Fitzrovia: A diverse area with a rich cultural history

People seeking flats to rent in Fitzrovia will find it to be an area that provides a diverse and fascinating mix of places to go and things to do, as well as an interesting cultural history.

Lying partly within the London boroughs of Camden and Westminster, Fitzrovia is one of the capital's most varied locales, providing shops, offices and housing in equal measure and a thriving population of residents hailing from many different countries and backgrounds.

Originating in the 18th century, Fitzrovia developed a distinctive cultural identity in the first half of the 20th century, when it became a hotbed for young intellectuals, writers and artists at the forefront of the British bohemian movement.

Frequently congregating at the famous Fitzroy Tavern on Charlotte Street, from which the area is said to derive its name, artistic luminaries such as Augustus John, Nina Hamnett, Dylan Thomas and George Orwell used to walk the streets of Fitzrovia, challenging societal conventions with radical views and offbeat lifestyles.

Present day Fitzrovia is no longer quite the creative hotbed of last century, but there remains plenty to see for those interested in the arts, with several galleries present in Windmill Street and other areas.

The region is also home to the iconic Fitzrovia Mural, a giant and colourful painting on the side of a council-owned building that aims to capture the essence of life in this part of London.

Painted in 1980 by Mick Jones and Simon Barber, it is currently the subject of restoration efforts from the Fitzrovia Neighbourhood Centre, which hopes to secure funding in order to return the striking artwork to its former vibrancy.

Elsewhere, residents will see that the region retains an 18th century flavour, from its Georgian architecture to the old-fashioned charms of the central Fitzroy Square.

However, there is much more to living in Fitzrovia than its artistic heritage, with the area having become an attractive place of residence for students and young professionals thanks to its relatively low cost of living and good supply of amenities, particularly in terms of places to eat.

For example, Charlotte Street is home to a wide variety of restaurants and cafes, offering cuisines from around the world at a range of prices.

Meanwhile, families will find all of the basic essentials for living, as Fitzrovia is in close proximity to the All Souls, Westminster and Camden primary schools, as well as secondary establishments such as South Camden Community School, Maria Fidelis Roman Catholic Convent School and St Marylebone Church of England School.

There are also local dental and medical clinics to meet the healthcare needs of the populace.

Furthermore, Fitzrovia can expect to see a range of improvements taking place in the area over the coming years, as Camden Council is currently enacting an action plan to develop the area further, which began in 2010 and will run through until 2013.

This will see Fitzrovia locals gaining access to a wider array of educational, leisure and health facilities, thus cementing its status as a desirable place to seek accommodation.

Posted by Chris Price

Published 27th January, 2012

© 2012 Estates IT Limited