Ashley Place, London
Ashley Place is a quiet and elegant road in Westminster, connecting Carlisle Place to Morpeth Terrace, known for its ecclesiastical presence and classic architecture.
Ashley Place is located in the heart of the City of Westminster, London SW1. It runs in an east-west direction, linking Carlisle Place on its western end to Morpeth Terrace on the east.
The street lies just south of Victoria Street and is situated in the Westminster Cathedral conservation area, making it part of one of London’s most architecturally significant and historically rich neighbourhoods.
How Long is the Road?
Ashley Place is a short road by central London standards, measuring approximately 120 metres (about 394 feet) in length.
Its compact length belies its importance, as it provides direct access to Westminster Cathedral and sits among a cluster of serene streets favoured for residential living and ecclesiastical offices.
History and Development
Ashley Place was laid out during the late 19th century, as part of the broader Victorian-era development of the Westminster area, coinciding with the expansion of housing and ecclesiastical buildings in the decades after the opening of Westminster Cathedral in 1903.
The area’s development was shaped heavily by the Catholic Church, which acquired nearby lands for religious and institutional use. Much of the early architecture in Ashley Place reflects the influence of the Church and retains its dignified Victorian and Edwardian character.
How Did Ashley Place Get Its Name?
The precise origin of the name "Ashley Place" is uncertain, but it is believed to have been named after a landowning family or an ecclesiastical patron, as was common practice in this part of Westminster at the time.
The name was in use by the early 20th century, and has remained unchanged, further reinforcing the historic continuity of the area.
The Character of Ashley Place
Ashley Place has a quiet, refined atmosphere despite its central location. The road is largely residential, interspersed with religious buildings and offices linked to the Cathedral.
Its defining feature is its proximity to Westminster Cathedral. The Cathedral’s side façade and service entrances are accessed via Ashley Place, giving the road a spiritual and contemplative feel. This makes it quite distinct from the bustle of nearby Victoria Street.
The architecture is characterised by red brick Victorian buildings, modest apartment blocks, and religious structures with classical or Gothic elements.
Real Estate Prices and Property Sizes
As of May 2025, properties on Ashley Place tend to fall into the higher-mid range of London’s real estate market, but are more affordable than homes just a few hundred metres away in Belgravia or St James’s.
Flats on Ashley Place typically range from:
- 1-bedroom flats (~500–650 sq ft / 46–60 sq m): £625,000 to £775,000
- 2-bedroom flats (~700–900 sq ft / 65–84 sq m): £900,000 to £1.25 million
These prices are notably lower than the average price per square foot in prime central London, making Ashley Place relatively good value for buyers wanting historic character and central location without ultra-premium pricing.
Some properties are leasehold flats in period buildings with shared entrances and communal gardens at the rear.
Nearest London Underground Stations
Ashley Place is conveniently served by two nearby London Underground stations:
- Victoria Station (5-minute walk): Served by the Victoria, District, and Circle lines.
- St. James’s Park Station (10-minute walk): Served by the District and Circle lines.
This excellent connectivity places Ashley Place within easy reach of key destinations such as Oxford Circus, Westminster, and South Kensington.
Bus Connections
Several major bus routes stop along Victoria Street, just a short walk north of Ashley Place. The nearest bus stops include:
- Westminster Cathedral (Stop R) – served by routes 11, 24, 148, 211, and C10.
- Victoria Station (Stop G) – offering connections across Greater London.
These routes make travel from Ashley Place to destinations such as Trafalgar Square, Kensington, and Battersea straightforward and quick.
Fun Fact: The Cardinal Pub Connection
At the western end of Ashley Place, just before it meets Carlisle Place, stands the popular pub known as The Cardinal. It was once called The Cardinal’s Hat, referencing the Catholic symbolism of nearby Westminster Cathedral.
The pub is a local landmark, serving residents, clergy, and tourists alike, and has been part of the community for generations. Its name, decor, and location continue to reflect the road’s strong ecclesiastical heritage.
Quick Facts
Quick Facts
- Location: City of Westminster, London SW1
- Length: Approx. 120 metres (394 feet)
- Nearby Streets: Carlisle Place (west), Morpeth Terrace (east)
- Historical Period: Late 19th to early 20th century
- Name Origin: Likely named after a family or religious figure; in use since early 1900s
- Character: Residential, religious, quiet, Victorian-era architecture
- Property Prices (May 2025): £625k–£1.25m for flats (500–900 sq ft / 46–84 sq m)
- Underground Stations: Victoria (Victoria, District, Circle), St James’s Park (District, Circle)
- Bus Stops: Victoria Street – Westminster Cathedral (Stop R), Victoria Station (Stop G)
- Fun Fact: Home to The Cardinal pub, referencing Westminster Cathedral
Map of Ashley Place, London
Painting of Ashley Place, London (View image in full size)