Database: Richmond Terrace

The eight houses, long since demolished, that made up Richmond Terrace were built in 1822 by George Harrison - the architect, not the Liverpudian sitar enthusiast. They were opulent, Greek-influenced homes designed to attract only the elite of London homeowners. All eight homes were bought and occupied by 1825; one of the first eight homeowners, former Secretary of State William Huskisson, achieved some unfortunate fame as the first widely publicized case of death from being hit by a train, in 1830. At least he was first. Imagine being the second.

Another homeowner, Sir Robert Farquhar, was a Member of Parliament who served as the Governor of Mauritius. The eight house was purchased by the General Board of Health in 1850 and became their main office.