Leicester Square was named after Robert Sidney, the 2nd Earl of Leicester who bought part of St Martin's Field in 1630 and built Leicester House. The parishioners protested at the loss of their common land, and the Earl was ordered to keep part of the land, which is now Leicester Square, open to the public. It was developed and became fashionable. But by the late 18th century the area had gone downhill, becoming known for popular entertainment. Leicester House was demolished in 1791.

In the middle of the square is a small garden, with a 19th century statue of William Shakespeare surrounded by dolphins. The corners of the park each have one bust, of Sir Isaac Newton, Sir Joshua Reynolds, John Hunter, and William Hogarth. Hogarth lived in the square between 1733 and 1764, where he produced some of his best known work including A Rake's Progress and Gin Lane.

Today, Leicester Square is completely pedestrianised and has the largest cinema in the UK, The Odeon. During the Great Exhibition of 1851, it was home to Wyld's Globe, which was an attraction built by James Wyld, a respected mapmaker. The huge globe had a staircase allowing visitors to climb into the globe, which had a map of the world, complete with mountains and rivers all to scale. Wyld's maps, globes and measuring equipment were sold in the surrounding galleries. The globe was dismantled in 1862 and sold for scrap.

Leicester Square

Leicester Square, London WC2H 7NA