Chester Square, London
Chester Square is a refined and exclusive residential address located in the heart of Belgravia, London. Centred around a peaceful, private garden, the square forms a network of roads that interconnect with Lower Belgrave Street, Eccleston Street, Elizabeth Street, and Chester Row. Though the roads are narrow and often lined with parked vehicles, they maintain two-way traffic throughout, with oncoming drivers required to yield when necessary.
Layout and Traffic
Chester Square comprises a looping road that surrounds a central private garden. The square’s roads are roughly 300 metres (about 985 feet) in perimeter. Despite its compact and narrow layout, Chester Square allows two-way vehicle traffic at all times. However, parked cars on both sides reduce the available space, so vehicles often have to wait and give way to one another in tighter stretches.
History of Chester Square
Chester Square was laid out during the early 19th century as part of the grand Belgravia development spearheaded by the Grosvenor family, later the Dukes of Westminster. It was built around 1835–1840, during a period when Belgravia was being transformed from marshy fields into a fashionable residential district by master builder Thomas Cubitt.
The square was named after the city of Chester, a historic stronghold in northwest England with close ties to the Grosvenor family. The Grosvenor ancestral home, Eaton Hall, is located near Chester, and the family derived the title of Earl Grosvenor from their influence in that region.
The pronunciation of "Chester" is /'tʃɛstə/ 
, or "CHESS-tuh" in simple phonetics.
Character and Architecture
Chester Square is among the most visually pleasing of London’s garden squares. Its white stucco-fronted townhouses, tall sash windows, and columned porticoes exude a serene and classic elegance. Many of these homes are arranged over five or six storeys, including basement and attic levels, and some have been converted into luxury flats or embassies.
The atmosphere is remarkably peaceful given its proximity to busy Victoria. Residents benefit from the secluded feel created by the central private garden, which is gated and only accessible to keyholders.
Points of Interest
- Chester Square Garden – A beautifully maintained private garden at the heart of the square. Although not open to the public, it can be admired through the iron railings that surround it.
- No. 29 Chester Square – Once the home of Margaret Thatcher, the former UK Prime Minister. She lived here after leaving office.
- St Michael’s Church – Located at the south end of the square, this elegant 19th-century Anglican church is built in a Gothic Revival style and remains an active place of worship.
Real Estate and Property Values
Chester Square is one of the most desirable and expensive addresses in London. As of May 2025, homes here typically sell for between £15 million to £30 million, depending on size and condition. These properties often range from 4,000 to 7,000 square feet (370 to 650 sq metres).
By comparison, the average London home price as of early 2025 stands at approximately £550,000, making Chester Square around 25 to 50 times more expensive than the citywide average. Most of the homes are Grade II listed and have been refurbished to the highest standards, with many featuring lift access, home cinemas, wine cellars, and landscaped gardens or terraces.
Transport Connections
London Underground
- Victoria Station – 5 minutes’ walk from Chester Square. Served by the Victoria, District, and Circle lines.
- Sloane Square Station – Approximately 10 minutes' walk. Served by the District and Circle lines.
Bus Routes
Several bus stops lie within easy walking distance of Chester Square:
- Elizabeth Street / Eaton Square – Served by routes 11, 24, and 211, providing connections to Westminster, the West End, and Chelsea.
- Victoria Coach Station – Served by numerous local and long-distance routes.
Fun Fact
Chester Square has long attracted notable residents. Besides Margaret Thatcher, the square has been home to Mary Shelley, author of Frankenstein, who died at No. 24 in 1851. The square’s combination of peace, prestige, and central location continues to draw aristocrats, diplomats, and celebrities alike.
Quick Facts
- Location: Belgravia, City of Westminster
- Connected Roads: Lower Belgrave Street, Eccleston Street, Elizabeth Street, Chester Row
- Traffic: Two-way, though narrow with parked cars on both sides
- Built: Circa 1835–1840 as part of Belgravia’s development by the Grosvenor family
- Named After: The City of Chester, ancestral seat of the Grosvenors
- Architecture: White stucco townhouses, mostly Grade II listed
- Notable Residents: Margaret Thatcher, Mary Shelley
- Property Prices (2025): £15–30 million; 4,000–7,000 sq ft (370–650 sq m)
- Nearest Tube: Victoria (Victoria, District, Circle lines)
- Nearby Buses: Routes 11, 24, 211 on Elizabeth Street and Buckingham Palace Road
- Fun Fact: Former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher lived at No. 29
Map of Chester Square, London
Painting of Chester Square, London (View image in full size)