What did George III and Queen Charlotte black plaque do at 1 Queen Square?

1 Queen SquareBlue Plaque

The Story

# Queen Square: A King's Recovery and a Queen's Devotion During the darkest period of his reign, when mental illness gripped King George III, he sought refuge in the quiet confines of Queen Square under the careful watch of Dr. Willis, leaving the burdens of state behind in a desperate bid for recovery. It was here, in this very building at number 1, that Queen Charlotte demonstrated her unwavering commitment to her husband's welfare by secretly renting the underground cellar beneath what was then a modest alehouse, transforming it into a hidden larder stocked with the finest delicacies she could procure. Night after night, she would descend into that cool, darkened space—a sanctuary hidden from public view—to prepare nourishing meals designed to restore her sovereign's health and spirits during his affliction. When the alehouse eventually became a proper tavern in the later years of George's reign, the proprietors chose to honor the Queen's selfless ministrations by renaming it the Queen's Larder, ensuring that her quiet act of love and determination would be remembered by every patron who crossed its threshold for centuries to come.

Location

1 Queen Square

Discover more stories across London

Download on the App Store