Ricci de Freitas is the author of four books about the history of Bloomsbury. This talk is based on his latest book, Three Men and a Field – Bloomsbury North of Tavistock Place (2018), which follows the exploits of the prolific Georgian architect, builder and developer, James Burton, as he turned his attention northwards from his extraordinary building achievements on Bloomsbury’s Foundling Hospital and Bedford Estates, respectively, to develop The Skinners’ Company Estate from 1807 onwards.

The Estate, formerly known as Sandhills or Sandfield, was acquired by Sir Andrew Judd in 1572, and vested in The Skinners’ Company as Trustees for the benefit of Tonbridge School in the County of Kent. Burton exponentially increased the value of the Estate by transforming it from pasture land to a viable residential neighbourhood. The third man in the book title was Abraham Davis, who at the start of the 20th century, under the auspices of the London Housing Society Ltd, single-mindedly replaced thirteen ‘tired’ Georgian terraces with the impressive array of red brick mansion blocks which characterise the area today.

Ricci’s talk will be lavishly illustrated in keeping with the style of his books.

Admission: Free to members. Non-members welcome (£2 at the door)