Grovesnor Square was laid out by Sir Richard Grovesnor in the 1720s, with an oval garden designed by John Alston.The buildings around the square were damaged during the Second World War and ownership was transferred to the government in 1948.
The American Embassy was built at the west end of Grovesnor Square in 1960, with a great eagle overlooking the gardens. There is a statue of Franklyn Delano Rosevelt in the garden and a statue of President Dwight Eisenhower outside the Embassy. Vehicular access to the west end of the square has had to be restricted, to keep car bombers away. By 2006 the area had taken on the character of fortified encampment. The opportunity should be taken to re-design the space with full regard to security considerations but also to symbolise the generosity of spirit which America has so often shown in its dealings with Europe.
There is a memorial garden to the victims of the 9/11 attach on the World Trade Center in the gardens, bearing Queen Elizabeth II's comment on the attack: 'Grief is the price we pay for love'. It is well planted with herbaceous flowers - and well maintained.
Visitors flock to Grovesnor Square Gardens on hot days
By 2006 the US Embassy was casting an inappropriately grey shadow over the west end of the Grovesnor Square. The statue is of General Eisenhower.
The 9/11 memorial at the east end of Grovesnor Square has a gentle transience.
