One of the squares in London
York Square was part of the development of the Mercers' Company land that took place from the early C19th to coincide with the opening of the London Docks and the West India Docks. Plans were drawn up in 1823 by estate surveyor George Smith for the area north of the newly opened Commercial Road. He laid out a grid of streets focussed on a new square, later called York Square. Much of the original character is preserved today. The central garden was leased to the London County Council and was opened to the public in 1904.
