Keeley Street, London
Keeley Street is a small yet significant street in the City of Westminster, forming part of the vibrant West End of London. It runs one-way from Kingsway in the east to Wild Street in the west, with Great Queen Street and Kemble Street nearby, framing a neighbourhood known for theatres, academic institutions, and historic character.
Street Layout and Surroundings
Keeley Street is a short, one-way connector, beginning at the broad and busy Kingsway and ending at the quieter Wild Street. Though relatively unassuming in scale, it sits within a web of historically important and culturally rich roads. Great Queen Street lies just to the north, while Kemble Street branches southeast, and Drury Lane runs parallel nearby. The area is mostly urban in form, with low- to mid-rise buildings, some of which date from the early 20th century.
Much of Keeley Street’s frontage is occupied by educational and institutional buildings, such as the City Lit adult education college, making it a hub for lifelong learning. The surrounding blocks also feature offices, hotels, and apartments, blending commercial and residential uses typical of the West End.
Historical Background
Keeley Street is believed to have been laid out in the late 19th or early 20th century during the development of the Holborn area and the expansion of Kingsway, which was constructed around 1905 to improve north-south traffic flow. While the street itself is not as ancient as some in London, it lies in a district shaped by centuries of urban transformation.
The precise origin of the street’s name is uncertain, but it likely honours a notable local figure, possibly connected to land ownership or public service at the time. The name Keeley is commonly pronounced as ‘KEE-lee’ /ˈkiːli/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet. It may derive from the Old English "Ceola" or "Ceoleah," meaning a clearing or a person’s name.
Points of Interest
While Keeley Street itself is modest in length and not heavily trafficked, its surroundings offer a wealth of attractions. A few highlights include:
- City Lit – One of London’s leading adult education providers, offering hundreds of courses each term.
- Conway Hall – Just around the corner on Red Lion Square, it’s known for its ethical societies and cultural events.
- Covent Garden – A short walk away, home to street performers, shopping, and the Royal Opera House.
- West End Theatres – Drury Lane and the surrounding streets feature some of London’s most famous performance venues.
Transport and Accessibility
The area is well served by public transport. The closest London Underground stations are:
- Holborn Station (Central and Piccadilly lines) – 3 minutes’ walk
- Covent Garden Station (Piccadilly line) – 6 minutes’ walk
- Temple Station (District and Circle lines) – about 12 minutes on foot
Numerous bus stops line Kingsway and High Holborn, offering connections across central London. Routes include 1, 59, 68, 91, 168, and 188, providing access to Waterloo, Euston, Tottenham Court Road, and Elephant & Castle.
Real Estate and Property Market
Residential property directly on Keeley Street is limited, as many buildings are occupied by educational or office tenants. However, the nearby flats and apartments command prices reflective of the area’s central location. As of mid-2025:
- One-bedroom flats (approx. 500 sq ft / 46 sq m) sell for £700,000–£850,000.
- Two-bedroom apartments (approx. 850 sq ft / 79 sq m) range from £1.2M to £1.5M.
- Rental rates average £2,600–£3,800 per month for 1–2 bedroom units.
Compared to wider London, these values are on the higher end, especially given the proximity to Covent Garden and legal/academic institutions. Apartments in this part of the West End tend to be in high demand among professionals, visiting academics, and affluent international renters.
Fun Fact
City Lit on Keeley Street has become one of the largest centres for adult learning in Europe. It was originally founded in 1919 and moved to its purpose-built premises here in 2005. Its courses have included everything from ancient languages and jazz improvisation to mindfulness and BSL (British Sign Language).
Quick Facts
- Location: City of Westminster, London
- Connects: Kingsway (west) to Wild Street (east)
- Length: Short, one-way street
- Pronunciation: ‘KEE-lee’ (/ˈkiːli/)
- Nearby streets: Great Queen Street, Kemble Street, Drury Lane
- Nearby sights: City Lit, Covent Garden, West End theatres
- Underground stations: Holborn (Central, Piccadilly), Covent Garden (Piccadilly), Temple (District, Circle)
- Bus stops: Kingsway and High Holborn – multiple routes
- Property prices: Flats from £700,000+ (as of mid-2025)
- Rental prices: £2,600–£3,800/month
- Main use: Educational, mixed-use, institutional
Map of Keeley Street, London
Painting of Keeley Street, London