Railings And Gates

The railings and gates at Beauford Square date from the early 19th century and are possibly the work of George Dance the Younger. They are made of limestone ashlar combined with cast and wrought iron. The railings enclose a grassed area to the north of the Theatre Royal and are bordered by early 18th-century houses on three sides. The railings feature bold spearheads set on a high stone curb with a rounded top, arranged in long panels supported by four railings in an open square design.

The railings extend to the wall of the Theatre on the west side but are shorter at the east end, where they transition into simpler forms leading to exits from the Theatre's north side. At both ends of the main railing run along the north side, there are pairs of gates with convex bowed heads, a second bowed rail, and diagonally patterned bottom panels. These gates are hung on heavier open square standards that support cast iron urns and open-work high standards with original lanterns.

Historically, this area was originally used as gardens for the surrounding houses, extending partly into the Theatre's site. It is likely that the railings were installed as part of the Theatre's development after around 1802, featuring a bolder pattern than those enclosing the basement areas of the houses. A bronze plaque in the center of the north side commemorates the area, stating: "Beauford Square. Architect John Strahan. Erected 1727-36." The railings are significant within the context of this important urban square, which predates Queen Square by several years, and they reflect the major alterations associated with the construction of the Theatre Royal.