The Circus
Georgian circle of townhouses by John Wood
About The Circus
The Circus, first called King's Circus, is a ring of Grade I listed Georgian townhouses in the city centre, set in three curved segments with three entrances. It was designed by the architect John Wood the Elder. Building began in 1754, and after Wood died less than three months after the first...
Highlights
- Carved emblems on the stonework
- Three curved terraces
- Thomas Gainsborough's house at No.17
- The echo spot in the centre
Opening Hours
Features & Facilities
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it free to visit the Circus?
Yes. The Circus is one of the city's landmarks that cost nothing to see.
Who designed the Circus?
John Wood the Elder. He died less than three months after the first stone was laid in 1754, and his son John Wood the Younger completed the design in 1768.
Who lived at the Circus?
The artist Thomas Gainsborough lived at number 17 between 1759 and 1774 and used the house as his portrait studio.
Our Verdict
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