History of No 4 St James’s Square
No. 4 St James’s Square is an interesting building which boasts a fascinating history. It was built in 1679 for occupation by Anthony, 11th Earl of Kent. After intense negotiation and some difficulty, the house was bought for £6,600 - not an inconsiderable sum for a house in 1679.
On the night of 12th December 1725, the house then owned by the eleventh Earl’s son, the Duke of Kent, was severely damaged by fire. Contemporary notes record that the Prince of Wales hurried from Leicester House at the head of a detachment of Foot Guards, in order to restrain the London mob from looting the building and “took charge of the London Firemen”.