Monument to Francis Russell, Duke of Bedford, by Richard Westmacott

Francis Russell is responsible for much of the development of central Bloomsbury. Following demolition of Bedford House on the north side of Bloomsbury Square he commissioned James Burton (1761-1837) to develop the land to the north into a residential area. Russell Square was designed as the focal point of the development for which he commissioned Humphry Repton to landscape after the success of his work for the Duke at his Woburn Estate. A statue by Richard Westmacott erected in 1807 has been conserved and stands at the south side of the square. It depicts Francis Russell as an agriculturalist with one hand on a plough, corn ears in the other and sheep at his feet. He looks out over the land he developed back towards Bloomsbury Square.

Photo 37, May 2011