Duke Street, London
Duke Street is a relatively short yet historically significant street located in the City of Westminster, in central London. It runs in a gentle curve from the southeastern corner of Mayfair’s Grosvenor Square northward to the elegant and quieter Manchester Square in Marylebone. This elegant street forms a transitional boundary between the opulence of Mayfair and the refined domesticity of Marylebone.
Overview and Surroundings
Duke Street forms a key connector between two major squares: Grosvenor Square, once home to the American Embassy, and Manchester Square, famous for the Wallace Collection housed at Hertford House. It intersects with Wigmore Street, a busy shopping and dining corridor, and lies parallel to other notable roads like Davies Street and Welbeck Street. Though not long, Duke Street encapsulates a blend of residential calm and Mayfair sophistication.
The street is lined with a mix of mid-rise Georgian and Victorian buildings, many converted into offices, art galleries, boutiques, and high-end flats. Trees and discreet street lighting give it a village-like feel, especially toward the Manchester Square end.
Streets connecting to Duke Street
- Barrett Street
- Brook Street
- Brown Hart Gardens
- Duke's Yard
- Edwards Mews
- George Yard
- Grosvenor Square
- Manchester Square
- Oxford Street
- Picton Place
- Weighhouse Street
- Widmore Street (A5204)
History and Origin of the Name
Duke Street first appeared in the early 18th century as part of the Grosvenor Estate development, which shaped much of the west central part of Westminster. It was likely named after a title in the aristocratic Grosvenor family, which held the Dukedom of Westminster. Naming streets after noble titles was common in Mayfair and Marylebone during that era.
The street’s development coincided with the urban expansion of London during the Georgian period, when new residential squares and straight thoroughfares were laid out for the gentry and rising middle class. Over the centuries, Duke Street has maintained its elegance while adapting to the needs of modern London.
What to See and Do Nearby
While Duke Street itself is relatively quiet, it’s within short walking distance of several key attractions:
- The Wallace Collection – An extraordinary free-to-enter museum of fine and decorative arts housed in a grand townhouse on Manchester Square.
- Selfridges – One of London’s most iconic department stores, just two minutes away on Oxford Street.
- Grosvenor Square – A large green space ideal for relaxing walks, with historic statues and memorials.
- Bond Street galleries – Numerous independent and commercial galleries nearby, reflecting Mayfair’s reputation as a global art hub.
The street is also home to luxury tailors, interior designers, and several private members’ offices catering to boutique finance and creative firms.
Transport and Accessibility
Nearest London Underground Stations
The nearest London Underground Stations are:
- Bond Street Station – Served by the Jubilee and Central lines, located a 5-minute walk southeast.
- Oxford Circus Station – About 10 minutes away on foot, connecting to the Bakerloo, Central, and Victoria lines.
These stations offer fast access to much of London Underground, linking Duke Street with the West End, the City, and Canary Wharf.
Bus Routes
Nearby bus stops along Oxford Street and Wigmore Street serve a wide range of central London routes, including:
- Route 7 to East Acton or Oxford Circus
- Route 98 to Holborn or Willesden
- Route 390 to Victoria or Archway
This makes the street easily reachable by public transport despite its serene atmosphere.
Real Estate and Property Prices
As of May 2025, properties along Duke Street command premium prices reflective of their location between Mayfair and Marylebone. Residential flats typically start at around £2.5 million for a two-bedroom unit measuring approximately 1,100 sq ft (102 sq m). Larger three-bedroom flats, often occupying entire floors of period townhouses, can exceed £4.5 million. Penthouses, when available, can surpass £7 million, especially with Grosvenor Square views.
Rental properties on Duke Street also attract a high-end market, with two-bedroom flats renting for £1,500–£2,200 per week. Office and gallery spaces on the street are among the most sought-after in central London, especially for firms valuing discretion and a premium postcode.
Fun Fact
In the 19th century, Duke Street was briefly famous for housing Thomas Holloway’s patent medicine offices, part of a Victorian health craze. His fortune helped fund the creation of Holloway College, now part of Royal Holloway University of London.
Quick Facts
- Location: City of Westminster, Central London
- Connects: Grosvenor Square (Mayfair) to Manchester Square (Marylebone)
- Nearby streets: Wigmore Street, Welbeck Street, Davies Street
- Historical era: Early 18th century, part of Grosvenor Estate
- Named after: Likely a title held by the Grosvenor family (Dukes of Westminster)
- Nearest Tube: Bond Street Station (Jubilee, Central lines)
- Bus access: Routes 7, 98, 390 on Oxford Street and Wigmore Street
- Notable nearby attractions: Wallace Collection, Selfridges, Grosvenor Square
- Real estate (May 2025): £2.5m+ for 2-bed flats (1,100 sq ft / 102 sq m)
- Fun fact: Site of Thomas Holloway's patent medicine business in the 1800s
References
- Knight Frank London Property Listings
- Historic England – Mayfair and Marylebone
- Royal Holloway University – History
Map of Duke Street, London
Painting of Duke Street, London