Dacre Street, London
Dacre Street, Westminster: A Short Link in the Heart of London’s Power District
Dacre Street is located in the heart of the City of Westminster, London, within walking distance of some of the UK's most iconic political institutions.It runs east–west between Dean Farrar Street to the east and Broadway to the west, placing it just a stone’s throw from Parliament Square and Westminster Abbey.
Length and Layout
Dacre Street is a short but important thoroughfare, measuring only about 110 metres (360 feet) in length.Despite its small size, it plays a connective role within a grid of government and administrative buildings in this central part of Westminster.
History of Dacre Street
Dacre Street was laid out during the major Victorian-era development of Westminster in the mid-to-late 19th century, a period when many of the old medieval streets were reorganised or replaced.It formed part of an initiative to improve infrastructure in the capital after the rebuilding of the nearby Westminster area, which followed the construction of New Scotland Yard and government offices along Whitehall Place.
Map of Dacre Street, London
Origin of the Name
The street is named after the Dacre family, a historic English noble lineage. Though the exact moment of naming is not definitively documented, it likely occurred during the redevelopment of this district in the 19th century, a time when naming streets after titled families and influential figures was common.The Dacres held the Barony of Dacre from the 14th century and had connections to political and military affairs—appropriate for a street nestled within Britain’s power quarter.
Roads Connected to Dacre Street
Dacre Street is connected on the west end to Dean Farrar Street and on the east to Broadway. Nearby connecting streets include:- Victoria Street (a short walk south)
- Tothill Street (to the north)
- Queen Anne’s Gate (south of Dean Farrar Street)
Painting of Dacre Street, London
Buildings and Sights on Dacre Street
Though modest in size, Dacre Street houses several office buildings, many of which serve as outposts for government agencies and consultancy firms.Among the buildings here are:
- 65 Petty France (behind Dacre Street), home to the Ministry of Justice
- Modern commercial offices with private security, indicating proximity to sensitive government premises
Character of the Street
Dacre Street is primarily a commercial and governmental street. It is lined with office buildings and is used heavily on weekdays by professionals working in nearby ministries and Parliament.There is little to no retail or residential presence on the street, contributing to its quiet and formal atmosphere.
Nearest Underground Stations
The closest London Underground stations are:- St James’s Park Station – served by the District and Circle lines
- Westminster Station – served by the Jubilee, District, and Circle lines
- Victoria Station – slightly further but connects to the Victoria, District, and Circle lines, plus National Rail services
Fun Fact
Dacre Street may be unassuming, but it often appears in political dramas and thrillers due to its proximity to government offices. Its discrete, formal look and lack of retail traffic make it an ideal filming location for scenes requiring realism in a Westminster setting.Quick Facts
- Location: City of Westminster, Central London
- Connects: Dean Farrar Street to Broadway
- Length: Approx. 110 metres
- Named After: The noble Dacre family
- Character: Commercial and governmental
- Nearby Stations: St James’s Park, Westminster, Victoria
- Nearby Sights: Westminster Abbey, Churchill War Rooms, St James’s Park
- Notable Use: Filming location for political TV shows