West Square, although misleadingly named, is a historically significant park with strong local support. It was developed in the late 18th century after Colonel Temple West's family leased the land. Over time, it became notable for its military communications via semaphore and its five-story flats, housing wealthier tenants below. Despite nearly being turned into housing in the early 1900s and facing demolition after WWII, West Square has largely returned to its original charm with single-family homes in its surroundings.
The geographical name is misleading though, as there never was an east, north or south gardens, as West Square is named after the owners of the farmland.
The square also gained a military connection, as in 1795, the Admiralty installed a shutter telegraph on the roof of number 20, a school building, to relay messages from London.
Awkwardly for the Admiralty, the new Bethlem Hospital was built nearby, and its tall dome blocked the semaphore from line of sight.
As with many of the garden squares surrounded by large houses, many were divided into flats in the 20th century, and were nearly demolished after WWII.
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