Monck Street, London
Monck Street, Westminster: A Quiet Link Between History and Power
Monck Street is located in the heart of Westminster, within the City of Westminster, central London. It runs in a north-south direction, connecting Great Peter Street at the northern end with Horseferry Road at the southern end.Nestled within a historic and governmental part of London, Monck Street is only a short walk away from key national landmarks including the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and the River Thames.
How Long is Monck Street?
Monck Street is a short street by London standards, measuring approximately 220 metres (about 722 feet) in length.Despite its modest size, it plays a valuable role as a connecting route in Westminster’s street network, linking several important roads and government buildings.
The History of Monck Street
Monck Street was laid out in the 19th century as part of a wider development scheme in the Westminster area. Much of this neighbourhood, especially between Horseferry Road and Victoria Street, saw structured development in the mid to late 1800s, reflecting the expanding need for both government offices and housing for civil servants.Prior to that, the area consisted of older lanes and courts that were either redeveloped or cleared during Victorian-era urban planning. Monck Street emerged from this transformation as a formally laid-out street within the administrative heart of London.
How Monck Street Got Its Name
Monck Street is named after George Monck, 1st Duke of Albemarle (1608–1670), a prominent general and statesman who played a crucial role in the restoration of the British monarchy in 1660. Monck was instrumental in bringing Charles II back to power after the Commonwealth period under Oliver Cromwell.His loyalty and military skill earned him high regard, and several streets and places in England bear his name in commemoration. The naming likely occurred in the mid-19th century when the street was laid out, following a trend of naming new Westminster streets after historical military and political figures.
Roads Connecting to Monck Street
Monck Street connects two important Westminster roads:- Great Peter Street to the north
- Horseferry Road to the south
Property Prices and Real Estate
Monck Street is home to several modern apartment blocks, including the Romney House development, which was converted from a government building in the early 2000s. Property prices here tend to reflect the prime central London location while being slightly more affordable than ultra-premium areas like Mayfair or Knightsbridge.As of May 2025:
- 1-bedroom flats (~550 sq ft / 51 sq m): £700,000 to £850,000
- 2-bedroom flats (~900 sq ft / 84 sq m): £1.1 million to £1.5 million
- 3-bedroom flats (~1,200 sq ft / 111 sq m): £1.8 million and upwards
What is the Character of the Street?
Monck Street is predominantly residential in character, with a few office buildings scattered along its length. While it lies in the middle of a bustling district, the street itself is calm and quiet, benefitting from light traffic and a pedestrian-friendly layout.Modern developments have maintained a subdued architectural style in keeping with the governmental setting. Residents typically include civil servants, professionals, and some Members of Parliament, given the location’s closeness to Whitehall and Westminster.
Nearest London Underground Stations
Monck Street is well served by several nearby London Underground stations:- St James’s Park Station (District and Circle lines) – approximately 6 minutes’ walk
- Westminster Station (Jubilee, District, and Circle lines) – approximately 10 minutes’ walk
- Victoria Station (Victoria, District, and Circle lines) – approximately 15 minutes’ walk
Fun Fact: From Bureaucracy to Boutique Living
A curious fun fact about Monck Street is its transformation from bureaucracy to boutique living. The imposing building at Romney House (which, to be exact, is at Marsham Street) was once used as government office space, specifically housing sections of the Home Office.Following redevelopment in the early 2000s, the structure was converted into a luxurious residential complex with a 24-hour concierge, gym, and secure underground parking, turning former government floors into private flats—an ironic twist for a building once full of civil servants.
Quick Facts about Monck Street
Quick Facts:
- Location: Westminster, City of Westminster, London
- Length: Approximately 220 metres (722 feet)
- Connects: Great Peter Street to Horseferry Road
- Named After: George Monck, 1st Duke of Albemarle
- Character: Primarily residential with some office use
- Property Prices (May 2025): £700,000–£1.8 million+
- Nearby Stations: St James’s Park, Westminster, Victoria
- Fun Fact: Romney House was once a Home Office building
Map of Monck Street, London
Painting of Monck Street, London (View image in full size)