Perkin's Rents, London
Perkin's Rents, Westminster: A Hidden Passage with a Rich History
Perkin's Rents is a small but historically significant street situated in the heart of Westminster, in the City of Westminster, central London.It runs between Old Pye Street to the north and Great Peter Street to the south, nestled in a quiet section of the Westminster village-like backstreets.
Its central location places it just a short walk from major London landmarks such as Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, and St James’s Park.
How Long Is Perkin’s Rents?
Perkin’s Rents is quite short, measuring only about 230 feet (70 metres) in length.It functions primarily as a pedestrian route and is more of a narrow passageway than a road in the traditional sense. Despite its small size, it connects key local streets and offers a quiet cut-through in a busy part of the city.
History of Perkin’s Rents
Perkin’s Rents dates back to at least the 17th century, appearing on historic maps of Westminster. It was part of an area once notorious for its slums and rookeries—densely packed housing associated with poverty and crime during the Georgian and Victorian eras.This part of Westminster underwent substantial redevelopment in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with efforts to clear the slums and rebuild housing for working-class Londoners. Though much of its original housing stock was demolished, Perkin’s Rents has retained its narrow footprint and alley-like character.
How Did Perkin’s Rents Get Its Name?
The name “Perkin’s Rents” likely originates from a local property owner or landlord named Perkin who rented out small dwellings or tenements in the area.The word “Rents” was commonly used in London street names to describe areas where rental properties—often of low cost—were clustered together. Such names were typically assigned in the 17th or 18th centuries, though the exact identity of “Perkin” remains uncertain. It may refer to a minor landowner, builder, or developer who contributed to the area’s urban growth during this time.
Roads Connected to Perkin’s Rents
Perkin’s Rents links two important roads in Westminster:- Old Pye Street – historically known as part of the Petty France district and once associated with the area's notorious slum housing.
- Great Peter Street – a broader road running through the heart of Westminster, offering access to Victoria Street and Horseferry Road.
Real Estate on Perkin’s Rents
As of April 2025, real estate in the area surrounding Perkin’s Rents is highly valuable due to its central location and proximity to government offices and historic landmarks. While Perkin’s Rents itself has little frontage for sale, nearby flats and converted buildings offer:- 1-bedroom flats (approx. 500 sq ft / 46 sq m) – typically priced around £625,000
- 2-bedroom apartments (approx. 850 sq ft / 79 sq m) – averaging £950,000–£1.2 million
Character of the Street
Perkin’s Rents today is primarily residential, though its short length and narrow width mean that it contains few properties in its own right.The street feels almost like a historic alley, with high walls on either side and the occasional doorway tucked into the side of a building. It is often used as a shortcut by pedestrians and has the atmosphere of a tucked-away corner of old London.
Nearest London Underground Stations
Perkin’s Rents is conveniently located near several Underground stations:- St James’s Park Station – served by the District and Circle lines (about 6 minutes' walk)
- Westminster Station – served by the Jubilee, District, and Circle lines (around 10 minutes' walk)
- Victoria Station – served by the Victoria, District, and Circle lines (about 12 minutes' walk)
Fun Fact About Perkin’s Rents
One of the most fascinating things about Perkin’s Rents is that it lies on the edge of what was once known as the “Devil’s Acre,” a notorious slum area that Charles Dickens described in his writings.The name “Devil’s Acre” was popularised in the mid-19th century and referred to the squalid and dangerous conditions that once prevailed here. Walking through Perkin’s Rents today offers a rare glimpse into the narrow alleys that defined this turbulent past—though the street now feels peaceful and is well maintained.
Quick Facts About Perkin’s Rents
- Location: Westminster, London SW1
- Length: Approx. 230 feet (70 metres)
- Connects: Old Pye Street and Great Peter Street
- Character: Predominantly residential, pedestrian access
- History: Dates to at least the 17th century
- Name origin: Likely named after a landlord named Perkin
- Nearby streets: Abbey Orchard Street, St Ann’s Street
- Real estate (Apr 2025): 1-bed flats from £625k; 2-bed from £950k
- Nearest Tube stations: St James’s Park, Westminster, Victoria
- Fun fact: Adjacent to Dickens’s “Devil’s Acre”
Map of Perkin's Rents, London
Painting of Perkin's Rents, London (View image in full size)
