HIGHLIGHTS AND FEATURES

## History of the Square

In the 1720s, members of the Grosvenor family, began the development of Grosvenor Square as the centrepiece of the Grosvenor Estate. Originally surrounded by gates and railings, with access limited to local residents who held keys and paid for its upkeep, Grosvenor Square garden was designed as an oval enclosure. This layout was simplified in the 19th and 20th centuries when London plane trees were introduced. During the Second World War, the Square and surrounding area was severely damaged and in the early 1940s the iron railings were removed to support the war effort.

As part of the peacetime celebrations in 1946, it was decided to make Grosvenor Square a public space for everyone's enjoyment. The Ministry of Works took over its upkeep, a role fulfilled today by The Royal Parks.

Since the 1930s the Square has had a strong association with the USA, and in 1938 The American Embassy was established at 1 Grosvenor Square. In 1948 the British memorial to President Roosevelt was unveiled, and in 1985 the Eagle Squadron monument was erected along the same central axis. On the 13th April 1994 the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. John Major MP, unveiled a commemorative stone to honour the 50th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy on the 6th June 1944.

## President Roosevelt statue

This memorial to Franklin Delano Roosevelt represents contributions in small sums from people in every walk of life throughout the United Kingdom who wished to remember him. It owes its inception to the pilgrims of Great Britain who through a memorial committee took the necessary steps to secure its erection. It was unveiled by Mrs Franklin Delano Roosevelt in the presence of King George VI on 12th April 1948.

## September 11 Memorial Garden

The September 11 Memorial Garden was created in memory of all those who lost their lives in the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States of America. It is a living memorial and a testament to the love and courage of those who lost family, friends or colleagues. Officially opened on September 11 2003, the memorial was created in consultation with family members and offers a place for peaceful contemplation.

## The Eagle Squadrons Memorial

The Eagle Squadrons Memorial commemorates the 244 Americans and the 16 British fighter pilots and other personnel who served in the three Royal Air Force Eagle Squadrons prior to the participation of the United States of America in the Second World War.