Matthew Parker Street, London

---

Between the historic corridors of Westminster Abbey and the political heart of Whitehall lies Matthew Parker Street — a short yet significant road steeped in ecclesiastical and governmental heritage.

Where is Matthew Parker Street?

Matthew Parker Street is located in the City of Westminster, in central London. It runs between Storey’s Gate to the south and Tothill Street to the north, placing it just a short walk from Westminster Abbey and Parliament Square.

This quiet yet centrally placed street is nestled in an area of immense historical and political significance, mere moments from the corridors of power in Whitehall.

Street Length and Layout

Matthew Parker Street is a relatively short road, measuring approximately 150 metres (or about 500 feet) in length. Though modest in size, it connects two important Westminster roads and provides an access route for office buildings and service deliveries in this part of London.

History and Construction

Matthew Parker Street emerged during the 19th century as part of the urban redevelopment of Westminster. This area was historically part of the Westminster Abbey precincts, and much of the surrounding land was once under ecclesiastical control. As the area evolved, roads were restructured and renamed to reflect notable figures in the Church of England and the British state.

Map of Matthew Parker Street, London

How Did It Get Its Name?

The street is named after Matthew Parker (1504–1575), who served as the Archbishop of Canterbury under Queen Elizabeth I. A prominent Protestant reformer, Parker was instrumental in shaping the early Church of England during the Elizabethan era.

It is believed the street was named in his honour in the late 19th or early 20th century, as a tribute to his religious legacy and historical importance to the Anglican Church.

Connecting Roads

Matthew Parker Street directly connects:

• Storey’s Gate – leading toward Westminster Abbey and Victoria Street
• Tothill Street – a main road heading east toward Parliament Street and west toward Victoria

Major Buildings and Attractions

Despite its short length, Matthew Parker Street is home to several significant buildings and is close to key London landmarks:

• Methodist Central Hall Westminster – accessible via Storey’s Gate, this historic venue has hosted major political and religious events.
• One Matthew Parker Street – a modern commercial office development located mid-street.
• Church House Conference Centre – located just around the corner, closely associated with the Church of England’s administrative offices.

The proximity to Westminster Abbey, St James’s Park, and the Houses of Parliament adds to the street’s prestige and importance.

Character of the Street

Matthew Parker Street is primarily a commercial street, with modern office buildings, service entrances, and institutional buildings making up most of the frontage. Its quiet and well-kept character provides a contrast to the busier surrounding thoroughfares.

Painting of Matthew Parker Street, London

Nearest Underground Stations

The closest London Underground stations are:

• St. James’s Park (District & Circle lines) – approximately 3 minutes’ walk
• Westminster (Jubilee, District & Circle lines) – about 6 minutes’ walk

These stations provide easy access to other parts of London and make Matthew Parker Street easily reachable for visitors.

Fun Fact

Though often overlooked, Matthew Parker Street sits almost directly behind the famous location of the first United Nations General Assembly in 1946, held at Methodist Central Hall. This gives the street a subtle but meaningful link to international history.

Page Details

This page was created/modified on 29 April 2025.

More streets in London

To explore more streets across the capital, visit our Streets in London page, where you'll find an interactive map and a growing list of all the streets we've documented so far.

Map of Streets in London

View all the streets that I have documented on Google Maps in this Map of Streets in London.