Apparently this is Islington's earliest square, being laid out in 1800, though it only became council property and open to the public around 80 years later. The original railings were lost in World War II. The layout was changed in 1950, at which time The Evening Standard described it as London's most beautiful square. Former residents include Evelyn Waugh and George Orwell.
Today the layout does rather annoyingly include a busy road going through the middle, so there are, in effect, two squares. This also means that from the outside the gardens are not enticing. I was pleasantly surprised though.
The one closer to Upper Street has stone paths and walls, and quite subtle plantings, giving a traditional English garden feel. It's also home to plantings by Loire Valley Wines: including a metal framework with a vine motif, and real grape vines.
The second, larger square has a slightly more opulent style, with the addition of lawns and palm trees.
Both very pretty and with real character. If it wasn't for that road, it might have knocked Gibson Square off the 5 star spot. read more