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According to Goldschmidt & Howland, the estate agent for the area (http://www.g-h.co.uk/): "Perfectly positioned for Hampstead walks and West End shopping, the existence of “Belsize” remained an historical secret until the beginning of the 14th century, when Sir Roger le Brabazon reportedly left land in the area of Hampstead Manor to Westminster Abbey.

Almost 200 years later, the area was in the news again, this time following the construction of the original Belsize House. The property was reported to be most impressive, however it was the rural outlook that particularly pleased. By the early 1700s the picturesque grounds had been developed into something of an entertainment park, a cross between Las Vegas and the Ken County Fair – gambling, dancing and mud-wrestling set against the backdrop of an idyllic countrified setting. This resulted in riotous behaviour and traffic jams in Belsize Avenue, finally followed by a court order demanding its gates be closed for good".