Bedfordbury, London
Bedfordbury is a narrow, historic street in the West End of London, located within the City of Westminster. It runs from New Row in the north to Chandos Place in the south, situated just moments from the bustling energy of Covent Garden and Charing Cross. Though relatively short in length, Bedfordbury offers a compelling blend of historical charm and urban vibrancy.
Origin of the Name and Pronunciation
The name Bedfordbury is pronounced as BED-ford-berry /ˈbɛdfədˌbɛri/. It derives from the Earls of Bedford, prominent landowners in the area during the 17th century. The suffix “bury” in this context is thought to relate to “borough” or settlement, common in English place names. The street gained its current form and name during the early development of Covent Garden in the 1600s.
Geographic Location and Surrounding Streets
Bedfordbury is located in a prime part of central London. It intersects with and is adjacent to a number of notable roads:
- New Row – a charming, pedestrian-friendly shopping street to the north.
- Chandos Place – connecting to St Martin's Lane and The Strand in the south.
- Brydges Place – one of London's narrowest alleyways, just off Bedfordbury.
- Henrietta Street – running parallel to the west, lined with boutiques and cafés.
This area places Bedfordbury at the heart of the Covent Garden cultural and commercial district, with major streets like The Strand and St Martin's Lane just steps away.
Connecting Streets
- Bedford Court
- Chandos Place
- New Row
Historical Context
Bedfordbury dates back to at least the 1630s and was part of the estate owned by the Russell family, who became the Dukes of Bedford. Originally laid out as part of the Covent Garden estate development, the street has retained its original line and narrow character through the centuries. It once had a reputation for being rather grimy and neglected in the 18th century but has since been significantly cleaned up and gentrified.
Character and Atmosphere
Today, Bedfordbury offers a curious mix of old-world ambiance and cosmopolitan flair. The buildings are generally three to five storeys high, with brick facades, timber sash windows, and a variety of preserved architectural details. Many are listed or protected structures.
The street's narrowness, combined with cobbled paving and low-traffic use, gives it an intimate feel. It hosts a mix of small restaurants, traditional pubs, independent shops, and private flats above the street level. Visitors often stumble upon Bedfordbury as they explore the backstreets of Covent Garden, finding its quiet elegance a welcome contrast to the nearby tourist hustle.
Nearby Attractions
While Bedfordbury itself is peaceful, it lies within walking distance of numerous key London attractions:
- Covent Garden Piazza and Market
- Garrick Theatre and Noel Coward Theatre
- National Gallery at Trafalgar Square
- St Martin-in-the-Fields Church
- London Coliseum
Just off Bedfordbury is Brydges Place, reputed to be the narrowest street in London—barely 15 inches wide at points. It runs between Bedfordbury and St Martin's Lane and adds a dash of quirky character to the area.
Residential and Commercial Real Estate
As of Q2 2025, residential flats on Bedfordbury range from 450 to 1,200 sq ft (42–112 sq m). A typical one-bedroom flat of 600 sq ft (56 sq m) sells for approximately £975,000 and rents for around £3,800 per month, reflecting its prime central location.
These figures are significantly above the London average, but they remain relatively affordable compared to streets in nearby Mayfair or Belgravia. The commercial units—mostly restaurants, cafés, and boutique offices—also command premium rents due to high foot traffic and tourism appeal.
Transport and Accessibility
London Underground
Bedfordbury is ideally situated between several London Underground Stations. The closest are:
- Charing Cross Station – Northern and Bakerloo lines
- Leicester Square Station – Northern and Piccadilly lines
- Covent Garden Station – Piccadilly line
From these stations, all of central London is easily reachable within minutes.
Bus Services
Nearby bus stops on The Strand, Charing Cross Road, and St Martin's Lane are served by multiple routes including:
- Route 11 – Fulham to Liverpool Street
- Route 24 – Hampstead Heath to Pimlico
- Route 29 – Wood Green to Trafalgar Square
Fun Fact
Brydges Place, the tiny alleyway that cuts across Bedfordbury, has earned a reputation as London's narrowest street. It's so tight that pedestrians often have to walk single file, and it's become a quirky photo-op for curious tourists.
Quick Facts
- Location: City of Westminster, London
- Pronunciation: BED-ford-berry /ˈbɛdfədˌbɛri/
- Connected Streets: New Row (north), Chandos Place (south)
- Nearby Landmarks: Covent Garden, Garrick Theatre, Trafalgar Square
- Transport: Closest Underground stations are Charing Cross, Leicester Square, Covent Garden
- Bus Routes: 11, 24, 29
- Real Estate (2025): Flats from £975,000 or £3,800/month; sizes from 450–1,200 sq ft (42–112 sq m)
- Historical Origins: Dates to the 17th century; named after the Earls of Bedford
- Fun Fact: Adjacent to London's narrowest street, Brydges Place
Map of Bedfordbury, London
Painting of Bedfordbury, London
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