Millbank, London
Millbank is a prominent street in the City of Westminster, stretching approximately 1.1 kilometres (0.7 miles) along the north bank of the River Thames. Running in a gentle arc between Abingdon Street (just south of Parliament Square) and Grosvenor Road near Vauxhall Bridge, Millbank forms part of the inner London ring road and serves as a boundary between the more central parts of Westminster and the Pimlico area.
Origins of the Name
The name Millbank is thought to derive from a mill once located on the marshy riverbank here in the medieval period. Until the 19th century, this area was known for its low-lying, flood-prone land-hence the "bank" in the name likely referring to the raised embankment that protected the area from the Thames.
Historical Background
In the 19th century, the street became known for Millbank Prison, a sprawling penitentiary opened in 1816 as Britain's first national prison. Though once regarded as a symbol of penal reform, Millbank Prison developed a grim reputation and was demolished in the 1890s. Today, the Tate Britain art gallery occupies part of the former prison site, and a few remnants of the original structure remain visible in the area.
About Millbank Prison
One of the most significant institutions ever to stand on Millbank was Millbank Prison, Britain's first national penitentiary. Opened in 1816, this massive facility once dominated the area and later became the point from which countless convicts were transported by ship down the Thames to begin exile in Australia. Though demolished in the 1890s, its legacy remains visible in the street layout, remnants like the perimeter ditch, and even in bricks reused in nearby housing estates.
Connecting Streets and Intersections
Millbank connects with several streets and roads, including:
- Abingdon Street (north end)
- Atterbury Street
- Dean Stanley Street
- Great College Street
- Grosvenor Road (south end)
- Horseferry Road
- John Islip Street
- Lambeth Bridge
- Thorney Street
Character and use of the Street
The character of Millbank is quite unique-it combines government, cultural, and residential elements in one corridor. On one side, it offers long, open riverside views across to Lambeth, while on the other side, it is lined with substantial government buildings, apartment blocks, and art institutions.
Landmarks and notable buildings
Key buildings and landmarks include:
- Tate Britain, one of the country's leading art galleries, housing British art from 1500 to the present.
- The Millbank Tower, a 119-metre skyscraper formerly home to political party headquarters and media companies.
- The Chelsea College of Arts, housed in the historic Royal Army Medical College buildings.
- The MI5 Building (Thames House), just over the river at Lambeth Bridge-visible from Millbank's riverside path.
Nearest Underground Stations
For those arriving by public transport, the nearest London Underground stations are:
- Pimlico (Victoria line) - a short walk southeast.
- Westminster (Jubilee, Circle, and District lines) - to the northeast via Abingdon Street and Parliament Square.
- St James's Park (Circle and District lines) - a 10-minute walk north through Dean Bradley Street or Great College Street.
Fun Fact for Visitors
Fun fact: The Millbank Millennium Pier, located near Tate Britain, is a stop on the Thames Clippers river bus service. In fact, a regular riverboat service connects the Tate Britain at Millbank with Tate Modern further east, known as the Tate to Tate boat-a scenic and cultural voyage across the capital.
Map of Millbank, London
Sights on the map of Millbank, London
- Millbank Millennium Pier (GPS: 51.4918, -0.1248) - modern river pier
- Millbank Pier (GPS: 51.49144, -0.12539) - the now demolished pier from where prisoners boarded the ships en route to Australia
- Millbank Prison (GPS: 51.48948, -0.1274) - site of the now demolished prison which sent prisoners to Australia
- Millbank Tower (GPS: 51.49232, -0.12579) - modernist landmark on the Thames
- Tate Britain (GPS: 51.49106, -0.12778) - national collection of British art
Painting of Millbank, London