Peabody -Square, Westminster, for the Dwellings of the Poor

Illustration from the Illustrated London News, 27 March 1869, showing the new Peabody Dwellings in Peabody Square, Westminster. The Peabody Trust was founded in 1862 by the American banker George Peabody to improve the living conditions of poor Londoners. He donated half a million pounds to construct the buildings in Westminster, which contained 93 dwellings. These were a pioneering example of affordable housing for the working poor, with good standards of sanitation, ventilation and amenities such as laundries, wash houses and baths. The Square was composed of three detached blocks and was open at one side, with a children's playground at the centre.