Harley Street is one of several London Streets that are inextricably linked with a certain trade. Saville Row is world famous for its host of bespoke tailors, Fleet Street with newspaper production, Denmark Street with songwriters and musical shops. Harley Street’s niche is that of the medical profession. Unlike Saville Row which has seen an increasing decline in the number of tailors shops and Fleet Street which no-longer produces newspapers, Harley Street continues to flourish as a centre for all things medical and medicinal.

The history of Harley Street really begins in the early 18th Century when the land between Oxford Street and Marylebone Road was developed in the grand Georgian style of the day. Architect John Prince backed with capital from Edward Harley (2nd Earl of Oxford) created an abundance of highly sort after property with its centre at Cavendish Square. By the 1790’s the area was highly fashionable drawing in a number wealthy and famous residents. Gladstone lived at 73 Harley Street, William Turner lived at a number of addresses first at 35 Harley Street and later at 46 and then at 23 Queen Street, where he built a gallery.

The influx of medical professionals began around the middle of the 19th Century. The Street was well placed for rail links to the north and a supply of rich customers on its door step. The opening of the Medical Society of London in Chandos Street in 1873 and then the Royal Society of Medicine in Wimpole Street in 1912 further enhanced the areas reputation for medical care.

Records show that in 1860 there were around 20 doctors in Harley Street, this had risen to 80 ena 1900 and almost 200 ena 1914. With the establishment of the NHS in 1948 there were around 1,500 doctors practicing in the area. It is estimated that some 3,000 people are employed in the medical profession in an around Harley Street. It looks as if the Street with continue with its noble trade for some years yet.

Tony Heywood ©

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