Margaret Street, London
Margaret Street is a historic thoroughfare in the City of Westminster, London, linking Marylebone in the west to Fitzrovia in the east. It begins at the eastern end of Cavendish Square and runs eastward until it meets Wells Street. Margaret Street is a quiet, elegant road lined with stately Victorian and Edwardian architecture, interspersed with stylish commercial buildings, residential properties, and a few significant ecclesiastical structures.
Overview of the Street
Margaret Street is notable for its refined atmosphere and architectural coherence. It is largely a mix of commercial and institutional buildings with some residential conversions, particularly in upper-storey flats. The street is relatively quiet compared to the nearby Oxford Street, just one block south. It intersects several smaller streets including Great Portland Street, Riding House Street, and Nassau Street. Many buildings along Margaret Street are listed for their historical and architectural merit.
Neighbouring Streets and Access
To the west, Margaret Street borders Cavendish Square and connects to Harley Street and Regent Street. To the east, it meets Wells Street, with nearby connections to Mortimer Street and Eastcastle Street. Nearby parallel streets include New Cavendish Street to the north and Oxford Street to the south, offering a dense grid of walkable routes in the West End.
Connecting Streets
- Cavendish Square
- Great Portland Street
- Great Titchfield Street
- John Prince's Street
- Regent Street
- Wells Street
History and Origins
Margaret Street dates back to the early 18th century, forming part of the northern expansion of the West End. It was developed as part of the grid layout planned by the Portland Estate, designed to complement the creation of Cavendish Square. The street takes its name from Lady Margaret Cavendish Harley, daughter of Edward Harley, 2nd Earl of Oxford, who played a significant role in developing Marylebone. The pronunciation is the same as the common female name: ‘MARG-rit', phonetically rendered as /ˈmɑːɡrət/.
Architectural Landmarks
One of the most prominent landmarks on Margaret Street is All Saints Church, a Grade I-listed Victorian Gothic building designed by architect William Butterfield and completed in 1859. The church is known for its polychromatic brickwork, richly decorated interiors, and association with the High Anglican movement of the 19th century.
Another significant building is the former headquarters of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) at No. 66, before the organisation moved to Portland Place. Several other buildings along the street display ornate brick and terracotta façades typical of the late Victorian period.
Nearby Attractions
- Cavendish Square – A historic garden square and a peaceful retreat just steps away.
- Oxford Street – One of the most famous shopping streets in the world, located a short walk south.
- Broadcasting House – The headquarters of the BBC, located a few blocks northwest.
- Regent Street – A grand shopping boulevard with elegant architecture, intersecting Margaret Street's western end.
Real Estate on Margaret Street
Margaret Street is primarily occupied by commercial and institutional tenants, but several upper-floor flats and newly redeveloped properties are available for residential use. As of July 2025, residential flats on Margaret Street are typically around 800–1,200 sq ft (approximately 74–111 sq m). Prices for such properties are in the range of £1.2 million to £2.5 million depending on the level of finish and heritage features. Rental rates range from £3,500 to £6,000 per month for similar units1.
Compared to the London average, properties on Margaret Street command a premium due to their prime location in the West End and proximity to Oxford Circus. The area is favoured by professional tenants, design firms, and private healthcare providers, contributing to a steady demand for quality residential and office space.
Transport Links
Margaret Street enjoys excellent access to public transport. The nearest London Underground stations are:
- Oxford Circus Station – A 3-minute walk south, served by the Bakerloo, Central, and Victoria lines.
- Bond Street Station – Around 7 minutes' walk west, with Central and Elizabeth line connections.
- Goodge Street Station – Roughly 10 minutes' walk to the east, served by the Northern line.
There are several bus stops along Oxford Street and Great Portland Street offering routes to key destinations across London, including Victoria, King's Cross, Paddington, and the City.
Fun Fact
All Saints Margaret Street is often considered one of the first truly High Victorian Gothic churches in England and served as a prototype for many later churches in the style. It was praised by architectural historian Nikolaus Pevsner as “one of the ten most important buildings in the country” for its influence on ecclesiastical architecture2.
Quick Facts
- Location: Connects Cavendish Square (Marylebone) to Wells Street (Fitzrovia)
- Borough: City of Westminster
- Nearby stations: Oxford Circus, Bond Street, Goodge Street
- Underground lines: Bakerloo, Central, Victoria, Elizabeth, Northern
- Nearby sights: All Saints Church, Cavendish Square, Oxford Street
- Property prices: £1.2M–£2.5M for 800–1,200 sq ft flats (as of July 2025)
- Rental rates: £3,500–£6,000/month
- Pronunciation: 'MARG-rit' (/ˈmɑːɡrət/)
- Historic significance: Named after Lady Margaret Cavendish Harley
References
Map of Margaret Street, London
Painting of Margaret Street
Painting of Margaret Street
Page Details
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