Architecture in London from the Georgians to the Present Day

The architecture in London is diverse and fascinating. You can find the remains of the Roman occupation next to modern buildings and skyscrapers.

When looking at homes, the best place to start is the Georgian era. This period began in 1714 and lasted until 1837. During this time, houses were built all over London to accommodate the upper classes who wanted to live in the city. The buildings were tall and often double-fronted. They typically consisted of a basement and three upper floors. A good example of a typical Georgian house can be found in West London, in places like Bedford Square and Wimpole Street.

Victorian Homes

The Victorian era covers the period between 1837 and 1901, during the reign of Queen Victoria. Many buildings constructed at this time were lighter inside because more windows were installed following the abolition of the Window Tax in 1851. Like Georgian houses, Victorian homes were often built in terraces. Wealthy Victorians often had indoor bathrooms with flushing toilets. You can find Victorian houses in Belgrave Square and Notting Hill.

The Edwardian Period

The Edwardian period began in 1901 and lasted until 1918 in terms of architecture. Houses were still large but tended to be plainer than Victorian properties. They lacked many of the ornate embellishments and were painted in lighter colours. Many new homes were built on the outskirts of London. You can see Edwardian homes in Hampstead and Muswell Hill.

The Art Deco Period

Art Deco became fashionable in the 1920s and remained popular until the beginning of the Second World War. Houses and apartment blocks were built in London and its suburbs. Art Deco designs featured bold colours, geometric patterns, and angular shapes. You can see Art Deco properties in Enfield and Balham. One of the most iconic Art Deco buildings is Battersea Power Station.

The 1940s and 50s

Due to a housing shortage after the Second World War, Britain experienced a housing boom. Homes were smaller, but now the masses—and not just the wealthy—could buy homes. Houses were built in terraces or semi-detached blocks, and many had front and back gardens. You can see examples of 1940s and 1950s housing in areas like Edgware, Camden, and the City of London.

The Brutalist Period

In the 1960s and 70s, a new form of architecture became popular: Brutalism. Houses and flats were built using unfinished surfaces and materials shaped into unusual forms. The buildings appeared heavy, with small windows. This was the era of the tower block, designed to house people cleared from London’s slums. They were built vertically to accommodate as many residents as possible in a limited space. You can see 1960s and 70s tower blocks in Bromley, Kensal Town, and Peckham.

Today

Today’s houses and apartment blocks are smaller than in the past, as space has become a premium. Skyscrapers now dominate the London skyline, housing office spaces and luxury apartments. London has expanded well into the suburbs, and new housing can be found in gentrified areas and redeveloped zones such as Canary Wharf, which was once an abandoned dock area.