'Thurloe Square lies like a densely embroidered green mat at the foot of the lofty front of the Victoria and Albert Museum. It is one of hundreds of leafy lesser lungs which contribute to the airiness, convenience and charm of the metropolis. Laid out and developed from 1840 by George Basevi in collaboration with the Alexander family, and named rather tenuously in honour of John Thurloe (d.1668) - ‘little secretary’ to Cromwell’s protectorate'

http://www.thurloesquaregardens.com/