John Prince's Street, London
John Prince's Street is a short but significant street located in the City of Westminster, right in the heart of London. It runs from Margaret Street in the north to Oxford Street in the south, providing a connection between two of London's busiest thoroughfares. About halfway down its east side, it branches off into Great Castle Street, making it an important route for both pedestrians and vehicles navigating the West End.
Location and Layout
John Prince's Street is located in the western section of central London, within the district of Marylebone. The street is one-way southbound from Margaret Street to Oxford Street, easing traffic flow towards the city's prime shopping zone. The junction with Great Castle Street is located about midway along the street, serving as a convenient link to the eastbound and westbound traffic systems of the area.
John Prince's Street primarily consists of commercial and retail buildings. The western side is occupied by shops, office spaces, and the back entrances of businesses facing Regent Street. The eastern side is adjacent to Great Castle Street and some pedestrian accessways connecting to smaller lanes in the area.
Historical Background
John Prince's Street was laid out during the major development projects of the early 18th century when the West End was being transformed from open fields into the fashionable districts we see today. It is believed to have been established around the same time as nearby Margaret Street and Cavendish Square. The street played a role in linking various parts of the growing Marylebone estate to the retail hub of Oxford Street.
The street is named after John Prince, who was a key surveyor and builder involved in the 18th-century development of the area. He was employed by the Cavendish Estate to oversee much of the construction in the vicinity, including new streets and residential squares. His surname "Prince" was given to this particular street in recognition of his work. The name is pronounced John PRINCE's Street, /ˈdʒɒn ˈprɪnsɪz striːt/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA).
Attractions and Nearby Landmarks
John Prince's Street itself is largely commercial, but its proximity to major attractions makes it a useful route for visitors. Within a short walk, you'll find:
- Oxford Street, one of London's premier shopping destinations
- Cavendish Square, a historic Georgian garden square just northwest of the street
- The London College of Fashion, located nearby on John Prince's Street, attracting students and visitors interested in design and retail
- Great Castle Street, offering additional shopping and dining options
Property and Real Estate
Most properties on John Prince's Street are commercial, though a few mixed-use developments exist in the nearby area. Retail spaces in this prime location command premium prices. As of July 2025, commercial rents on John Prince's Street can range from £130 to £180 per square foot annually, depending on the size and frontage1.
Residential property in the vicinity, particularly in nearby Fitzrovia and Marylebone, typically sells for around £1,800 to £2,200 per square foot (approximately £19,375 to £23,680 per square metre). A two-bedroom flat of about 850 sq ft (79 sq m) could fetch between £1.5 million to £1.8 million, while rental rates for a similar property would be in the range of £5,500 to £7,000 per month1.
Transport Connections
London Underground
John Prince's Street is exceptionally well-connected to the London Underground. The nearest station is Oxford Circus Station, located just a few minutes' walk away. Oxford Circus is served by the Bakerloo, Central, and Victoria lines, making it easy to travel across the city.
Other nearby stations include:
- Bond Street Station, served by the Central, Jubilee, and Elizabeth lines
- Goodge Street Station, served by the Northern line
Bus Services
Several bus routes operate along Oxford Street and Regent Street, offering convenient access to John Prince's Street. Bus stops are located just a short walk from both ends of the street, with services connecting to major London destinations such as Marble Arch, Tottenham Court Road, and Piccadilly Circus.
Fun Facts
One interesting fact about John Prince's Street is that it hosts the London College of Fashion's main campus, bringing a creative flair to the area. Students often use the street as their daily route between classes, cafes, and nearby shops, contributing to the street's lively atmosphere despite its small size.
Additionally, John Prince's Street forms part of the historic grid system developed during the Georgian expansion of London, yet remains lesser-known compared to parallel streets like Regent Street and Great Castle Street.
Quick Facts
- Location: City of Westminster, London
- Connects: Margaret Street (north) to Oxford Street (south)
- Branches: To Great Castle Street midway on the east side
- Named after: John Prince, 18th-century surveyor
- Pronunciation: John PRINCE's Street (/ˈdʒɒn ˈprɪnsɪz striːt/)
- Main Use: Commercial and retail properties
- Nearby Stations: Oxford Circus, Bond Street, Goodge Street
- Bus Stops: Located along Oxford Street and Regent Street
- Real Estate: Commercial rents £130–£180 per sq ft; nearby residential £1,800–£2,200 per sq ft (as of July 2025)
- Nearby Landmarks: Oxford Street, Cavendish Square, London College of Fashion
References
Map of John Prince's Street, London
Painting of John Prince's Street
Painting of John Prince's Street
Page Details
This page was created on 18 July 2025. Hi, my name is Timothy and created it from my research, for my own entertainment, knowledge and to satisfy my curiosity. I am providing the information to you in good faith and hope it is useful. I try to get the details as accurate as possible. I also try to update the page whenever I stumble on new details. So this and all my other pages are perpetual work in progress. If you discover any error, please politely inform me, pointing out where the error lies, and I will correct it as soon as possible. Your helpfulness will keep this page accurate, relevant and helpful to those who need the information.Moving to London?
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