Adelphi

District in central London, south of the Strand. It was developed in the late 18th century by the architect Robert Adam and his brothers James and William. Thanks to its architecture and location, the Adelphi soon became a high-class residential district. Adelphi Terrace was demolished in 1936 and few Adam buildings now remain.

In 1768 the Adam brothers obtained a 99-year lease for the area from the Duke of St Albans. Until the late 17th century it had been the site and grounds of Durham House, built in the early 13th century for the Bishop of Durham. For the Adams' development, land was reclaimed from the River Thames, and great arched vaults served as foundations for the houses nearer the river. Despite the appeal of the development, the Adam brothers lost much money in the speculation.

Adelphi

Town in Prince George's County, central Maryland; population (1990) 13,500. It is situated on the Northwest Branch of the Anacostia River, 19 km/12 mi north-northeast of Washington, DC, and lies to the northwest of the University of Maryland campus in College Park.