Broad Sanctuary, London

Broad Sanctuary is a short but historically significant street in the heart of Westminster, within the City of Westminster, London. It forms the western edge of Parliament Square and serves as a key transitional space between several major streets and landmarks in central London.

Location and Connections

Broad Sanctuary is situated immediately west of Parliament Square and runs in a northwest-southeast orientation. Despite its modest length, it connects or branches off into several important thoroughfares:
  1. Parliament Square (to the east): A world-famous civic space surrounded by iconic buildings and statues.
  2. Victoria Street (to the west): A major arterial route leading toward Victoria Station.
  3. Little Sanctuary (to the north): A quiet side street that curls behind Westminster Abbey and houses ecclesiastical buildings.
  4. Storey's Gate (just off the west end): Another connection westward, linking to Birdcage Walk and the edge of St James's Park.
  5. Great Smith Street and John Street (south of the Abbey): While not directly off Broad Sanctuary itself, these streets are part of the nearby road network south of the Abbey.

Map of Broad Sanctuary, London

Sights along Broad Sanctuary, London

Despite its small size, Broad Sanctuary is surrounded by some of London's most important historic and civic buildings:
  1. Crimea and Indian Mutiny Memorial (GPS: 51.49951, -0.12914) A sculptural war memorial on the north side of the street, dedicated to the soldiers of the Crimean War and the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
  2. St Margaret's Church (GPS: 51.49982, -0.12669) Although technically within the grounds of Westminster Abbey, this charming parish church is visible from Broad Sanctuary and often overlooked.
  3. The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom (GPS: 51.5005, -0.12804) Located directly opposite the Abbey, this neoclassical building was formerly the Middlesex Guildhall and is now home to the UK's highest judicial authority.
  4. United Nations Green (GPS: 51.49994, -0.129) A small, peaceful green space adjacent to Broad Sanctuary, often used for peaceful demonstrations and gatherings.
  5. Westminster Abbey (GPS: 51.49936, -0.12729) Perhaps the most iconic building on Broad Sanctuary's southern side, the Abbey has hosted coronations, royal weddings, and state funerals since 1066.
Painting of Broad Sanctuary

Painting of Broad Sanctuary (View full-size image here)

Etymology and Historical Background

The name Broad Sanctuary dates back to the medieval period. It derives from its location adjacent to Westminster Abbey, which historically offered sanctuary rights to fugitives seeking protection from legal prosecution. In medieval England, certain churches and religious precincts could grant 40 days of sanctuary. The area just outside the Abbey's western entrance became known as a sanctuary zone.

The term Broad distinguishes it from Little Sanctuary, the smaller lane just north of it. Over time, Broad Sanctuary became an accepted name for this wider space where people gathered outside the Abbey - particularly those awaiting sanctuary, justice, or ceremonial processions.

More streets in London

To explore more streets across the capital, visit our Streets in London page, where you'll find an interactive map and a growing list of all the streets we've documented so far.

Map of Streets in London

View all the streets that I have documented on Google Maps in this Map of Streets in London.