Greycoat Place, London
The street runs from the junction of Artillery Row, Greencoat Place, and Spencer Place in the west to Great Peter Street and Horseferry Road in the east. It is situated within walking distance of Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, and St James's Park.
How Long is Greycoat Place?
Greycoat Place is a relatively short street, measuring approximately 160 metres (about 525 feet) in length. Though brief in distance, it plays an important connective role between several adjoining streets and offers a mix of historic buildings and modern development.The History of Greycoat Place
Greycoat Place dates back to the late 17th century and forms part of an area historically associated with the development of charitable institutions and schools. The street's proximity to Horseferry Road—once a key Thames crossing point—made it a strategic location in early Westminster planning.The surrounding neighbourhood was gradually developed between the 1600s and 1800s to accommodate various civic, religious, and charitable purposes, including almshouses and schools. Much of its development occurred during the Georgian and Victorian periods, with many of its buildings dating from the 19th century.
How Greycoat Place Got Its Name
The name “Greycoat Place” originates from the Grey Coat Hospital, a charity school founded in 1698. The school was established to provide education to poor children and took its name from the grey uniforms worn by the pupils.Today, the school is known as the Grey Coat Hospital School, a prestigious Church of England secondary school for girls, located just around the corner on St Andrew's Building, still within easy reach of the street that bears its name. The name is a tribute to this historic institution and has been in consistent use since at least the early 18th century.
Connecting Streets
Greycoat Place is closely interlinked with several other streets:- Artillery Row – Connects at the western end, leading northward toward Victoria Street.
- Greencoat Place – A continuation running northwest, named after another local charity school.
- Spencer Place – A short connecting spur off the junction with Artillery Row and Greencoat Place.
- Great Peter Street – Connects at the eastern end, heading eastward toward Marsham Street and Westminster Abbey.
- Horseferry Road – Runs adjacent to the junction with Great Peter Street and leads south toward Lambeth Bridge.
Real Estate and Property Prices
Greycoat Place sits within a desirable part of central Westminster, where property values are typically high. As of April 2025, the average property price on or around Greycoat Place is approximately £1.3 million, though this figure varies widely based on property type.A two-bedroom flat with around 850 sq ft (79 sq metres) of living space may fetch between £1.1 million and £1.4 million, depending on the building and condition. In comparison, the average property price across Greater London is around £720,000, making Greycoat Place significantly above average.
Rental prices are also steep, with two-bedroom properties often commanding monthly rents of between £3,500 and £4,200.
The Character of the Street
Greycoat Place has a distinct residential character, though it is surrounded by a mixture of government offices, schools, small businesses, and civic buildings. Most buildings here are elegant townhouses or converted apartments, with a few modern in-fill developments.Its peaceful atmosphere, attractive architecture, and central location make it popular with professionals, civil servants, and long-term residents who value quiet charm within easy reach of the city's main hubs.
Nearest London Underground Stations
Greycoat Place is well-served by London’s public transport network. The nearest London Underground stations include:- St James's Park (District and Circle Lines) – Approximately a 5-minute walk to the northeast.
- Victoria (Victoria, District, and Circle Lines) – Around a 10-minute walk to the northwest, also offering National Rail services.
- Westminster (Jubilee, District, and Circle Lines) – About 12 minutes on foot to the east.
Fun Fact About Greycoat Place
One fascinating piece of trivia is that Greycoat Place, though a quiet side street today, once had direct connections to horse-drawn transport routes leading from the Thames via Horseferry Road. The road names in the area—including Greencoat and Artillery Row—highlight the area's unique blend of military, educational, and charitable history. Furthermore, Greycoat Place's namesake school—the Grey Coat Hospital School—is one of the oldest surviving state-funded schools in England still operating under its original charitable foundation.Quick Facts
- Location: City of Westminster, London SW1
- Length: Approximately 160 metres (525 feet)
- Named After: Grey Coat Hospital School, founded in 1698
- Character: Primarily residential with some civic buildings
- Connected Streets: Artillery Row, Greencoat Place, Spencer Place, Great Peter Street, Horseferry Road
- Nearest Tube Stations: St James's Park, Victoria, Westminster
- Property Prices (2025): Around £1.3 million on average
- Fun Fact: One of Westminster's streets named after a charity school still in operation today
Map of Greycoat Place, London
Painting of Greycoat Place, London (View image in full size)