During the first half of the 19C, this residential area situated less than 5km from the City and Westminster underwent a period of development in common with Marylebone and Regent's Park. Its rural character disappeared, replaced by italianate villas with broad eaves and often semi-detached. Its little church (1813), sited on the corner of Prince Albert Road and opposite the Cricket Ground, is by Thomas Hardwick, who also built Marylebone's parish church.