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 Friday 10th February
Home > London Guide > Landmarks & Buildings > Leicester Square

Leicester Square

, WC2H 0AP

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, WC2H 0AP
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About Leicester Square

Leicester Square was originally set out in 1670. The site was south of Leicester House a former royal building that has since disappeared.

Leicester square was once a very fashionable place to live and boasted among its residents Sir Isaac Newton, the scientist who theorized the idea of gravity. The famous artist Hogarth was also a resident here and painted many of his society portraits from his studio at number sixty-eight. In 1801 Hogarth's house was converted into the areas first restaurant; named Hotel de la Sablionere.

The Empire Cinema on Leicester square was formerly a popular music hall with the same name. Towards the end of the twentieth century the Leicester square area had become a somewhat undesirable location until Westminster Council invested heavily in the area during the 1990s.

Leicester Square is now home to some of London’s largest cinemas and is the venue for many premiers. The movie influence is apparent from the statue of Charlie Chaplin.

To the North of the square is the Swiss Centre famed for its hourly chiming clock. The Society of West End Theatre's ‘half-priced ticket booth is located in the Clock tower buildings and sells reduced tickets to many of London’s shows on the same day as the performance.



Upcoming Events at Leicester Square


Harry Potter Tour in London with Muggle Tours
Location: London Bridge to Leicester Square
When: Sat 19th November 2011 to Thu 1st March 2012


French Tuesdays
Location: Cafe Rouge- London: Hampstead, Knightsbridge, Leicester Square, Wimbledon& Brighton
When: Tue 14th February 2012





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I love Leicester Square. Definitely one of my favourite parts of London. Everytime I'm in London I have to go to Leicester. Whether it's for a meal, a film premiere, shopping or going to the cinema. There's something for everyone to do.

Added by A.Hammond on Sat 18 Oct 2008 at 16:10:29
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