Dorset Square is the central feature of an urban layout planned by the Portman Estate (1815-20). The square, architecturally still intact, was laid out on the site of Thomas Lord's first cricket ground, established in 1787. 

Sir Laurence Gomme (1853-1916), an early pioneer of the Blue Plaques scheme, lived at no. 24. His home is marked by the 800th blue plaque. George Grossmith, co-author of The Diary of a Nobody, was also a resident of the square. He too is marked by a blue plaque, as is Dodie Smith, author of 101 Dalmatians.