Cavendish Square, London
Painting of Cavendish Square
Painting of Cavendish Square
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