Erasmus Street, London
Hidden in plain sight near the Thames, Erasmus Street offers a quiet slice of Westminster living, blending historical charm with a prime London location.
Where is Erasmus Street?
Erasmus Street is a short residential road located in the City of Westminster, just north of the River Thames and close to Millbank. It sits in the SW1 postcode area, running roughly from Cureton Street at the south to a junction with Marsham Street and Herrick Street at the north end.
The street lies just west of Millbank Gardens and is part of a quiet network of roads south of Vincent Street, surrounded by other residential lanes and 20th-century developments.
Length of the Road
Erasmus Street measures approximately 250 metres (820 feet) in length. Despite its brevity, it connects a small cluster of residential buildings and is part of a calm, low-traffic environment in central London. The entire street can be walked end to end in just a few minutes, making it a small but pleasant feature of the Westminster street map.
History and Construction
Erasmus Street was first laid out in the early 19th century as part of the gradual urban expansion of Westminster southward from Victoria Street and northward from the Thames. Much of the surrounding land was developed after the construction of nearby Millbank Prison (now demolished) in the early 1800s.
Initially, the area was filled with modest terraced housing and later redeveloped in the 20th century to include residential flats. Today, Erasmus Street retains some of this character, with a mix of local authority and private housing, often mid-rise and built between the 1930s and 1970s.
Origin and Naming of Erasmus Street
The street was named after Desiderius Erasmus, a Dutch Renaissance humanist, theologian, and scholar. The naming likely occurred in the mid- to late 19th century, at a time when classical and intellectual figures were frequently used as street names in London developments.
Erasmus was famous for his advocacy of education and reform within the Church, and his name may have been selected to reflect enlightened or aspirational ideals for the neighbourhood during the Victorian era.
How to Pronounce Erasmus Street
Erasmus is commonly pronounced as “ERR-az-mus”, with the stress on the first syllable. In phonetic terms, it is /ˈɛr.əz.məs/ 
.
Some locals may slightly soften the pronunciation, but “ERR-az-mus” remains the standard. The name is the same as that of the famous philosopher and the EU’s Erasmus student exchange programme.
Character of Erasmus Street
Erasmus Street is a quiet, residential street with a sense of seclusion despite its central location. It is not a through-route for traffic, contributing to its peaceful nature.
The architecture here is modest and functional. Buildings are typically 3–5 storeys high, including some red-brick flats and mid-century concrete blocks. While not architecturally flamboyant, the street maintains a clean and tidy appearance with small green verges and regular tree planting.
It’s a street more about function than glamour, offering affordable central living close to landmarks, government offices, and cultural sites like Tate Britain.
Property and Real Estate Prices
As of 2025, the average property price on Erasmus Street is around £980,000 for a two-bedroom flat measuring roughly 900 sq ft (84 sq m). One-bedroom properties may range from £620,000 to £720,000 depending on floor and finish.
This is moderately priced for Westminster—cheaper than neighbouring streets with period architecture like Vincent Square but more expensive than some parts of Pimlico. Rentals here range from £2,100 to £2,600 per month for a two-bedroom flat.
Much of the housing stock is made up of ex-local authority or housing association flats, though several have been purchased and modernised privately.
Nearest London Underground Stations
The closest London Underground stations to Erasmus Street are:
- Pimlico Station – served by the Victoria line, about 7 minutes on foot.
- St James’s Park Station – served by the District and Circle lines, around 10–12 minutes walk to the north-east.
Additionally, Westminster Station (Jubilee, Circle, District lines) is about 15 minutes away, providing easy access to central and east London.
Fun Fact
Although Erasmus Street is a quiet residential road, it is less than 5 minutes’ walk from Tate Britain, one of the UK’s most important art galleries. Many visitors walk down nearby roads but rarely explore Erasmus Street itself, making it something of a hidden gem just off the main tourist trail.
It’s also only a short distance from Millbank Millennium Pier, where Thames Clippers river buses operate—an unusual transport option for residents of a quiet street!
Conclusion
Erasmus Street is not the kind of London road that draws headlines or crowds, but that’s precisely its charm. With quiet homes, historical connections, and excellent proximity to central London institutions, it offers a rare mix of calm and convenience.
Whether you’re a visitor looking to explore the quieter parts of Westminster or a Londoner searching for lesser-known streets near the Thames, Erasmus Street is worth a detour.
Quick Facts
- Location: City of Westminster, London SW1
- Length: Approximately 250 metres (820 feet)
- First established: Early 19th century
- Origin of name: Named after the Dutch philosopher Erasmus in the 19th century
- Pronunciation: ERR-az-mus /ˈɛr.əz.məs/
- Nearest Tube Stations: Pimlico (Victoria line), St James's Park (District & Circle lines)
- Average property price (2025): £980,000 for a 2-bedroom flat (~900 sq ft / 84 sq m)
- Character: Residential, quiet, historic with 20th-century flats and some modern updates
- Fun Fact: Erasmus Street lies just a few minutes from Tate Britain and Millbank
Map of Erasmus Street, London
Painting of Erasmus Street, London (View image in full size)