The Father of Modern London
Thomas Cubitt was the master builder responsible for developing much of Belgravia, Pimlico, and Bloomsbury in the 19th century.
Thomas Cubitt (1788–1855) is often regarded as the most famous and successful master builder in London's history. He fundamentally changed the building industry by employing all the different trades (bricklayers, carpenters, plumbers) under one unified management structure, rather than sub-contracting.
His most famous works include the development of the Grosvenor Estate in Belgravia, large parts of Pimlico, and sections of Bloomsbury. He was also employed by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert to build the east front of Buckingham Palace and Osborne House on the Isle of Wight.
Legacy in London
Cubitt's signature style of grand, stucco-fronted terraces set around formal garden squares defines much of central London's most expensive real estate today. His rigorous standards of construction and drainage greatly improved the quality of Victorian housing.