THE ST MARYLEBONE SOCIETY NEWSLETTER

Summer 2015 Number 344 www.stmarylebonesociety.or g Registered Charity 274082 CHILTERN RAILWAYS UNVEILS THREE MEMORIAL PLAQUES

The unveiling ceremony. Chiltern Railways and the Rail Heritage these men and their relatives, many of they made to preserve peace for Trust have joined forces to commission whom attended the ceremony to re- future generations. We wanted to replicas of three war memorials dedicate the memorials. commemorate those who lost their lives dedicated to the railwaymen of Chiltern Railways made an in this conflict so that their memory Marylebone, which were unveiled at a extraordinary discovery about a relative lives on.” ceremony at Marylebone station on of one of the men who lost their life, who Andy Savage, Executive Director at the Thursday 16 April at. These were is an illustrator specialising in the Railway Heritage Trust added: “The showcased alongside a set of animated depiction of soldiers in the Great War. illustrations which vividly brought to Trust has worked very hard to ensure The train company has worked with the recording and conservation of all life the stories of those who fought in illustrator Tim Fox-Goddon and the Great War. railway war memorials. We were animator Josh Fortune to bring the acutely aware of the loss of the three The original memorials were lost with stories of those who died to life through memorials at Marylebone. We are the largest, dedicated to the men of the animated illustrations which are based and District Goods Department on letters that the men sent back from delighted to be able to fund the at Marylebone, being destroyed when the Western Front. replacement of the memorials and to work with Chiltern Railways to place the goods shed was bombed during the Graham Cross, Director at Chiltern them back on the station.” Second World War in 1941. Railways said: “Many railwaymen lost They list the names of 43 railwaymen their lives to fight for their country and Sally Gillespie who lost their lives in the conflict and the centenary of the Great War is a Senior Communications Manager the train operator has been researching timely reminder of the sacrifice Chiltern Railways

Continued overleaf. NORTH MARYLEBONE TRAFFIC 50 Y EARS OF GROUP UPDATE WCC range of views and opinions. The majority of London’s government was reformed in those attending expressed support for April 1965 with the LCC, the investigating a right turn at Allsop Place to metropolitan boroughs and a number of take excess turning traffic from Baker districts abolished to create new local Street, and also for creating a right-hand authorities. In our area the Marylebone Borough Council was merged with turn from Park Road southbound to take other neighbouring districts to become vehicles along Rossmore Road. Linked to Westminster City Council and to this idea was the view that Lisson Grove commemorate this 50th anniversary a should also be explored for a new right-hand special ceremony was held at turn onto the Westway, as this would free up Westminster Abbey on 8th March 2015. Harewood Avenue congestion around the The Evensong Service began with a Landmark Hotel and Marylebone Station. Procession of Mayors from all London Wide concern was raised concerning Boroughs, who in their full regalia and pollution levels and the need to look at with attendant mace-carriers presented strategically reducing the amount of an historic and impressive sight. through-traffic in Marylebone. One Lord Mayor Audrey Lewis and Deputy suggestion was to use the planned re-design Mayor of London, Lady Borwick, read of the Swiss Cottage gyratory to direct the first and second lessons traffic along main roads East and West, respectively and the Dean of avoiding Baker Street altogether. Westminster the Sermon. After the service we had a chance to meet local Those opposed to the 2-Way scheme Councillors, Mayors from across outright believe that the current situation is London and Westminster officers who satisfactory and that any public realm Group discussion at the second meeting of NMTG. all work hard for local democracy and to benefits South of the Marylebone Road will On 23 February 2015, the North ensure that London is a safe, successful Marylebone Traffic Group had its second be at the expense of residents to the North. city. As Prof Tony Travers summed up in his introduction: London’s strength is public meeting at St Cyprian's Church Hall. The narrow streets of the Dorset Square its capacity to accommodate the new The purpose was to inform local residents Conservation Area could be overwhelmed without destroying the old. and listen to their feedback on what by ‘rat-runs’ and residents’ loading and changes, if any, they wanted to see in their parking bays could be lost. A further heated neighbourhood in light of the proposed discussion topic was how coaches and buses Baker St Two-Way Scheme. Over 200 dominate this area and need to be carefully people attended and groups were formed considered in any plan. based on geographic location to discuss The workshop format meeting was an detailed neighbourhood perspectives, as opportunity for everyone to be proactive, well as a group for those totally opposed to creative and think laterally to develop ideas the scheme. and discuss them with their neighbours in Westminster Council had recently declared an informal, non-confrontational setting. It that Dorset Square/Balcombe Street was no was very much hoped this would be just the longer an option for an additional right-hand start of a dialogue about the future of the turn onto Marylebone Road. This was a neighbourhood. relief to everyone who were concerned for The public consultation for the Baker Street the estimated 6m commuters a year who Two-Way project will begin on 26th May and Gaby Higgs and Cllr Angela Harvey. traverse along Melcombe Street between run to 31st July. Marylebone and Baker Street Stations. Therefore, at the time of the meeting the Public Exhibitions: proposals still being considered were to St Cyprian’s Clarence Gate, create a new right turn at Allsop Place onto Glentworth Street the Marylebone Road, increase existing Wednesday 10th June 4pm–6pm capacity at Harewood Avenue or do nothing Thursday 11th June 4pm–6pm and live with the reduced capacity for Saturday 13th June 12pm–4pm turning right at Baker Street. Park Plaza Sherlock Holmes, Residents used Post-It notes to explain their 108 Baker Street ideas and fixed these onto large-scale maps, Thursday 2nd July 4pm–7pm which the NMTG team used to collate the Saturday 4th July 12pm–4pm If you have any comments, ideas or concerns please contact the North Marylebone Traffic Group on [email protected] Rosemary McQueen and John Walker. 2 PROPOSAL FOR CYCLE ROUTE THROUGH WYNDHAM PLACE

the pedestrian precinct, as it lies in the path of a proposed North-South cycle route along Harewood Avenue, down Enford Street through the pedestrian precinct with its paving and benches and into Wyndham Place south of Crawford Street.

We are strongly opposed to this use. Local residents, and children and their parents from the nearby schools use the square as a safe open space to meet, to sit and to play. There are not many such pleasant open spaces available in the area, and most people do not have access to the private garden squares. Map extracted from WCC Cycle Grid map. Allowing cycling through this space Wyndham Place was formed around would change its character and make it Robert Smirke's Church of St Mary, much less peaceful. The Draft completed in 1823, with its unusual tall Westminster Cycle Grid map, tower and semicircular portico (Grade I November 2013, showed cyclists going listed), and there are a number of around the precinct and using Seymour interesting buildings around the square, Place and Upper Montagu Street as well. The most interesting of these is instead, but WCC suggested at our the St Mary-le-bone Western National March 2015 planning meeting that School , from 1824. By 1903, this parish cyclists might cut through the piazza.

Wyndham Place Plaque. school had 807 pupils. Part of it was Cynthia Poole destroyed by a bomb in 1944, and it STOP PRESS – moved to a new building in Enford street THE SWAN & EDGAR in 1969. Westminster Council has finally made the decision to add this The upper part of Wyndham Place historic local pub to the City became a pedestrian precinct in 1977 as Council’s list of Assets of Community Value. The owner is part of the celebrations for the Silver entitled to request a review of this Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. It was a decision as they had hoped to joint initiative by Westminster Council, convert it into a private house. Their planning application was lost the St Marylebone Society, and the at Appeal last year and they have Marylebone Village Residents since left the building empty and un- marketed. Association. (We would be interested to The Save the Linhope Street Local learn more about the Residents Group have made attempts to Association, which no longer exists). contact the owner as they have a potential independent brewery We have now learned that there is a interested in running the pub and reviving its contribution to local life. proposal to allow cyclists to ride through

3 SHAW’S PYGMALION & A MARYLEBONE SCANDAL eventually came out that her real name jail. The judge accepted he had acted was Eliza Armstrong, who lived with her from good intentions (exposing evil) but parents at 32 Charles Street (now called this political motivation did not justify Ranston Street) just off Lisson Grove. taking the child nor subjecting her to an The article stated that Mrs Armstrong indecent assault. Moreover the judge was a drunk who offered her daughter said that Stead’s actions had subjected for sale for “immoral purposes” for the the family to unutterable scandal and sum of £5. The article, though Stead’s distorted account was “a inconsistent, describes what was alleged disgrace to journalism”. Jarrett got 6- to have happened. The procuress, a Mrs months imprisonment without hard Jarrett, first took Eliza to a house in labour, while Madame Mourez got 6 Albany Street (by co-incidence one months with hard labour. street away from where Shaw was Shaw seems to have accepted Stead’s living). Eliza met Stead there and was version of events and when newsagents given tea while new underwear was W. H. Smith refused to stock the very bought for her. Eliza was then taken to graphic issues of the PMG, Shaw offered 3 Milton Street (now called Balcombe to sell copies for him. When, 27 years “Octavia Hill’s urban cottages in Ranston Street, which Street), where a Madame Mourez later, Shaw sat down to write Pygmalion, were built on the site of Eliza Armstrong’s Charles Street certified her virginity, a procedure that the basic outlines of the PMG version of home.” later landed her in court on a charge of the Stead/Armstrong case seem to have George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion is a indecent assault. Mourez also sold been part of the rich brew swirling play about two central characters with Jarrett some chloroform. Jarrett then around in Shaw’s creative imagination. strong Marylebone roots. It is only took Eliza to a brothel in Poland Street Consider the following similarities: weakly based on the eponymous where Jarrett made Eliza undress and Eliza Doolittle (Eliza D) is described as sculptor from classical mythology – in get into bed before chloroforming her. coming from Lisson Grove (the area not the play the creator does not fall in love Eliza awoke to find Stead in her room the Street) – as did Eliza Armstrong with and marry his “creation”. Rather, and screamed, following which Stead (Eliza A) in real life. As part of an the central characters and significant left. The next step in this pantomime experiment (involving a bet in the play), details in the play strongly echo a was to smuggle Eliza out of the country Eliza D stays away from home for a few scandal that took place in Marylebone in in the manner of the white slave trade. months, as does Eliza A. Eliza D is 1885. Eliza was then held in France for almost taken by Professor Higgins (the Shaw came to London in 1876, aged 20, three months before being returned to equivalent of the charismatic and and by 1885 he was living in genteel her parents. bullying Stead figure) to his poverty with his mother at 36 Although the above narrative was the house/laboratory at 27A Wimpole Osnaburgh St, to the east of Regent’s gist of Stead’s account, the glaring Street. Like Eliza A, she is stripped of Park. After five unsuccessful years of untruth at the centre of it was the claim her clothes and provided with new ones. trying to make it as a novelist Shaw that Mrs Armstrong knowingly sold her Eliza A was actually drugged with started writing reviews for the Pall Mall daughter into prostitution. Mrs chloroform, whereas Eliza D, when first Gazette (PMG). The editor, Armstrong’s neighbour, who had worked offered chocolates by Higgins replies campaigning journalist William Stead, with Jarrett, put Jarret in touch with Mrs “How do I know what might be in them? was stoking up a moral panic about the Armstrong, and their agreement was I have heard of girls being drugged by sexual exploitation of children as part of that Eliza would be going into service the likes of you”. a campaign to get the age of consent with the apparently respectable Mrs The subtext of the play is shot through raised from 13 to 16. In 1885 the PMG Jarrett. Stead’s big mistake was in not with references to sexual exploitation published a series of articles under the dealing directly with the Armstrongs. and the repeated assertions by Eliza D title of “The Maiden Tribute to Modern For it appears that his agent, Jarrett, that she is “a respectable girl“/”a good Babylon” (Parts I-IV). As forerunners (who was a reformed prostitute who girl”. On first meeting Higgins she of salacious tabloid journalism the went on to work with the Salvation assumes he is a detective and asks him articles had attention-grabbing Army), misled Stead by telling him what not to charge her: “They’ll take away my subheadings, such as: “The Violation of he wanted to hear, namely that Mrs character and drive me on the streets Virgins”, “The London Slave Market” Armstrong was fully aware of the for speaking to gentlemen”. Eliza is and “A Child of Thirteen Bought for £5”. immoral purpose for which Eliza was repeatedly insulted and threatened with Although it was not revealed in the being recruited. Stead was subsequently corporal punishment if she does not article, Stead himself was the purchaser prosecuted and convicted for taking an comply with Higgins’s orders. When of the said 13-year-old child. The child under 14-year-old child away from her Pickering asks Higgins whether it was given the pseudonym “Lily” but it parents and sentenced to 3 months in occurs to him Eliza has feelings, Higgins 4 replies “Oh no. I don’t think so. Not you do… [a man] out of the price for his the slums cleared and replaced by the any feelings that we need to bother own daughter what he’s brought up… urban cottages you see today. about” (which is reminiscent of Stead’s until she’s growed big enough to be I don’t know what happened to the attitude to Eliza A). interesting to you? …Is five pounds unfortunate Eliza Armstrong, but Stead unreasonable?” At which point Higgins Eliza A’s father was a chimney sweep died in 1912, the same year that Shaw who had not actually been involved in pays Eliza D’s father £5. wrote Pygmalion . The journalist had negotiating Eliza’s departure. But Shaw After the scandal of the PMG articles no accepted an all-expenses-paid trip to puts Eliza D’s father (a dustman in the respectable family wanted to live in New York on the Titanic and his death play) centre stage and has him conduct a Charles Street. The name was changed negotiation for his daughter directly to Ranston Street after housing made front page news around the world. with Higgins. He asks Higgins “Will… reformer Octavia Hill pressed to have Mike Wood

A B LUE PLAQUE FOR MARYLEBONE ’S RED BUS STUDIOS

On a bright Spring morning this April, Church Street was abuzz with celebrities and music industry moguls. They gathered with local residents to celebrate the award of a commemorative Blue Plaque from The Heritage Foundation. The plaque was unveiled by the Foundation’s President, ‘Allo ‘Allo! Star Vicki Michelle MBE. The Red Bus Studios makes history as the first building – as opposed to individual - to .

receive the honour. It was nominated by s o i former Foundation President and Bee Gees’ d u t singer, the late Robin Gibb, and his family. S s u

The studios at 34 Salisbury Street are owned B d and passionately operated by St Marylebone e R f

Society members and local residents, Eliot o y s e

and Joanne Cohen. Eliot is also a Trustee of t r u

Variety, the children's charity. o c h p

Over the last 35 years the boutique studio a r g o has continuously punched above its weight t o h

in producing, mixing and mastering P hundreds of the world’s most-loved hits, Outside the Studios left to right: RJ Gibb (son of the Bee Gees’ late Robin Gibb), Barry Blue (music producer), from Bananarama’s ‘Cruel Summer’, and Vicki Michelle (President, The Heritage Foundation), Eliot Cohen (co-founder and owner, Red Bus Studios), Sinitta (singer), Culture Club’s ‘Do You Really Want To Hurt Steve Levine (music producer), Tony Swain (music producer), Dwina Gibb (widow of the late Robin Gibb) & David Me’ to Duran Duran’s ‘Girls on Film’, Graham (Chairman, The Heritage Foundation). Imagination’s ‘Just an Illusion’, Gloria Gallery – one of the most influential delivers audio post-production services for Gaynor’s ‘I Will Survive’ and Spandau contemporary art galleries in the world; The movies and television programmes – and its Ballet’s ‘True’ and ‘Gold’ (as used in the Cockpit fringe theatre – home to iconic ‘Jazz award-winning Hackenbacker team, have London 2012 Olympics). in the Round’ every month; and Farrells – provided full sound effects for ITV and BBC It has welcomed a number of celebrated acts award winning architect-planners behind the prime time drama series Downton Abbey, through its doors including Alison Moyet, national ‘Farrell Review’ of placemaking, The Three Musketeers and Whitechapel as Boney M, Gloria Gaynor, Tina Turner, architecture and the built environment. well as the Academy-nominated 2011 film Jocelyn Brown, Lulu, Manic Street Red Bus Recording Studios began its long Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. Preachers, N-Dubz, Soul ll Soul, Talk Talk, and prestigious history back in 1978 by co- The Blue Plaque honour created much The Beach Boys, R J Gibb, and many more. founding members Eliot Cohen, Ellis Elias excitement in the media, featuring in Recently, Red Bus Studios hosted a charity and Leslie Grade (former owner of London day for Barnardo’s ‘Stop Human Trafficking’ industry journals such as Music Week, and Management and father of Lord Michael Eliot interviewing live on Sky News. Eliot campaign, fronted by Girls Aloud’s Nicola Grade). Having earned enormous successes himself was featured as a ‘Listed Londoner’ Roberts. The Studios supported some of the earlier in the management of artists such as UK’s most exciting up and coming young Mungo Jerry, as well as the running of the in a feature on the BBC’s Robert Elms show. talent, who were chosen to record on the day renowned Hollywood Music Festival in 1970 Commenting on receiving the Blue Plaque, and were captivated by the results of the where 40,000 fans attended, Eliot, Ellis and Eliot said: “It is a real honour to be receiving finalised tracks. Leslie looked to offer a space for artists to a Blue Plaque from The Heritage Foundation and I am indebted to Robin Gibb, his family, The Studios are currently featured in record their music, taking them into a world of drum machines, synthesisers, sampling The Heritage Foundation and everyone who Wendelien van Oldenborgh’s exhibition ‘Left and hi-tech recording technology. It quickly has worked with the studio over the years to Night’ at The Showroom Gallery (63 developed into one of the best known and for their continued love and support. It may Penfold Street, until 20 June). This local best loved recording studios in Europe, not be an easy business to be in but it’s collaboration is a reflection of Church opening its doors to a wealth of recording fuelled by an old-school, dedicated passion Street’s burgeoning creative and cultural talent. for music – so here’s to the next 40 years!” hub, anchored by Red Bus and other long- established businesses such as the Lisson In recent years, its Foley studio – which Sara Duncan

5 A B LUE P LAQUE FOR S IR F ABIAN W ARE

St Marylebone Society members, By October l915 the new Graves Francis and Kate Ford, were hosts to Registration Commission had over the unveiling of a plaque to Sir Fabian 31,000 graves registered and 50,000 by Ware, founder of the Imperial War May 1916. In 1917, the Imperial War Graves Commission on September 25 Graves Commission was formed and, at their home in 14 Wyndham Place. three years later, Fabian Ware received a knighthood for his work in reburying Fabian Ware lived in Wyndham Place the war dead in permanent cemetries from 1911 to 1919, during the critical across France. He continued as war years when his most important chairman of the Commission until his work was done. Too old to fight, he retirement, negotiating with various volunteered for service in France with countries, engaging architects to design the British Red Cross, leading a ‘flying cemetries and memorials, helping unit’ of ambulances and support drivers. relatives find out the fate of loved ones. Struck by the volume of casualties and Edwin Lutyens was one of the the lack of any plan to mark their final distinguished architects he appointed. resting places, he began recording the Sir Fabian’s granddaughter, Gillian Ware graves of soldiers killed in battle. In unveiled the plaque in Wyndham Place 1915 his work was recognised by the and Air Chief Marshal Sir Joe French War Office and his unit was transferred spoke as vice chairman of the to the British Army and given official Commonwealth War Graves responsibility for finding, marking and Commission. (The name was changed in registering British graves in France. He 1960). Francis and Kate Ford with Gillian Ware and Sir Joe French. was given the rank of Major General. Gwyneth Hampson L ETTERS Editorial reply: Village Fayre The headline had a double meaning Dear Sir, 28 June which unfortunately left it open to I was shocked by the misleading headline on the cover of the SMS Spring misinterpretation. The intended Come to our stall, outside Newsletter reading "Community United meaning was not that people were in Demands for 2-Way". In the article the Memorial Garden, reference is made to "a significant demanding the 2-Way scheme but and help on the day. percentage of people" who were rather, if it was to go ahead, certain opposed to the scheme, but surely this contradicts the headline statement? safeguards (“the wish-list” referred to) OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY Virtually all Marylebone residents would need to be in place. To keep it 2015 Patron: known to me find the scheme lacking in concise the headline did not go on to Lord Montagu of Beaulieu credibility. The effective restriction of President: Colin Amery traffic flow through so-called calming say “…except those who were against Chair: Gaby Higgs measures on two of our main roads does Vice-Chairman: Mike Wood the scheme whatever safeguards might Hon. Secretary: Andrew Cooper not mean that essential traffic will Hon. Treasurer: conveniently dwindle away; instead rat be put in place”. However, it is hoped Council Members: runs will result throughout the area on that, having read the article as well as Dorian Aroyo (Social Secretary) the grounds of sheer physical necessity. Cynthia Poole (Planning Committee Chairman) In this context the "demands" of the the headline, not too many people Robert McAulay (Newsletter and Membership) local community outlined in the would have been misled into thinking Douglas Temple (Events) Newsletter form a hopeless wish-list. Mike Wood (Local History) While the idyllic vision of urban life is that nobody was against the scheme in Ian Wylie (Planning) affecting, it is simply not realistic. principle. Marylebone is at the centre of a vast The St Marylebone Society metropolis the economy of which As the subsequent meeting at St The Society needs a treasurer depends on road transport. Further, as it Cyprian’s Church showed, people who is also the medical heart of London, the and a bookkeeper. potential impact on ambulances and were opposed to the 2-Way scheme, All the Trustees and Planning other emergency service vehicles whatever safeguards were put in place, which require the greater flexibility Committee give their time and afforded by multi-lane roads is of were in the minority (one table out of expertise for free and we always particular concern. It is vital that our six). However, if the safeguards need more volunteers. main roads continue to allow such free Please get in touch if you can flow of traffic as is feasible. referred to were not guaranteed, the help. Regards, “outright opposition group” would [email protected] Doreen Gluecksmann undoubtedly become the majority. 6 THE CINEMA

Lumi e`re brothers showcased their film treated to short films made by prize- projector, the cinematograph. winning University of Westminster students. Its beautiful refurbishment over the past 2 years has cost £6m and the We are fortunate to have this wonderful St Marylebone Society are proud to be cinema in our neighbourhood and it is seat patrons, donating £1,000 towards now open for business, with an its restoration. The Keen family have interesting schedule of new and also sponsored a seat, in memory of classic films. See their schedule at: Alderman Coucher, SMS founder and www.regentstreetcinema.com amateur filmmaker. A few seats are still available for The refurbished auditorium of the Regent Street Cinema. We were delighted to join other sponsorship, so if you would like to The Regent Street Cinema is sponsors at a special launch evening on contribute to this project please contact acknowledged as the ‘birthplace of 29th April 2015. OBE their fund-raising team coordinator, British cinema’, and was first used for paid a personal tribute to the influence Lynda Knill on public screenings in 1896 when the of cinema on her life and we were [email protected]

ST MARYLEBONE SOCIETY EVENTS 2015

Marylebone Association Coffee Fenchurch Street. EC3. Book a place by Morning, Tuesday 23 June 10.30 am. email with [email protected] Ten Manchester Street Hotel Meet outside at 8am. You need to bring Manchester Street W1. Everyone ID with you for security reasons. FREE welcome, no need to book. Cost £5.00. Wednesday 15 July 2015 at 10.30 am. Saturday 27 June 2015. 11.00 am. Regent’s Bar and Kitchen (020 7935 Oriental Club, Stratford House, 5729). This was the Rose Garden Café Coffee Morning at the Stratford Place, London W1 1ES Quince Tree Café 20 May 2015 but is now under new management, Despite a shower of rain on the way, now (opposite Bond Street Underground located in the middle of Regent's Park that summer is nearly here we were station). Meet at entrance 10.55 a.m. on the inner circle. Outside if fine. determined to enjoy the delights of Fee: £5. The Oriental Club was Clifton Gardens and the Quince Tree Inside if raining. Pay your own way. founded in 1824 and was closely Café once more. The surrounding For more information and late bookings garden shop was in bloom and full of associated with the employees of the colour – a temptation to yet further Duke of Wellington who was its first please contact: St Marylebone Society garden purchases! president. It is a Grade 1 listed building Events Secretary, Douglas Temple, Flat 1, As well as regular visitors, it was a and a fine example of Georgian 23 Seymour Place, Lond on W1H 5BH – pleasure to welcome some newer 020 7723 6417. members, Anne, Nick and Marilyn, architecture. There will be a tour some of whom said that they had never of the club and coffee. Saturday 19 September 10.30 am. wandered so far afield into St. John’s Monday 6th July – 8-10 am. Le Vieux Comptoir, 26/28 Moxon Wood. As always we enjoyed delicious cakes and coffee and completely filled St Marylebone Society members visit to Street, W1. 020 7224 0303. Pay your the large table prepared for us by the the 'Walkie Talkie' Sky Garden at 20 own way. www.levieuxcomptoir.co.uk Quince Tree Café.

CORPORATE SUPPORTERS

Abbey National Charitable Trust Limited Fellowship of the School of Economic Science Opera Rara Able Homecare Fitzhardinge House Tenants’ Association Peoples Travel Alliance Française Francis Holland School The Portman Estate Blandford Estate Residents’ Association Goldschmidt & Howland 15 Portman Square Tenants’ Association Bryanston and Dorset Squares Safer Howard de Walden Estate Queen’s College Neighbourhoods Team Hyatt Regency Churchill Hotel Regent’s University CAMBARD RTM Ltd Ivor Court Residents’ Association Rossmore Court Leaseholding Ltd. Camerons Solicitors Kubie Gold St Marylebone Parish Church Chiltern Court (Baker Street) The Landmark Hotel St Marylebone School Residents’ Limited London Business School The Seashell Restaurant The Chiltern Railway Co. Ltd. London Clinic Terry Farrell & Partners Clarence Gate Gardens Residents’ Association Mac Services The Tyburn Angling Society Clifton Nurseries Manchester Square Trust University of Westminster The Crown Estate Marriott Park Lane Hotel Westminster City Council Crown Estate Paving Commission Marylebone Cricket Club Wood and Vale CRTMCL Merlin Entertainment Wyndham Place Management Dorset House Tenants’ Association Octavia Housing and Care York Estates Dorset Square Hotel Old Philologians Zoological Society of London Dorset Square Trust Open Air Theatre (Regent’s Park)

7 O LD M ARYLEBONE T OWN H ALL CREATING A CENTRE OF TEACHING EXCELLENCE IN THE CITY OF WESTMINSTER

Marylebone side of the same street. Leasing the Council House and Annex from Westminster City Council in 2012 has given the School the capacity to expand its footprint in London. A modern design for a modern era London-based architecture practice Sheppard Robson was commissioned by the School to create a state-of-the-art teaching centre in the Grade-II listed buildings. The design includes a glazed entrance foyer linking the Council House and Annex, and a new lecture theatre block. The period buildings will be completely refurbished, retaining the ceremonial rooms in the Council House for use by Westminster Registrar’s Office when the facility re-opens in Computer generated image of the completed project seen from Salisbury Place. 2017. The glazed link will complement The imposing Portland stone building on September 1915, the new Town Hall was the historic and architectural features of Marylebone Road, with 10 giant delayed firstly by labour troubles and the existing buildings, while creating a Corinthian columns and a Wren-inspired then by World War One. On completion, dynamic entrance to the School. tower, was formerly the Town Hall of St. the building was commandeered A new teaching block will replace the Marylebone Borough Council. After for government purposes (War 1960s section of the Council House, purchasing the building from Viscount Office/Pensions Issue) until 1 December which was rebuilt following bomb Portman for £39,200, the council set up a 1919, before being formally opened in damage during World War Two. The special Town Hall Committee, which March 1920 during a ceremony new building will accommodate six launched a competition inviting the public performed by Prince Albert, father to lecture theatres and a folding partition to submit designs for the new building. Queen Elizabeth II. Since then, the between the two large lecture theatres Thomas Edwin Cooper (1874-1942), the building has had two other occupiers: the on the first floor, with space for 200 distinguished early-20th century British City of Westminster and, from 2012, people when fully open. This room will architect, was the unanimous winner. His London Business School. also be used for Westminster City design for the site of the council’s Securing its future Council meetings. municipal buildings made provision of The School was founded 50 years ago by Other features include a library, seminar adequate and equally distributed light and the Government as a centre of rooms, flexible offices, and faculty included a direct approach to the Council excellence in management education. support facilities, creating a modern Chamber and the large committee rooms. The main campus has resided at Sussex learning environment within the Cooper also designed the 1938–39 Place since its opening by Her Majesty historic premises and providing more extension in a simpler style to house the The Queen in 1970. The School’s teaching space to programme public library. location and modern facilities, which are participants. The foundation stone for the new Town allied to the façade originally designed by Hall was laid on 8 July 1914 (a month British architect John Nash, have made it before the outbreak of World War I) in a more aesthetically impressive than other ceremony performed by the Princess business schools around the world. Royal, Duchess of Fife. Her Royal Since the School opened, its facilities Highness placed a sealed-up casket with have steadily expanded to meet demand copies of several newspapers, important for postgraduate degrees and executive local documents, and a complete set of education programmes. Existing coins from that period beneath the buildings facing Park Road have been foundation stone. redeveloped to complement other King George V and Queen Mary outside the Town Hall Although scheduled to open by facilities that were bought on the during the Silver Jubilee celebrations, May 1935. Published by the St. Marylebone Society, June 2015. © St Marylebone Society.