Beaufort square Flashcards
What was Beauford Square originally known as?
Beauford Square was originally known as Beaufort Buildings.
Why was Beauford Square named in recognition of the Duke of Beaufort?
It was named in recognition of the Duke of Beaufort’s support of the Avon Navigation Act.
When was the Avon Navigation Act first proposed, and when did it receive crucial legal assent?
The Avon Navigation Act was first proposed in 1695, and it received crucial legal assent in 1724.
When did construction of Beauford Square start and complete?
Construction started in 1724 and was completed in 1727.
Who designed Beauford Square, and when was it laid out?
Beauford Square was laid out in 1727 to a design by Bristol Surveyor John Strahan.
Who owned the land of Beauford Square, and who was it leased to?
The land was owned by St. John’s Hospital Charity and leased to entrepreneur John Hobbs.
What was open ground of Beauford Square used for between 1727 and 1804?
It served as a communal garden and showground.
What notable event occurred at Beauford Square in 1794?
A live elephant from India was placed on show at a price of 1s to ladies and gentlemen or 6d for servants.
What significant change occurred at Beauford Square in 1805?
The main entrance to Theatre Royal was established, replacing the old Orchard Street Theatre.
What happened to the Theatre Royal in 1862, and when was it reopened?
The Theatre Royal was gutted by fire on April 18, 1862, and it was reopened on March 3, 1863, after being enlarged and rebuilt.
What notable feature was removed from Beauford Square in 1952?
Five plane trees were removed from the northern edge of the square.
What reconstruction occurred in Beauford Square in 1965-1966?
The east side of Beauford Square was rebuilt, retaining the façade of No. 5, with the rest rebuilt with a replica frontage to No. 5.
What design features are notable on the north side of Beauford Square?
The north side features a triglyph frieze, arched door hoods, eared window moldings typical of the late Stuart to early Georgian period, ground floor windows topped by a cornice, and dormer windows over a ramped parapet.
Who lived in Beauford Square during its early history?
The residents included a mix of gentry and artisans, with some houses having larger spaces and stabling at the rear, and others being smaller and likely rented to visitors.
What professions were represented among the residents of Beauford Square?
Residents included a mason, shoemaker, apothecary, perfumer, carver, plumber, painter, smith, tobacconist, dressmaker, and railway porter.
