Lord North Street, London
How Long is Lord North Street?
Lord North Street is approximately 300 feet (about 91 metres) in length.Although short, it is significant in terms of heritage and architecture, and offers a rare example of a largely unaltered early Georgian residential street in central London.
The History of Lord North Street
Lord North Street was laid out in the early 1720s as part of the wider development of the Smith Square area during the Georgian period.It is one of several streets created during the expansion of Westminster following the construction of St John’s Smith Square church (completed in 1728). The houses on the street date primarily from the 1720s and have remained remarkably consistent in appearance over the centuries.
How Did Lord North Street Get Its Name?
Lord North Street is named after Frederick North, 2nd Earl of Guilford, commonly known as Lord North.He was British Prime Minister from 1770 to 1782, and is most famously associated with Britain’s involvement in the American War of Independence.
The street was renamed in his honour in the early 19th century, though the exact year remains unclear. The naming reflects the political character of the surrounding area and its proximity to Parliament.
Connecting Roads and Surrounding Streets
Lord North Street runs directly between:- Great Peter Street to the north
- Smith Square to the south
- Gayfere Street (parallel to the west)
- Dean Stanley Street (to the east)
- Tufton Street (a block west)
Property Prices and Sizes on Lord North Street
Lord North Street is one of the most desirable residential addresses in central London. As of April 2025, property prices on the street range from £4 million to £7 million for freehold Georgian townhouses.Typical properties here are around 2,000 to 3,500 square feet (185 to 325 square metres). Many have been sensitively modernised while preserving original features.
In comparison to the London average—where the mean property price hovers around £500,000—homes on Lord North Street are in the top 1% of London’s residential property market.
Character and Use of the Street
Lord North Street is a residential street with a formal and stately character.Unlike many nearby streets that have been overtaken by government buildings and offices, Lord North Street has retained its original residential use, contributing to its rare charm and quiet atmosphere.
The architecture here is consistent: three-storey Georgian brick terraces with white sash windows, wrought iron railings, and arched doorways.
The street is occasionally used by politicians or dignitaries seeking private residences close to Parliament.
Nearest Underground Stations
The closest London Underground stations to Lord North Street are:- St James’s Park Station – served by the District and Circle lines, about a 6-minute walk.
- Westminster Station – served by the Jubilee, District, and Circle lines, approximately a 10-minute walk.
- Victoria Station – served by the Victoria, District, and Circle lines, about a 12-minute walk.
Fun Fact About Lord North Street
A quirky and lesser-known fact about Lord North Street is that No. 6 Lord North Street was used as the filming location for the residence of Sir Humphrey Appleby in the acclaimed British political satire Yes Minister.This adds a light-hearted connection to the street’s more serious political surroundings and appeals to fans of classic British television.
Quick Facts
- Location: Westminster, City of Westminster, London
- Connects: Great Peter Street (north) to Smith Square (south)
- Length: Approx. 300 feet (91 metres)
- Named After: Lord North, British Prime Minister (1770–1782)
- Date Built: Circa 1720s
- Character: Primarily residential, historic Georgian houses
- Property Prices (2025): £4M–£7M for ~2,000–3,500 sq ft (185–325 sq m)
- Nearest Stations: St James’s Park (District, Circle), Westminster (Jubilee, District, Circle)
- TV Connection: Filming location for Yes Minister
Map of Lord North Street, London
Painting of Lord North Street, London (View image in full size)