See how Finsbury Circus London changed between 2006 and 2020. Drag the slider to compare the historic photograph with the modern view.
Map
All entries
Finsbury Circus, established in 1812, transformed the former Lower Moorfields into London's largest public open space. The area, once part of the Manor of Finsbury, had been home to the Bethlem Royal Hospital since 1675. The "circus" name reflects its elliptical design, inspired by ancient Roman venues. The original residences, intended for merchants and gentlemen, were repurposed for professionals like solicitors. In 1819, the London Institution, an educational establishment, occupied the north end of the circus until its closure in 1912. The gardens, featuring a circuit of lime trees, were developed by William Montague to the specifications of architect George Dance the Younger in 1815. In 1921, Edwin Lutyens' Britannic House was constructed on the northwest quadrant, designed for the Anglo-Persian Oil Company (later BP). The gardens underwent significant renovations in 2025, enhancing their accessibility and biodiversity. (en.wikipedia.org)
Leave a Reply