The name ‘Mayfair’ comes from an annual fair that took place on what is now Shepherd Market. Lasting a fortnight from May 1st, the open fields and farmland of the Mayfair area would be a marketplace for live stock, and expanded to include booths of theatres, jugglers, gambling, and sausage stalls. Eventually, the raucous of the fair, which attracted the ruffians from all across London, began to disturb the peace for the local royalty. This led to a clamp down on the festivities in 1709.

Mary Davies, the daughter of a wealthy banker inherited the swampy meads south of Oxford Street and east of Park Lane. She married into the Grosvenors’ family, and her son, Sir Richard Grosvenor, set about constructing the upmarket Grosvenor Square. This, coupled with other rich investors building in the surrounding area, set about the makings of modern day Mayfair.

In 1939, three-quarters of the large houses in Mayfair were being used as offices. This, during World War Two, saved a lot of the properties from destruction. However, as London returns to normality post-war, many of these buildings are slowly being renovated back into residential properties, with the intention of many investors to gain planning permission to increase the population in Mayfair.

Just over 400 years ago, many of the Blue Plaques that decorate the walls of the Mayfair District did not exist. Back when the area was swamp and farm land, it played host to an annual farm fair in May. However, since then the area has been swarmed with celebrities, aristocracy, and politicians. The most famous ex-resident of Mayfair is most probably HRH Queen Elizabeth II.

Much of the French aristocracy which fled in exile during the French Revolution tended to reside in the Mayfair area. The area has also had very close ties with America since the first American emissary, John Adams, came and lived at 9 Grosvenor Square. This is now the office of Tony Blair.

The French Composer Frederick Handel called Mayfair home for the last thirty years of his life. Even to this day, the area is still unbelievably popular with musicians, celebrities and models who appreciate the exclusivity of the area. It’s expensive, but plays host to a lifestyle of luxury.