Old Queen Street, London
Old Queen Street, Westminster: A Historic Passage Near St James’s Park
Old Queen Street is a short yet historically significant street located in the heart of the City of Westminster, London. It connects Dartmouth Street in the west to Storey’s Gate in the east, placing it just a stone’s throw from St James’s Park, Parliament Square, and Westminster Abbey.How Long is Old Queen Street?
Old Queen Street is approximately 180 metres (about 590 feet) in length. Despite its brevity, the street holds a wealth of architectural charm and historical value, acting as a quiet corridor amid some of London’s busiest and most iconic surroundings.A Brief History of the Street
Old Queen Street was laid out in the late 17th century during a period of extensive development in Westminster. The area was shaped by the rise of governmental and aristocratic presence in the district, especially as nearby Whitehall and St James’s Palace became political and royal hubs.Map of Old Queen Street, London
How Did Old Queen Street Get Its Name?
The street was named in honour of Queen Anne, who reigned from 1702 to 1714. Originally known as Queen Street, the "Old" prefix was added later to distinguish it from the more modern Queen Street located elsewhere in London. The renaming helped avoid confusion and preserved the historic identity of the street.Connected Roads
Old Queen Street is flanked by:- Dartmouth Street – to the west, leading towards Queen Anne’s Gate.
- Storey’s Gate – to the east, leading to the edge of Parliament Square and Westminster Abbey.
Buildings, Sights, and Attractions
The street is lined with elegant Georgian and early Victorian townhouses, many of which are now used as government offices, private residences, or institutional headquarters.One notable building is No. 36 Old Queen Street, a grand house with rich architectural detailing, used by various organisations over the years. The street also provides walking access to:
- St James’s Park – London’s oldest Royal Park.
- Westminster Abbey – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Church House – a conference centre and headquarters of the Church of England.
Painting of Old Queen Street, London
Character of the Street
Old Queen Street is predominantly institutional and residential in character. Many buildings house governmental, religious, or charitable organisations, while others are private residences or embassies. The atmosphere is quiet, dignified, and well-kept — a contrast to the busier tourist-heavy streets nearby.Nearest London Underground Stations
The closest Underground stations to Old Queen Street are:- St James’s Park (Circle and District lines) – around 3 minutes' walk.
- Westminster (Jubilee, Circle, and District lines) – around 5 minutes' walk.
Fun Fact
A well-known political rumour suggests that Winston Churchill once considered making his wartime headquarters in one of the Georgian houses along Old Queen Street, although he ultimately used the Cabinet War Rooms nearby. The street’s proximity to power has always made it attractive to political figures and journalists.Quick Facts
- Location: Westminster, Central London
- Connects: Dartmouth Street to Storey’s Gate
- Length: Approx. 180 metres
- Named After: Queen Anne (reigned 1702–1714)
- Character: Residential and institutional
- Nearby Sights: St James’s Park, Westminster Abbey, Church House
- Nearest Stations: St James’s Park (Circle, District); Westminster (Jubilee, Circle, District)
- Fun Fact: Once considered for Churchill’s wartime HQ