Great Queen Street, London
Great Queen Street is a notable thoroughfare in the City of Westminster, nestled in the heart of the West End of London. This historic street runs in a southwesterly direction from the junction of Remnant Street and Kingsway to the intersection with Long Acre and Drury Lane. Its central location places it within walking distance of Covent Garden, Holborn, and the bustling theatres of the West End.
Street Layout and Surroundings
Great Queen Street is a relatively broad, straight avenue by London standards, lined with a mix of historical façades, civic buildings, and modern offices. On the northeast, it connects with Kingsway and Remnant Street, both busy corridors in central London. Towards the southwest, it meets Long Acre and Drury Lane, offering a seamless link to Covent Garden’s commercial heart. On top of that, it also branches to Wild Street.
The buildings along Great Queen Street vary in style and function, from late Georgian and Edwardian-era structures to post-war commercial properties. The Freemasons’ Hall, located roughly midway along the street, is the most architecturally significant structure in the area. Side streets such as Wild Street and Newton Street create a modest grid pattern around it, providing access to both residential pockets and office buildings.
Origin of the Name and Pronunciation
Great Queen Street received its current name in the early 17th century, and it is generally believed to be in honour of Queen Henrietta Maria, wife of King Charles I. The name first appeared around 1629, when the area was being developed as part of the expansion of fashionable London westward. The street name is pronounced as it is spelled: Great Queen Street /ɡreɪt kwiːn striːt/.
Historical Background
Great Queen Street was laid out in the early 1600s as part of the development of the Bedford Estate. The street soon became a fashionable address, attracting affluent residents and artisans alike. By the mid-17th century, it had become a centre of architectural innovation, featuring some of London’s first uniform terraces, designed by architect Inigo Jones and others. Over time, its character shifted towards institutional and commercial use, though several heritage façades remain.
Notable Sights and Landmarks
- Freemasons’ Hall: A striking Art Deco building at No. 60, completed in 1933. It serves as the headquarters of the United Grand Lodge of England. The building is open to the public and offers guided tours, showcasing Masonic history and symbolism.
- Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys: Located nearby, this charity is historically linked with the street’s Masonic associations.
- Proximity to Covent Garden: Just steps away from the street’s southwestern end, offering access to shops, street performances, and the Royal Opera House.
Property and Real Estate
As of June 2025, residential property prices on and around Great Queen Street remain higher than the London average due to the street’s central location and historical character. A typical two-bedroom flat measures approximately 900 sq ft (84 sq m) and sells for between £1.35 million and £1.8 million, depending on condition and exact location.
Rental rates in the area are similarly elevated. A one-bedroom flat typically commands around £3,200 per month, while larger two-bedroom units can fetch £4,500 to £5,500 per month. Commercial rents, especially for ground-floor retail or restaurant space, are also among the highest in Westminster, reflecting the street's proximity to Covent Garden and theatreland.
Public Transport Connections
London Underground Stations
The nearest London Underground stations to Great Queen Street are:
- Holborn Station – Central and Piccadilly lines (approximately 3 minutes’ walk)
- Covent Garden Station – Piccadilly line (approximately 5 minutes’ walk)
- Temple Station – District and Circle lines (around 10 minutes away)
Bus Stops
There are several nearby bus stops along Kingsway and Drury Lane, served by numerous routes including 1, 59, 68, 91, 168, and 188. These routes offer convenient travel to destinations including Waterloo, Euston, Russell Square, and South Bank.
Fun Fact
Great Queen Street has long had an association with Freemasonry. In fact, the current Freemasons’ Hall is the third to stand on the site. During World War I, the original structure was demolished to make way for a grander memorial to Freemasons who died in the conflict. The new hall, completed in 1933, remains a striking example of interwar architecture in London and is one of the city’s few Art Deco public buildings open for regular tours.
Quick Facts
- Location: City of Westminster, London
- Length and Route: Connects Remnant Street and Kingsway in the northeast to Long Acre and Drury Lane in the southwest
- Pronunciation: /ɡreɪt kwiːn striːt/
- Named After: Likely Queen Henrietta Maria, wife of King Charles I
- Notable Landmark: Freemasons’ Hall (Art Deco, open to public)
- Nearby Sights: Covent Garden, Royal Opera House, Drury Lane Theatre
- Residential Property Prices (2025): £1.35M–£1.8M for two-bedroom flats
- Rental Prices: £3,200–£5,500 per month
- Nearest Underground Stations: Holborn (Central & Piccadilly), Covent Garden (Piccadilly), Temple (District & Circle)
- Bus Routes: Accessible via Kingsway and Drury Lane
- Fun Fact: Home of Freemasons’ Hall, a major Art Deco building and Freemasonry memorial
Map of Great Queen Street, London
Painting of Great Queen Street, London