Seven Dials Covent Garden is a unique quarter of London whose star-shaped layout remains as constructed in the early 1690s. It was brought back to life largely through the dedication of the Seven Dials Trust, working in partnership with the local authorities and landowners for nearly forty years.

David’s involvement in Covent Garden began as a youth and community worker in 1971. He organised and led a two-week Objection at the 1971 Covent Garden Public Inquiry which helped prevent the area’s demolition and turn the tide of post WW2 planning from wholesale demolition of city centres. He was elected bi-annually onto the Covent Garden Forum of Representatives (1974-84) which drew up and saw through the new Covent Garden Plan. He co-authored Less Planning More Happening, the basis of the new Plan. He was a founder trustee of the Covent Garden Area Trust and, together with the late Grace Cook, negotiated its establishment with Government and the London Residuary Body following the abolition of the Greater London Council. He was a member of the Seven Dials Housing Action Area Committee (1977-84) which initiated the area’s regeneration and brought back into use the 90% of the residential stock which had lain empty for 40 years. The HAAC also encouraged private and affordable housing and helped re-build the area’s employment base on the removal of the Covent Garden Market. David has chaired the Seven Dials Trust since its inception in 1984. David also serves on the committees of the Soho Society, the Museum of Soho and the Meard & Dean Street Residents’ Association. David has a long-standing interest in conservation from his restoration of 1 Shorts Gardens (1694) in Seven Dials (empty for 40 years), and 68 Dean Street (1732, empty for 10 years). He was the pro bono adviser for the restoration of the 1791 shopfront at 88 Dean Street, joint winner of the Georgian Group national award in 2011, and advised on the restoration of 13 Meard Street. As a member of the UK Lancia Motor Club, he chaired Flavia in the Piazza in 2003 and Lancia in the Piazza – the Centenary in 2007 (winner of the award for the best car event of the year).

Gabriel Brocklebank was landlord of the well-known and loved Crown Pub on Seven Dials for more than a quarter of a century, along with his wife Madeleine. The Crown was for many years a focal point for both local businesses and residents. Gabby encouraged the involvement of Taylor Walker PLC who gave considerable support to the Trust via their PR company and who also assisted in fund-raising. Although Gabby has retired, he continues his involvement as trustee and Company Secretary as part of his long-term commitment to the area.

For many years Janet was the owner and freeholder of Mon Plaisir restaurant in Seven Dials. She became involved in community action when Covent Garden was under threat of demolition. She was a member of the Seven Dials Housing Action Area Committee (1977–1984). As a member of the Covent Garden Forum she served on its planning and environment committees in the1970s and 80s, working with the GLC on the detail of bringing the area back to life. Janet says, “Seven Dials lacked its centre-piece and the restored Sundial Pillar was a wonderful reward for our small committee. The work has continued by preserving and improving the area, with our unique knowledge, design influence, and fundraising ability, plus working closely with Camden and Westminster Councils and latterly Shaftesbury PLC, to progress our award-winning plans, proudly making Seven Dials the success it is today. Over the years our Trust has become a source of knowledge – the area’s history, foundation works, masonry, gnomonics, lighting, façade improvements, public realm works, and much else. I am proud and grateful to be involved.”

Robert became involved in Seven Dials as Chief Executive of Marler Estates when they acquired buildings in Monmouth Street, Neal’s Yard and Shorts Gardens in the late 1970s. The restoration of the Monmouth Street houses was among the first such work in the area. The development of Seven Dials Court for housing, with its shared podium deck, was regarded as exemplary at the time. Robert’s many development projects in London include the nearby Pied Bull Yard for the Bedford Estate. Robert has been instrumental in creating and promoting most of the Trust’s fundraising sponsorship schemes. He has continued as a trustee, now in an honorary capacity, long after Marler Estates relinquished their holdings in the area.