Morpeth Terrace, London
Morpeth Terrace is a quiet, residential street located in the heart of Westminster, Central London. It stretches southeast from Ashley Place, just outside Westminster Cathedral, and runs to Francis Street, a road that leads toward Victoria Street and the vibrant commercial and transport hub of Victoria.
This road sits within the SW1P postcode area, part of the City of Westminster, and is within walking distance of key London landmarks including Westminster Cathedral, Victoria Station, and St James’s Park.
How Long is the Road?
Morpeth Terrace is relatively short, measuring approximately 165 metres (541 feet) in length. Despite its modest size, it features several significant buildings and offers a distinctive residential character in a central location.
History of Morpeth Terrace
The street was laid out during the late Victorian period as part of the broader development of Westminster that followed the construction of Westminster Cathedral in the 1890s. Much of the area was shaped by speculative builders catering to London's growing middle class in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The street’s proximity to the Cathedral means it has long had ecclesiastical associations. Many of the buildings were erected between the 1890s and the 1910s, with some later infill during the mid-20th century.
Origin and Pronunciation of the Name
Morpeth Terrace is named after the market town of Morpeth in Northumberland. The name may have been chosen either to honour the northern town or to reflect a naming trend of the period that favoured place names from across the UK.
Pronunciation: Morpeth is commonly pronounced as “MOR-peth”, with the stress on the first syllable. In IPA, this is written as /ˈmɔː.pəθ/.
Character of the Road
Morpeth Terrace is an elegant and peaceful street. It has a distinctly residential feel and is characterised by a mix of red-brick mansion blocks, Victorian townhouses, and purpose-built flats.
The street benefits from relative quiet despite its central location, owing to its one-way traffic system and its location behind larger roads like Victoria Street. Trees line the pavements, and the general atmosphere is one of understated affluence and urban calm.
Property and Real Estate
As of May 2025, Morpeth Terrace remains a sought-after address within Westminster. Properties here are priced at a premium compared to London averages.
Examples of typical pricing include:
- A two-bedroom flat in a mansion block: £1.25 million, with an average size of around 950 sq ft (88 sq m)
- A three-bedroom townhouse: £2.6 million, with sizes often around 1,600 sq ft (149 sq m)
These prices are notably higher than the London-wide average, which currently stands at around £530,000 for a flat and £750,000 for a house (as of Q2 2025). Westminster remains one of the most expensive boroughs in the UK.
Nearest Underground Stations
The nearest London Underground station is Victoria Station, about a 6-minute walk away. Victoria is served by the following lines:
- Victoria Line – offering rapid access to Oxford Circus, King’s Cross, and Walthamstow
- District Line – connecting west to Earl’s Court, Fulham, and Richmond
- Circle Line – forming a loop through Central London including South Kensington, Paddington, and Monument
Also nearby is St James’s Park Station, approximately 10 minutes' walk, served by the District and Circle lines.
Nearby Bus Stops
Several bus stops lie within easy reach of Morpeth Terrace, especially along Victoria Street. The nearest stops include:
- Westminster Cathedral (Stop R) – serves routes 11, 24, 148, 211, and C10
- Victoria Station – a major interchange for dozens of routes including night buses
These routes connect the area directly with major London destinations such as Oxford Circus, Liverpool Street, Camden, Kensington, and Waterloo.
Fun Fact
One of the most interesting features of Morpeth Terrace is its view of the magnificent Westminster Cathedral, whose towering campanile (bell tower) rises just a stone’s throw from the top of the road. The Cathedral's presence lends a dramatic and somewhat continental atmosphere to the street, and the daily ringing of the bells provides a unique acoustic character to the area.
Another intriguing detail: the mansion blocks on Morpeth Terrace were some of the first in the area to be fitted with communal heating systems in the 1920s, a rarity at the time and a reflection of the area's early adoption of modern amenities.
Quick Facts
- Location: Westminster, London SW1P
- Length: Approx. 165 metres (541 feet)
- Connects: Ashley Place to Francis Street
- Pronunciation: “MOR-peth” (/ˈmɔː.pəθ/)
- Named after: Morpeth, Northumberland
- Built: Late 19th century (c.1890s–1910s)
- Character: Quiet, residential, elegant
- Property Prices (as of May 2025): From £1.25M for flats; £2.6M for townhouses
- Average Size: 950–1,600 sq ft (88–149 sq m)
- Nearest Tube: Victoria Station (Victoria, District, Circle lines)
- Bus Routes: 11, 24, 148, 211, C10
- Nearby Landmark: Westminster Cathedral
Map of Morpeth Terrace, London
Painting of Morpeth Terrace, London (View image in full size)