Marsham Street, London
Marsham Street, Westminster: Government Buildings, Quiet Residences, and Historic Footing
Marsham Street is located in the heart of the City of Westminster, within Central London. It runs south from Great College Street, near the Palace of Westminster, and continues down to meet John Islip Street, just a short walk from the River Thames.Positioned between the political core of Whitehall and the riverside district of Millbank, Marsham Street is surrounded by significant institutions and residences, making it a strategically important and historically rich road.
Length and Physical Layout
Marsham Street is approximately 0.5 miles (around 800 metres) in length. It runs roughly north to south and is a two-way street for its entire course, with broad pavements, controlled crossings, and several pedestrian side streets and alleyways branching off it.The History of Marsham Street
Marsham Street dates back to the early 18th century, and by the 1720s it had been laid out as part of the urban expansion of Westminster. It formed part of the development of the Millbank area, which was once marshland but became attractive to developers following the draining of the land and increased residential demand near Parliament.During the 19th and early 20th centuries, the area was known for warehouses, police facilities, and lodging houses, but has gradually become more governmental and residential in character since the mid-20th century.
Origin of the Name “Marsham Street”
Marsham Street takes its name from the Marsham family, who were prominent landowners in the 17th and 18th centuries. The family included nobility such as Charles Marsham, 1st Earl of Romney. The street was named in their honour as they held estates in Kent and interests in London developments. The name appears officially in records by the mid-18th century.Connecting Roads and Nearby Streets
Marsham Street connects with several other streets along its length. Major connecting or nearby streets include:- Dean Bradley Street
- Erasmus Street
- Great Peter Street
- Great Smith Street (north)
- Herrick Street
- Horseferry Road (crosses Marsham Street)
- John Islip Street (south)
- Page Street
- Romney Street
- Tufton Street
- Vincent Street
Real Estate and Property Prices (as of April 2025)
Properties on Marsham Street are largely modern residential flats or converted period buildings, many of which are part of secure developments. A typical two-bedroom flat on Marsham Street is around 900 sq ft (83 sq metres), while larger penthouse apartments can reach 1,300–1,600 sq ft (120–150 sq metres).As of April 2025:
- Average price for a 2-bedroom flat: £1.3–£1.6 million
- Average price per square foot: £1,500–£1,750
Character and Use of Marsham Street
Marsham Street has a mixed-use character. The northern end is heavily institutional, home to major government departments, while the southern stretch becomes more residential, featuring mid- to high-end apartment blocks.Key characteristics:
- Governmental: Home Office headquarters is based here.
- Residential: Modern developments like Great Minster House and 9 Marsham Street.
- Quiet commercial presence: Cafés and private consultancy offices.
Nearest Tube Stations and Transport Links
Marsham Street is within easy walking distance of several London Underground stations:- St James’s Park (Circle and District Lines) – around 6 minutes' walk
- Westminster (Jubilee, District, and Circle Lines) – around 10 minutes' walk
- Victoria (Victoria, District, and Circle Lines, plus National Rail) – around 15 minutes' walk
A Fun Fact About Marsham Street
One of the most notable buildings on Marsham Street is the Home Office headquarters, a vast modern structure designed by architect Sir Terry Farrell and opened in 2005. The building was constructed on the site of three 20th-century government office blocks once humorously known as the “three ugly sisters,” which were demolished in the early 2000s.This regeneration brought a modern aesthetic to Marsham Street, balancing the area’s historic tone with cutting-edge architecture and environmental features like green walls and natural ventilation systems.
Quick Facts About Marsham Street
- Location: City of Westminster, Central London
- Length: Approximately 0.5 miles (800 metres)
- Named after: The Marsham family (18th century)
- Main connecting roads: Great College Street, Horseferry Road, John Islip Street
- Character: Governmental and residential
- Nearby stations: St James’s Park, Westminster, Victoria
- Average property price (2025): £1.5 million for a 2-bedroom flat
- Fun fact: Former site of the "three ugly sisters" government blocks
Map of Marsham Street, London
Painting of Marsham Street, London (View image in full size)