Eldon Square

About

Eldon Square is a formally planned garden square located in the East Reading area of the English borough of Reading. It dates from circa 1840 and comprises a public park surrounded on two sides by residential housing and represents a notable example of 19th-century urban design. The central green space is officially designated the King George V Memorial Gardens, although this name is rarely used in everyday reference.

The square is named after John Scott, 1st Earl of Eldon, who served as Lord Chancellor for much of the early 19th century. Scott spent his later years in nearby Sonning and was a benefactor of the Royal Berkshire Hospital, situated only a short distance from the square. Another Eldon Square exists in Newcastle upon Tyne, the Earl's birthplace.

The houses on the north and east sides of the square bear Eldon Square addresses, while the west and south sides are defined by Eldon Road and London Road, respectively. The square was developed as a prestigious residential area, and the buildings were constructed from Bath stone, which was transported via the Kennet and Avon Canal. Local brothers and architects Henry and Nathaniel Briant reportedly contributed to designing the...