History Press scoops scandalous Dolphin Square history from Danczuk and Smith

The History Press has scooped a “compelling and authoritative” history of Dolphin Square, described as one of Britain's most notorious addresses, by former MP for Rochdale Simon Danczuk and author Daniel Smith.

Mark Beynon, commissioning editor, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights for Scandal at Dolphin Square from the Andrew Lownie Literary Agency. It will publish in February 2022. 

The book charts the scandal-filled history of the address through the people that lived there, including mysterious deaths, espionage, illicit love affairs, glamour, politics and scandal – from Oswald Mosley, the "Carry On" gang and Profumo, to allegations of sexual abuse rings. Built in London's Pimlico in 1937, the square’s 1,250 flats "have always boasted a colourful array of elites with scandal becoming a decades-long feature".

Danczuk (pictured) and Smith said: "When we set out to write this book, we knew Dolphin Square had more than its fair share of stories to tell (not least because one of us, Simon, lives there!). But even we have been shocked by many of the tales we've uncovered. From its outset, Dolphin Square was meant to be a sanctuary for the great and good of the nation. But life behind its walls has often helped mould the country we live in, for better and worse. Now seems the right time to spill its secrets. It's a roller-coaster of a book that opens a window on to the past but has much to teach us about the present too. We are delighted that The History Press is publishing what feels like a story whose time has come."

Beynon said: "Simon Danczuk and Daniel Smith have shone a light on some of London’s darkest and most shameful secrets, some of which have gone unpunished for many years. This riveting book is a timely reminder that there are many still seeking justice for what happened to them at Dolphin Square."