Henry George Davis was born at 4, Mill’s Buildings, on August 14th, 1830. While an infant he had severe inflammation of the lungs, which afterwards became confirmed pleurisy. He was educated at the Philological School in the New Road. Of this Institution he was to the last fond and proud. Having carried off many of its prizes, he always felt an identity with it. He was of a studious inclination—a disposition doubtless fostered by his infirmities; for he was never able to join in the sports of his fellows. As he arrived at manhood, his disease (increased in 1850 by rheumatic fever) became much more severe, and finally released his soul “to its Almighty source” on the 30th of December, 1857. The Editor has to acknowledge obligations to O. B. Cole, Esq.; to the author of “Paddington, Past and Present;” to the Rev. M. Walcot, of “The Memorials of Westminster;” Mr. Cunningham, of “The Handbook of London;” Mr. Faulkner’s works; and to those sundry publications the name of which is given with each quotation. He hopes his readers may have that enjoyment in the perusal of the following History which was had in the providing of it for them. * * * * * _St. Paul’s Schools_, _Knightsbridge_, _June_, 1859. CONTENTS. PAGE CHAP. I. Introduction 1 CHAP. II. Historical Associations 32 CHAP. III. Modern Parochial Divisions: The Streets, 48 Public Buildings, &c. Their Associations, Eminent Inhabitants, &c. CHAP. IV. Belgravia 216 CHAP. V. The Sub-District of St. Barnabas 244 CHAP. VI. Social and Political Summary 267 PERSONS.