About Mayfair > Mayfair History
In the scheme of things, Mayfair isn't especially old. The area was mostly fields and farm land until its development in the early 18th century. The name Mayfair comes from an annual fair that took place on what is now Shepherd Market. Find out more about the "May fair".
Mayfair's development mostly took place on the land beginning to just a few families, such as the Grosvenors, the Berkeleys and the Burlingtons. Find out more about the great estates of Mayfair.
To get an overview of the critical points in Mayfair's history up until the present day, have a look at our Mayfair Timeline.
Is there something you want to know about Mayfair's history? Email us and let us know - if we don't know the answer, we'll try and find out.