Out of the many areas in the West End of London and the City of Westminster, Soho has always been known at the entertainment district. Soho was, even before the turn of the last century, the nightlife, film, theatre and sex capital of London. It was also the premier social hangout for all the movers and shakers in London. Even now, Soho is full of trendy restaurants; private members clubs, cool bars, media companies, boutique hotels and the coolest people in London live there.
Until 1536, the area of Soho was primarily used as grazing farmland. It was then seized by King Henry VIII to be used as a royal park. "Soho" itself first appears as a name for the area in the 1600s, and most historians now agree that the term derives from a hunting cry. Soon after the district was first named, the Duke of Monmouth used "soho" as a rallying call for his soldiers in the Battle of Sedgemoor.
The Earls of Portland and Leicester and other landowners were keen to develop Soho like they'd done in Bloomsbury, Marylebone and Mayfair, but it never quite turned out to be a trendy area for the rich and famous aristocracy of London. Immigrants fled to the area instead. The Huguenots made it their home in 1688, and build the French church in Soho Square.
By the mid-18th century, the aristocrats who had been living in Soho Square or Gerrard Street had moved away. Soho's character stems partly from the ensuing neglect by rich and fashionable London, and the lack of redevelopment that characterized the neighbouring areas.
Respectable families moved away in the 19th century, and made way for prostitutes, music halls and indie theatres. Foreigners flocked to Soho in the early 20th century and opened cheap restaurants in London, trendy bars, music venues and it became an exclusive club only for intellectuals, writers and artists.
Until 1536, the area of Soho was primarily used as grazing farmland. It was then seized by King Henry VIII to be used as a royal park. "Soho" itself first appears as a name for the area in the 1600s, and most historians now agree that the term derives from a hunting cry. Soon after the district was first named, the Duke of Monmouth used "soho" as a rallying call for his soldiers in the Battle of Sedgemoor.
The Earls of Portland and Leicester and other landowners were keen to develop Soho like they'd done in Bloomsbury, Marylebone and Mayfair, but it never quite turned out to be a trendy area for the rich and famous aristocracy of London. Immigrants fled to the area instead. The Huguenots made it their home in 1688, and build the French church in Soho Square.
By the mid-18th century, the aristocrats who had been living in Soho Square or Gerrard Street had moved away. Soho's character stems partly from the ensuing neglect by rich and fashionable London, and the lack of redevelopment that characterized the neighbouring areas.
Respectable families moved away in the 19th century, and made way for prostitutes, music halls and indie theatres. Foreigners flocked to Soho in the early 20th century and opened cheap restaurants in London, trendy bars, music venues and it became an exclusive club only for intellectuals, writers and artists.
About the Author:
Home House is a members club for an eclectic mix of people, which is part of its appeal. Quite unlike many other of London's best social clubs, Home House is a place to enjoy leisure time or the perfect spot for a working day. Home House is London's most exclusive London members club.
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