The History of 41 Portland Place

Our History

41 Portland Place has had many lives. Designed in the 18th century as a private Georgian townhouse, it survived the Blitz and later became a home for leading scientific organisations. Today, it is the headquarters of the Academy of Medical Sciences and a central London venue for conferences, weddings and events in Marylebone.

Before the Second World War

James Adam designed 41 Portland Place in 1773 as a private home for The Honourable Thomas Gage, a British general who served for many years in North America and played a key role in the early stages of the American War of Independence. His wife, Margaret Kemble Gage, was born in New Jersey, and there has long been speculation about her sympathies during the conflict.

Over time, the house was occupied by a number of residents with political and military careers. The last private inhabitant was the Dowager Lady Alington, who died in 1939. After her death, the house stood empty for two years but remained intact while neighbouring buildings suffered bomb damage during the London Blitz. During this period it was acquired for military use and occupied by the Balfour Services Club, a Jewish social centre and forces of the United Nations.

As Portland Place developed, the street was renumbered several times before settling on the current system, with even numbers on the east side and odd numbers on the west

Surviving the Blitz

During the Second World War, many buildings around Portland Place were damaged or destroyed. 41 Portland Place, however, survived. Its Georgian structure and original features remain a visible link between the house’s 18th-century origins and its role today as a distinctive central London venue.

After the Second World War

In the post-war years, Portland Place and the surrounding area evolved into a centre for medical practice. The Medical Society of London and the Royal Society of Medicine took nearby premises, and Harley Street became well known for private healthcare.

The Ciba Foundation, later known as the Novartis Foundation, moved into 41 Portland Place in 1947. For over 50 years it hosted scientific meetings, events and symposia attended by leading medical scientists. During the late 1950s and early 1960s the building experienced both floods and fire; in one incident, an unattended bath caused significant damage to the housekeeper’s quarters and destroyed booking records.

The Academy of Medical Sciences

The Novartis Foundation closed in 2008 following a decision to merge with the Academy of Medical Sciences. The Academy took over the lease of 41 Portland Place and began a £5 million redevelopment to create a modern headquarters and conference and events venue, designed by architects Burrell, Foley & Fischer. The building reopened in October 2010 and has been the Academy’s home ever since.

The Academy of Medical Sciences promotes advances in medical science and aims to help translate research into better healthcare. Profits from venue hire at 41 Portland Place support the Academy’s work – from nurturing research careers and building capacity to encouraging new ideas and partnerships.

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“In the early 19th century Portland Place was incorporated into the royal route from Carlton House to Regent’s Park for the Prince Regent.”

An American heiress

London’s first grand hotel

Parties and film locations at 33 Portland Place

Broadcasting House and the BBC

Experience the house today

From its Georgian origins to its scientific heritage, 41 Portland Place brings together architecture, history and modern use. Today the house hosts conferences, dinners, weddings and events while supporting the work of the Academy of Medical Sciences.

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