Greencoat Place, London
It lies just to the south of Victoria Street and runs broadly from Artillery Row in the north to Willow Place in the south, although not as a single continuous road.
Instead, Greencoat Place exists as three disconnected segments, linked by surrounding streets but physically divided. It is situated within walking distance of major landmarks such as Westminster Cathedral and St James’s Park, placing it in one of London’s most historic and prestigious neighbourhoods.
Length and Structure of the Street
While Greencoat Place appears modest in length, its structure is unusual.It is fragmented into three primary segments:
- The northern segment stretches from Artillery Row to Greencoat Row.
- The middle segment connects Greencoat Row to Stillington Street.
- The southernmost segment runs from Stillington Street down to Willow Place.
History of Greencoat Place
Greencoat Place dates back to the mid-19th century, at a time when much of this part of Westminster was undergoing transformation from semi-rural estates to structured urban blocks.It was laid out as part of a redevelopment of the former Grey Coat Hospital lands and the nearby Eccleston estate.
The area was known for its connection to charitable institutions and schools, many of which had religious affiliations. Development in the area increased after the arrival of Victoria Station in the 1860s, boosting residential and commercial needs.
The Origin of the Name
Greencoat Place takes its name from the Greencoat School, a charity school established for the education of poor children.The term “Greencoat” refers to the distinctive green uniform coats worn by the school’s pupils, a tradition among charity institutions at the time (similar to the better-known Bluecoat and Greycoat schools).
Although the Greencoat School no longer exists, its memory lives on in this and adjacent street names like Greencoat Row.
The name was in common use by the late 19th century, likely formalised during the urban development of that period.
Connecting Roads
Despite being segmented, Greencoat Place is interwoven with several other streets in Westminster, making it part of a tight urban grid.Key connecting or adjacent roads include:
- Artillery Row (north)
- Emery Hill Street
- Francis Street
- Greencoat Row
- Howick Place
- Stillington Street
- Willow Place (south)
Property Prices and Sizes
As of early 2025, property prices on Greencoat Place are well above the London average.Typical real estate on or near the street includes a mix of converted flats, purpose-built apartments, and occasional office spaces.
- A 2-bedroom flat on Greencoat Place (approx. 850 sq ft / 79 sq m) is priced around £1.25 million.
- Smaller 1-bedroom units (approx. 550 sq ft / 51 sq m) have sold for £775,000 to £850,000.
Street Character and Land Use
Greencoat Place is a street of mixed character.- The northern and central segments are largely residential, featuring elegant red-brick Victorian buildings, some now converted into flats.
- Parts of the street contain offices and boutique workspaces, reflecting the ongoing gentrification of the area.
- It is also home to St Andrew’s Youth Club, the oldest youth club in the world, providing a long-standing social function.
Nearest Tube Stations
Greencoat Place is well served by public transport. The nearest London Underground stations are:- St James’s Park Station – served by the District and Circle lines (approx. 5 minutes’ walk)
- Victoria Station – served by the Victoria, District, and Circle lines, and National Rail services (approx. 8 minutes’ walk)
Fun Fact
Greencoat Place is home to the headquarters of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), located in a stately building at the corner of the southern segment.Another curiosity is that despite its quiet nature today, the area once bordered slums in the 19th century, making its evolution into a high-value residential zone all the more striking.
Quick Facts
- Location: Westminster, City of Westminster, Central London
- Length: Approx. 350 metres total, in 3 segments
- Connected Streets: Artillery Row, Greencoat Row, Stillington Street, Willow Place
- Historic Origin: Mid-19th century
- Name Origin: From the Greencoat School and its uniformed pupils
- Property Prices (2025): £775,000–£1.25 million
- Nearest Tube Stations: St James’s Park (District, Circle), Victoria (Victoria, District, Circle)
- Street Character: Mixed residential and office use
- Fun Fact: Home of St Andrew’s Youth Club and RCVS
Map of Greencoat Place, London
Painting of Greencoat Place, London (View image in full size)