Claverton Street, London
Claverton Street is a short but historically and architecturally significant residential street located in Pimlico, within the City of Westminster, London. It runs from Lupus Street in the north to Grosvenor Road along the River Thames in the south, and branches off to Chichester Street and Churchill Gardens Road.
Location and Layout
Claverton Street lies in Pimlico’s Churchill Gardens Estate area, a postwar development known for its mid-century modern aesthetic. The street is approximately 200 metres (656 feet) in length. It is a one-way road running from north to south, with vehicular entry from Lupus Street and exit onto Grosvenor Road (A3212), a major Thames-side route.
History and Name
Claverton Street was laid out during the major redevelopment of Pimlico following the Second World War, most notably as part of the construction of the Churchill Gardens Estate, which began in the late 1940s and continued through the 1950s. The estate was designed by architects Powell & Moya, commissioned by Westminster City Council.
The name “Claverton” likely derives from the village of Claverton near Bath in Somerset, consistent with Pimlico’s naming convention of drawing from British place names. The pronunciation is CLAV-er-t'n, IPA: ˈklævətən 
.
Street Character
Claverton Street has a resolutely residential character, marked by mid-century apartment blocks and modest landscaping. It features typical examples of municipal postwar housing, with brickwork façades, simple lines, and functional layouts. While the architecture is more practical than ornate, the location near the river and tranquil nature of the estate give it a quiet charm.
Nearby Sights and Attractions
While Claverton Street itself is residential, several notable sights lie just a short walk away:
- Churchill Gardens Estate – a pioneering example of postwar social housing architecture.
- Riverside Walk – scenic footpaths along the Thames, accessible via Grosvenor Road.
- Tate Britain – a world-class art museum, roughly 10 minutes away on foot.
- Pimlico Gardens – a small green space near the riverside with benches and a statue of William Huskisson.
Property and Real Estate
As of May 2025, flats on Claverton Street typically range in value from £450,000 to £750,000, depending on size and condition. This is moderately affordable by central London standards, especially considering its proximity to the river and Westminster landmarks.
Most properties here are two- to three-bedroom flats, ranging in size from 650 to 900 square feet (60 to 84 square metres). Many are ex-council but well-maintained, often appealing to young professionals and downsizers seeking a quiet central location.
Public Transport
Nearest Underground Stations
- Pimlico Station (Victoria line) – approx. 8-minute walk.
- Vauxhall Station (Victoria line & National Rail) – approx. 12-minute walk across Vauxhall Bridge.
- Victoria Station (Victoria, District, Circle lines & National Rail) – about 15–20 minutes’ walk or short bus ride.
Nearby Bus Stops
Bus stops are conveniently located on Lupus Street and Grosvenor Road, providing direct services to:
- Victoria
- Westminster
- Vauxhall
- Oxford Circus
Popular bus routes include the 24, 360, and C10.
Fun Fact
Claverton Street is part of the Churchill Gardens Estate’s district heating system, which was among the first in the UK to use waste heat from the nearby Battersea Power Station to provide heating and hot water to hundreds of flats—a forward-thinking innovation in 1950s urban planning.
Quick Facts
- Location: Pimlico, City of Westminster
- Length: Approx. 200 metres (656 ft)
- Traffic Direction: One-way, north to south
- Connects: Lupus Street to Grosvenor Road
- Branching Streets: Chichester Street, Churchill Gardens Road
- Pronunciation: CLAV-er-t'n (IPA: ˈklævətən)
- Built: Late 1940s–1950s as part of Churchill Gardens Estate
- Character: Quiet, residential, mid-century housing
- Nearby Sights: Thames Path, Tate Britain, Pimlico Gardens
- Real Estate (May 2025): £450,000–£750,000, 650–900 sq ft (60–84 m²)
- Nearest Tube: Pimlico (Victoria line)
- Bus Routes: 24, 360, C10
- Fun Fact: One of the first areas to use waste heat for district heating
Map of Claverton Street, London
Painting of Claverton Street, London (View image in full size)