Cheapside, London
Cheapside - Historic Heart of the City of London
Cheapside is a key thoroughfare in the historic City of London, stretching between Newgate Street in the west and Poultry in the east. This ancient street sits within the very core of London’s financial district and is surrounded by landmarks such as St Paul's Cathedral and the Bank of England.Running east-west, Cheapside acts as a bustling link between two major City hubs: St Paul's to the west and Bank Junction to the east. It’s just north of the modern One New Change shopping complex and south of Gresham Street.
How Long Is Cheapside?
Cheapside is approximately 0.3 miles long (around 0.5 km). Despite its modest length, it is densely packed with history, notable buildings, and modern businesses.Historical Background
Cheapside dates back to Roman Londinium, and has existed in some form for over 2,000 years. Its prominence grew in the Middle Ages, when it became one of London’s busiest and most important marketplaces.By the 13th century, Cheapside was the city’s commercial hub, and guilds and livery companies were well established here. It was lined with shops and market stalls selling everything from meat and fish to silks and gold.
The Great Fire of London in 1666 destroyed most of the original medieval buildings. Cheapside was rebuilt soon after in a more orderly fashion, and then again underwent major development in the 19th and 20th centuries to support modern infrastructure and businesses.
Origin of the Name "Cheapside"
The name Cheapside derives from the Old English word “ceap”, meaning "market" or "trade." It was first recorded in the 12th century, and "Chepe" became synonymous with commerce.The word "cheap" in this context does not refer to low cost, but rather to the act of buying and selling. Hence, Cheapside literally means "market side" or "marketplace." Many side streets retain names that reference the specific goods once sold there, such as:
- Bread Street – where bread was sold
- Milk Street – where milk was traded
- Wood Street – related to timber merchants
Streets That Branch from Cheapside
Several notable streets and lanes branch off Cheapside. From west to east, these include:- New Change – leading south toward St Paul’s and One New Change shopping centre
- Foster Lane – home to the Goldsmiths' Hall
- Wood Street – which leads north to London Wall
- Bread Street – a historical market street
- King Street and Queen Street – heading south toward the Thames
- Ironmonger Lane – formerly the site of the ironmongers' guild
- Old Jewry – a street with medieval Jewish roots
Real Estate and Property Prices
Cheapside lies in a prime commercial area, with real estate values reflecting its central location. As of early 2025, retail and office properties in Cheapside command premium prices.- Office rents range from £65–£90 per sq ft (£700–£970 per sq metre), depending on fit-out and view.
- Retail space can cost £150–£300 per sq ft (£1,615–£3,230 per sq metre) due to heavy footfall.
Character of the Street
Cheapside today is predominantly commercial in nature. It is lined with retail shops, office buildings, banks, and cafes. The street bustles with City workers during the week and welcomes tourists who come to visit nearby St Paul’s Cathedral and other heritage sites.While the street itself is no longer a traditional market, the commercial energy remains — now modernised through retail stores, restaurants, and corporate offices.
Nearest London Underground Stations
Cheapside is well connected to London’s public transport network. The two nearest Underground stations are:- St Paul's Station (Central line) – Located on Newgate Street at the western end of Cheapside
- Bank Station (Central, Northern, Waterloo & City lines; DLR) – Just beyond Poultry to the east
Fun Fact: A Royal Spectacle Street
Historically, Cheapside was a place of great pageantry. Monarchs such as Queen Elizabeth I and King James I were greeted here during coronation processions.Cheapside Cross, once located at the junction with Wood Street, was a medieval monument and rallying point. The street also featured in many literary works, including those of William Shakespeare and Charles Dickens.
Other Cheapsides Around the World
The name Cheapside has traveled far beyond the boundaries of the City of London. While the origin of the word comes from the Old English “ceap” meaning “market” or “trade,” and doesn’t exclusively refer to London’s Cheapside, the historical prominence of this street has likely inspired some of the names found elsewhere.- Cheapside, Berkshire: A quiet village near Ascot in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, its name likely alludes to historical local markets.
- Cheapside Street, Glasgow: Known for the tragic 1960 Cheapside Street Whisky Bond Fire, this commercial area likely derives its name from Glasgow’s own trading past.
- Cheapside, Birmingham: Located near the city centre, this short street reflects the area’s industrial and trading history.
- Cheapside, Liverpool: A modest street in the business district, again likely tied to older trade routes or markets.
- Cheapside, Bridgetown, Barbados: A major street in the capital of Barbados, almost certainly named after London’s Cheapside during the colonial era.
- Cheapside, Ontario, Canada: A small rural community in Haldimand County, its name reflects British colonial influence.
- Cheapside Street, Lexington, Kentucky, USA: Once a commercial hub and slave market, this Cheapside’s name clearly links back to the street’s role in trade and commerce, and it was almost certainly inspired by British naming traditions.
- Cheapside, Penang A small lane in George Town with hardware stores.
Quick Facts About Cheapside
Street Name: Cheapside
Location: City of London, between Newgate Street and Poultry
Length: Approx. 0.3 miles (0.5 km)
First Recorded: 12th century
Name Origin: From Old English “ceap” meaning market
Nearby Stations: St Paul’s (Central line), Bank (Central, Northern, DLR)
Character: Commercial – shops, offices, retail
Branching Streets: New Change, Foster Lane, Wood Street, Bread Street, King Street, Queen Street, Ironmonger Lane, Old Jewry
Typical Office Rent: £65–£90 per sq ft (£700–£970 per sq m)
Fun Fact: Hosted royal parades and was central to medieval London’s markets
Location: City of London, between Newgate Street and Poultry
Length: Approx. 0.3 miles (0.5 km)
First Recorded: 12th century
Name Origin: From Old English “ceap” meaning market
Nearby Stations: St Paul’s (Central line), Bank (Central, Northern, DLR)
Character: Commercial – shops, offices, retail
Branching Streets: New Change, Foster Lane, Wood Street, Bread Street, King Street, Queen Street, Ironmonger Lane, Old Jewry
Typical Office Rent: £65–£90 per sq ft (£700–£970 per sq m)
Fun Fact: Hosted royal parades and was central to medieval London’s markets
Map of Cheapside, London
Painting of Cheapside, London (View image in full size)