The "Edgcumbe streets" are built on land which used to be part of the grounds of Edgcumbe House. It was built in 1837 for John Wallace, solicitor. Later it was the residence of the Workman family and later again the Lemon family, who were related by marriage. The house was requisitioned by the MOD during WWII and was subsequently acquired by Belfast Corporation for use as a residential home for the elderly. It was demolished in 1993. It seems likely that this house was named after Mount Edgcumbe House in East Cornwall, across the River Tamar from Plymouth.
To BE LET, at EDGCUMBE SYDENHAM, County Down, BUILDING GROUND, in Lots suitable for Villa Sites. Apply to A. D. LEMON. 7. Corporation Square an advert in the Belfast Morning News - Friday 05 April 1867. “On the recommendation of the City Surveyor, the application of Mr Robert Vance that the name Edgcumbe Park for a new throughfare on his property situated off Edgcumbe Gardens was approved. (13th June 1950).