Building History Request - 1940's

[PhoenixRose]

I have found two London addresses for my Grandfather, Alexander McKenzie, that appear on the 1940's electoral registers.

1) I would like to find out if possible, who owned 36 Belgrave Square, City of Westminster, London in 1947 so I can find out who his employer was. Just to know if it was a private house or an embassy etc would be a start.

2) The 1945 Electoral Register shows his address as 1 Kemble Street, City of Westminster, London but there are hundreds of names at the same address. I am curious to know what type of building it was to have so many people registered there. There is now a tall modern building at this site so I'd like to know what stood there in the 1940's.

Have tried quite a few internet searches as I live outside mainland UK but have been unable to find any info.

Also tried a land registry website but they said they couldn't search that far back.

Would appreciate any info about these addresses or suggestions as to how I can track their history.

Many thanks
PhoenixRose

[danuslave]

According to this

http://www.diplomatie.be/london/media/london/belgianevents0907.pdf

in 2007, 36 Belgrave Square was the Residence of the Belgian Ambassador in London.  They may be able to tell you what it was in 1947

Linda

[jennifer c]

Just a bit of history - 1840 The Duchess of Kent Queen Victoria's mother lived at no.36 for a year.

Looking at Kemble Street on google maps, it is just off Dury Lane and looks to be all large blocks of apartments.

Jennifer

[danuslave]

1 Kemble Street could be the Peabody Buildings Westminster.  If you google this you'll find more than you ever wanted to know!   

Linda

[jennifer c]

Just checked with my husband who is a London black cabbie and he said they are Peabody buildings with large courtyards that you can drive in to.

Jennifer

[PhoenixRose]

Dear Linda & Jennifer

Many thanks for submitting this very helpful information.

36 Belgrave Square:  I have just sent an email to the Belgian Embassy to ask if they know the building's history or how long it has been the home of the Belgian Ambassador. Rather an odd request but hopefully whoever reads it will see it as a bit of light relief compared to the other correspondence they usually receive!

1 Kemble Street:  It certainly seems likely that this is the site of the Peabody Buildings - that would certainly account for the number of occupants on the 1945 electoral register. I'm quite relieved to find out it wasn't a prison anyway 

I shall report back if and when I find out any interesting bits of info.

Many thanks once again!
PhoenixRose

[nanny jan]

1 Kemble Street:  It certainly seems likely that this is the site of the Peabody Buildings - that would certainly account for the number of occupants on the 1945 electoral register. I'm quite relieved to find out it wasn't a prison anyway 

I shall report back if and when I find out any interesting bits of info.

Many thanks once again!
PhoenixRose

I don't think prisoners feature on Electoral Registers;  I'm sure they lose the right to vote when sent to jail.


Nanny Jan

[PhoenixRose]

Yes, I can believe they would lose their right to vote. I'm not aware my Grandfather ever did anything to earn a jail sentence anyway 

[PhoenixRose]

How disappointing, my email to the Belgian Embassy bounced back, address unknown. 

I'm not sure they're still at 36 Belgrave Square, as a Google search came up with a website showing these details instead:

EMBASSY OF BELGIUM
17 Grosvenor Crescent
London SW1X 7EE                 
T 020 7470 3700         
F 020 7470 3795                   
london@diplobel.fed.be

More investigation required!
PR