London mansion blocks are a much-loved historic and iconic feature of London’s residential landscape, and Morshead Mansions is no exception. The History of London’s Mansion Blocks is a fascinating subject, with the first mansion block to be built in London thought to be Albert Hall Mansions in Kensington, which was designed by Richard Norman Shaw and constructed in 1876.
Designed in the ‘Queen Anne Revival’ or ‘Kensington Style’, which was based on the English and Dutch architecture of the early 18th Century, it was very well received and following this success, many more London blocks were built between 1880 and 1920, with Morshead Mansions arriving round 1904.
Known for their red brick facades, detailed stone frontage, decorative balconies and well-proportioned interiors, mansion blocks were originally conceived as a way to offer an option for people of wealth, who perhaps were unable to stretch to the cost of purchasing a grand house, to live in some of London’s most sought-after areas, such as Knightsbridge, Mayfair, Kensington, Regent’s Park, Marylebone, St John’s Wood, Maida Vale, Hampstead, Chelsea, Battersea, Fulham and Chiswick.
Prior to their arrival, higher net worth individuals tended not to live in ‘flats’, however, some developers saw the potential of building the kind of high-density living that would likely appeal to them. In order to reduce the risk of the idea not working, most blocks were built in stages, with further development once the original flats had been sold.
This was certainly the case in Maida Vale, which was developed by a variety of landowners, all adding more to the history of London’s mansion blocks. First to be built was Blomfield Road, north of the canal, and parts of Edgware Road, later renamed Maida Vale. This was followed by areas including Randolph Avenue and parts of Elgin Avenue.
In 1895, Essendine Road was built by William Henry Pearce, followed by Morshead and Grantully Roads. After the completion of these, Widley and Wymering Roads were built, closely followed by the remainder of Elgin Avenue and Lauderdale and Castellain Roads. Delaware, Ashworth and Biddulph Roads were eventually also developed around 1920.
As mansions blocks were designed to appeal to the luxury market, the style they were generally built in meant that the exteriors were usually quite grand, often with intricate ornate details. The interiors tended to have high ceilings and large windows, with generous hallways and wide staircases in the common areas
Many of these features still remain to this day and help to ensure that mansion block flats are still very desirable and sought-after places to live. Many fine examples can be found in and around the Maida Vale area. Considering the grandeur and general location of mansion blocks, it isn’t surprising that they are popular, especially as the blocks are usually well managed and kept in good repair, further preserving their appeal.
