Medway Street, London
Medway Street, Westminster: A Quiet Link in Central London
Medway Street is located in the heart of Westminster, within the City of Westminster in central London.It runs roughly east–west, starting at Horseferry Road to the west and meeting Monck Street to the east. From Monck Street, a pedestrianised extension continues to Marsham Street. It is situated just a few minutes’ walk from iconic institutions such as the Houses of Parliament and the River Thames, making it an unassuming yet central location.
How Long Is Medway Street?
Medway Street is a relatively short street, measuring approximately 230 metres (about 755 feet) in total length, including the pedestrianised section east of Monck Street.It typically takes only a few minutes to walk its full length.
History of Medway Street
The area surrounding Medway Street began to develop significantly during the late 19th century, as the government expanded the administrative infrastructure of Westminster. Much of the current layout, including Medway Street, was formed during urban improvements in the late Victorian and Edwardian eras.Before its development, the area was part of the marshy expanse south of Westminster Abbey that had gradually been drained and urbanised from the 17th century onward.
Origin of the Name “Medway Street”
Medway Street is named after the River Medway, which flows through Kent and joins the Thames estuary near Sheerness.Many streets in this part of Westminster take names from rivers and counties in southern England, reflecting a naming pattern common in the late 19th century as the district was formally laid out.
Although the exact date of naming is not definitively documented, it is believed to have been christened as such around the 1890s, in line with the development of nearby government offices and housing blocks.
Roads Connected to Medway Street
Medway Street connects with several other streets, either directly or via short walking passages:- Horseferry Road – at the western end, a major thoroughfare leading to Lambeth Bridge
- Monck Street – at the eastern end, where the vehicular part of Medway Street terminates
- Marsham Street – accessible via a pedestrian walkway east of Monck Street
- Arneway Street – intersects with Medway Street near its midpoint
Real Estate and Property Prices
Medway Street is primarily composed of mid-rise blocks of flats and office buildings, many of which date from the mid-20th century or have been refurbished in recent years.As of April 2025, property prices on and around Medway Street reflect Westminster’s premium location:
- A one-bedroom flat (c. 550 sq ft / 51 sq m) sells for around £750,000–£850,000
- Two-bedroom apartments (750–950 sq ft / 70–88 sq m) often fetch between £1.1–£1.4 million
- Rental prices start at approximately £2,500 per month for smaller flats
The Character of Medway Street
Medway Street has a quiet, almost tucked-away character despite its central location.It is predominantly mixed-use, combining:
- Residential flats, especially in post-war council blocks and newer private developments
- Office buildings, many used by NGOs, policy think tanks, and small administrative units
- Some small retail or service units on corners or adjoining streets
Nearest London Underground Stations
Medway Street is well-served by several Underground stations within easy walking distance:- St James’s Park (Circle and District lines) – approx. 5-minute walk
- Westminster (Jubilee, Circle, and District lines) – approx. 10-minute walk
- Victoria (Victoria, Circle, and District lines, plus National Rail) – about 12 minutes on foot
Fun Fact About Medway Street
One intriguing aspect of Medway Street is that it was part of the planned zone for post-war redevelopment after heavy bombing in the Blitz.The area surrounding it, including Marsham Street, was once home to the notorious “three ugly sisters” — massive government office blocks that were heavily criticised for their architecture.
Today, most of those buildings have been replaced by modern apartment blocks and government buildings, giving Medway Street a new lease on life as a quieter residential and administrative street with improved streetscape.
Quick Facts About Medway Street
- Location: City of Westminster, central London
- Length: Approx. 230 metres (755 feet)
- Connects: Horseferry Road (west) to Monck Street (east), then pedestrianised to Marsham Street
- Nearby Streets: Arneway Street, Marsham Street
- Street Type: Mixed-use (residential, office)
- Underground Stations: St James’s Park, Westminster, Victoria
- Name Origin: Named after the River Medway, likely in the late 19th century
- Real Estate (2025): 1-bed flats from £750k, 2-bed flats up to £1.4m
- Fun Fact: Located near the site of the infamous “three ugly sisters” office blocks
Map of Medway Street, London
Painting of Medway Street, London (View image in full size)