James Gray: Almost 100 years separate these small photographs above from jgc_29_009. The photographer obligingly dated his small views with the year 1874, while the other, included purely for comparison, was taken on 9 September 1973. jgc_29_007
2018: In 1874 the square was an open space. Now it is split into four separate lawns linked by paths and planting areas. Railings were added some time before 1973 when image jgc_29_009 was taken. The north and east terraces of houses here have been harmonised by the raising of the roof of the corner house to insert another storey. (Photographer: Clare Rogers)
James Gray: See caption for jgc_29_007 above. jgc_29_008
2018: Now uniformly painted and some of the canopies restored. The spiky Gothic tower of Christ Church, which stood in Montpelier Road, can no longer be seen rising behind the square today. The church was demolished in 1982-3. Photographer: Shan Lancaster
James Gray: Even by the time of the earlier photographs the square was already more than 50 years old. Building started about 1807 and the square was finished in 1818. In 1973 most of the balconies still remained, but few of the canopies have survived. I hope I am wrong, but I doubt if these buildings will be here in 2074! jgc_29_009
James Gray: Bedford Square. jgc_01_137
2019: The buildings in Bedford Square seem largely unchanged. The spire that appears behind Bedford Square in the James Gray photo belonged to Christ Church, Montpelier Road, which was demolished in 1977. (Photographer: Alison Meekings)