Numbers 21-24 And Attached Railings

Numbers 21-24 are a terrace of four houses located on the north side of Russell Square, built around 1808 by James Burton. This terrace was originally symmetrical, similar to Nos. 52-60 nearby, but has undergone alterations around 1898, possibly by P.E. Pilditch. The houses are constructed of yellow stock brick with later terracotta dressings and feature slate mansard roofs with dormers on Nos. 21 and 24.

The terrace stands four storeys tall, including attics and basements, with three windows on each house. Number 24 has a four-window return that is blind except for the windows above the portico facing Thornhaugh Street. The round-arched doorways are framed by square-headed terracotta surrounds and include fanlights, side-lights, and panelled doors. Number 24 features a prostyle, rusticated stucco portico with a balustrade. The windows are recessed and architraved sash windows, with some casements on the first floor, which also has continuous cast-iron balconies. The projecting bays have pedimented centre windows and an enriched frieze. The cornice at the third floor level is notable, and Nos. 22 and 23 have a balustraded parapet. The centre dormer of No. 24 is topped with a terracotta pediment, while No. 21 has pedimented dormers, the central one being semicircular.

The interiors have not been inspected. Attached to the houses are mid-19th century cast-iron railings leading to the areas. Historically, No. 21 was the residence of Sir Samuel Romilly, a law reformer, as noted by a plaque. The Duke of Bedford was inspired to add terracotta dressings to these houses following the construction of The Russell Hotel.