Cleveland Street, London
Cleveland Street is a notable thoroughfare in Fitzrovia, part of Central London. The street runs from Euston Road in the northwest to its junction with Goodge Street and Mortimer Street in the south. Along much of its length, it marks the boundary between the City of Westminster on the west side and the London Borough of Camden on the east. A key axis in Fitzrovia's layout, Cleveland Street is lined with a mix of period townhouses, medical buildings, offices, and eateries, giving it a lively urban character.
Location and Surrounding Streets
Cleveland Street is well-positioned within the historic core of Fitzrovia. It intersects several notable streets including Greenwell Street, Clipstone Street, New Cavendish Street, and Howland Street. The street runs parallel to Great Portland Street and Tottenham Court Road, both of which are important commercial arteries. To the north, it leads towards the Marylebone area, while the south end merges into the bustling zone near Oxford Street.
History of Cleveland Street
The history of Cleveland Street dates back to the 18th century. Originally called Norfolk Street, it was renamed Cleveland Street in the 19th century, possibly in honour of the Dukes of Cleveland, who were influential landowners in the area. The street has historically hosted various institutions and residences. Most famously, it was the site of the Cleveland Street Workhouse, which inspired Charles Dickens' depiction of poorhouses in his novels. The workhouse building at No. 44 still stands and is a Grade II-listed structure.
Pronunciation and Etymology
Cleveland is pronounced KLEEV-lənd /ˈkliːvlənd/. The name is believed to derive from the English title “Duke of Cleveland,” referencing the aristocratic heritage tied to the area. The spelling has remained consistent since the 1800s.
Transport Connections
Cleveland Street enjoys excellent transport links. The nearest London Underground stations include:
- Warren Street Station (served by the Northern and Victoria lines)
- Great Portland Street Station (served by the Circle, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan lines)
- Goodge Street Station (served by the Northern line)
Several London bus routes operate along or near Cleveland Street, including stops on Euston Road, Tottenham Court Road, and New Cavendish Street. These provide direct connections to Oxford Street, King's Cross, and beyond.
Character and Architecture
Cleveland Street is a mix of architectural styles. Georgian terraces dominate its central section, many of which have been preserved or sympathetically restored. The presence of Victorian and Edwardian buildings adds variety, and post-war infill blends into the streetscape. Notable buildings include the former Cleveland Street Workhouse and a number of properties that now serve as private clinics, reflecting Fitzrovia's reputation as a hub for medical services.
Points of Interest
The most significant historical site on Cleveland Street is the aforementioned workhouse. Built in the 18th century, it housed the indigent population of the area and is closely associated with Charles Dickens, whose own childhood experiences may have been shaped by it.
Nearby attractions include:
- The BT Tower – a prominent London landmark located just off Cleveland Street
- Fitzroy Square – a Georgian garden square just east of the street
- Charlotte Street – lined with restaurants and cafés offering diverse cuisines
Real Estate and Property Market
As of July 2025, Cleveland Street reflects central London property trends with high demand and limited supply. Properties along the street tend to be a combination of period flats and mixed-use developments.
A one-bedroom flat typically measures around 550 sq ft (51 sq m), with two-bedroom flats averaging 850 sq ft (79 sq m). The average asking price for a two-bedroom flat is approximately £1.2 million, while a comparable property elsewhere in London averages around £750,0001.
Rental prices are equally premium, with one-bedroom units letting for between £2,800 and £3,500 per month, depending on the building and condition. Converted Georgian townhouses tend to fetch higher rates.
Fun Fact
In 1889, Cleveland Street was the centre of a scandal involving a male brothel frequented by members of the aristocracy, including (allegedly) Prince Albert Victor, Duke of Clarence. The Cleveland Street Scandal drew national attention and has since become a subject of historical intrigue2.
Quick Facts
- Location: Fitzrovia, bordering the City of Westminster and Camden
- Start and End: Connects Euston Road in the north to Goodge Street in the south
- Pronunciation: Cleveland /ˈkliːvlənd/
- Historical Significance: Home to the 18th-century Cleveland Street Workhouse
- Nearby Tube Stations: Warren Street, Goodge Street, Great Portland Street
- Underground Lines: Northern, Victoria, Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan
- Average Flat Size: 550–850 sq ft (51–79 sq m)
- Property Prices (2025): Around £1.2 million for a two-bedroom flat
- Monthly Rent: £2,800–£3,500 for a one-bedroom unit
- Nearby Attractions: BT Tower, Fitzroy Square, Charlotte Street
References
Map of Cleveland Street, London
Painting of Cleveland Street
Painting of Cleveland Street
Page Details
This page was created on 11 July 2025. Hi, my name is Timothy and created it from my research, for my own entertainment, knowledge and to satisfy my curiosity. I am providing the information to you in good faith and hope it is useful. I try to get the details as accurate as possible. I also try to update the page whenever I stumble on new details. So this and all my other pages are perpetual work in progress. If you discover any error, please politely inform me, pointing out where the error lies, and I will correct it as soon as possible. Your helpfulness will keep this page accurate, relevant and helpful to those who need the information.Moving to London?
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