Portland Square, Bristol

Portland Square is a Grade I listed square in the St Paul's area of Bristol.It was laid out in the early 18th century as one of Bristol's first suburbs. Built upon a flat area of ground its central focus of St. Paul's Church. Shortly after construction started a number of the builders involved in the project became bankrupt, leaving much of the Square unfinished.A variety of Georgian architecture designed by Daniel Hague was designed for wealthy occupants, although some has since fallen into disrepair or been converted from residential occupation to offices. It is laid out around a central gardens. The gates and railings of which are a grade II listed building.Edward William Godwin, a famous Victorian architect, lived at Portland Square.ArchitectureMany of the buildings now have Grade I listed building status. Nos.1–6 Nos.14–17 Nos 18–21 Nos 22–28 Nos 31–34 Nos 7–13 Numbers 11 and 12 have been demolished however a major archaeological investigation was undertaken first. It showed that site of Nos 11–12 Portland Square consisted of two joined structures. On the western side along the street frontage, no. 11 was occupied by a Georgian House, with a courtyard to the rear. In 1877, no. 12 was converted for use as Young and Melrow's stay factory.Numbers 31 and 32 are on the Historic England Buildings at Risk Register and described as being in very bad condition.