History

Delaware Mansions is a refined residential building nestled within the renowned Maida Vale district of London. Its classic mansion-block architecture reflects the heritage of the area, and its location offers residents the luxury of leafy avenues, proximity to canals and green spaces, and easy access to a vibrant urban community.

The mansion blocks were built in 1903-1904, designed by the architects Boehmer and Gibbs, who were responsible for the design of a great number of Maida Vale’s mansion blocks.

From the south there are 9 blocks of eight flats, 9 blocks of ten flats and 1 block of five flats, giving a total of 167 flats.

Ashworth, Biddulph, Castellain and Delaware Roads were built (or extended) in 1893. The developers of the Paddington Estate, the Paddington Trustees and the Church Commissioners, wanted the initials of the street names to run alphabetically.

Opposite Delaware Mansions is the distinctive building housing the famous BBC Maida Vale Studios. Originally this was the Maida Vale Skating Palace and Club, which opened in 1909 and had one of the largest and most elegant roller-skating risks in the world. It could accommodate hundreds of skaters and seated 2,620 people at any one time.

To the rear is Paddington Sports Club, a private members tennis and bowling club founded in 1905 and with a rich history of championship tennis including Fred Perry lifting the Club’s Open Championship in 1931.

• The name “Maida Vale” comes from the former pub Hero of Maida on Shirland Road, opened shortly after the 1806 victory at the Battle of Maida in Italy. The pub is as popular as ever, having recently been relaunched by the Public House Group (The Pelican, Notting Hill and The Bull, Charlbury)

• The area began substantial development in the late 19th century and early 20th century: elegant Victorian and Edwardian houses gave way to mansion blocks such as Lauderdale Mansions (completed 1897) and other prominent red-brick blocks on surrounding streets. These developments created the signature mansion-block skyline that defines much of Maida Vale today.
• The arrival of Maida Vale station on the Bakerloo Line in 1915 facilitated easier access to central London, helping to cement the area’s appeal as a comfortable residential district.
• Over time, Maida Vale maintained its distinctive character — wide tree-lined streets, red-brick mansion blocks, and communal gardens — blending heritage architecture with a mature, residential charm that continues to attract families, professionals, and creatives.

Over the years, Maida Vale and its environs have been home to a remarkable array of creative, political, and scientific luminaries:

• Alec Guinness — acclaimed actor, associated with the area.
• Alan Turing — pioneering mathematician and code-breaker, born in the Maida Vale/Warrington Crescent area.
• Edward Ardizzone — distinguished artist and illustrator, commemorated locally with a blue plaque.
• Ambrose Fleming — electrical engineer and inventor, who lived in the area.

Maida Vale has long been home to creative talent and cultural icons—from actors like Joan Collins and Daisy Ridley to music legends who recorded at the BBC Maida Vale Studios, also on Delaware Road, including The Beatles, David Bowie, and Queen. The area’s artistic spirit continues to thrive today.