Portugal Street, London
Portugal Street is a small yet historically significant street in the City of Westminster, part of central London. This one-way street runs from Kingsway in the west to Serle Street in the east, forming part of a well-connected area just north of the West End. Though modest in length, Portugal Street lies within an area steeped in legal history and urban transformation, and is closely associated with the world-renowned London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).
Overview and Surroundings
Portugal Street serves as a connector between two busy zones—Kingsway, a major arterial road, and Serle Street, which leads directly into Lincoln’s Inn Fields, the largest public square in London. This corridor is entirely one-way, flowing eastwards, and lined with a mix of academic buildings, law chambers, and civic architecture.
To its immediate north is Sardinia Street, while to the south are Clement’s Inn and the main buildings of the LSE campus. The vicinity includes several other notable streets, including Drury Lane, Long Acre, and High Holborn, forming a rich urban tapestry of historical and institutional landmarks.
Name Origin and Pronunciation
The name “Portugal Street” is believed to commemorate the 1662 marriage of King Charles II to Catherine of Braganza, a Portuguese princess. Streets named during this period often honoured political alliances and royal unions. “Portugal” is pronounced as PAWR-chuh-guhl in common English spelling and /ˈpɔː.tʃə.ɡəl/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA).
Historical Background
Portugal Street dates back to at least the 17th century, evolving over time alongside the adjacent Lincoln’s Inn and the development of Holborn. The area was once known for its tenements and crowded conditions, but like much of Westminster, it saw waves of urban regeneration, especially following the construction of Kingsway in the early 20th century. Kingsway itself was part of a massive redevelopment plan under the London County Council, and Portugal Street became more formally defined and better integrated into the surrounding street grid during this time.
Points of Interest
- LSE (London School of Economics and Political Science) — With major facilities along Portugal Street, including academic buildings and lecture theatres, LSE plays a central role in the street’s daily rhythm.
- Royal Courts of Justice — A short walk southeast, this iconic neo-Gothic courthouse is a major destination for legal professionals and tourists alike.
- Lincoln’s Inn Fields — Just to the east, this elegant green square offers a peaceful contrast to the surrounding cityscape.
Transport Links
The street enjoys excellent access to public transport. The nearest London Underground stations are:
- Holborn Station (Central and Piccadilly lines) — about 5 minutes' walk north.
- Chancery Lane Station (Central line) — roughly 10 minutes to the northeast.
- Temple Station (District and Circle lines) — around 12 minutes' walk to the south.
Bus stops are available on Kingsway, with frequent routes connecting to other parts of London, including the West End, Waterloo, and Euston.
Real Estate and Property Insights (as of June 2025)
Portugal Street lies in a highly desirable zone of Westminster, close to both academia and legal institutions. Residential property is limited and mostly consists of converted flats within heritage or mixed-use buildings.
One-bedroom flats typically range from 500 to 700 sq ft (46–65 sq m). As of June 2025, properties on or near Portugal Street command premium prices:
- Purchase price: £950,000–£1.3 million for a one- to two-bedroom flat.
- Rental price: £3,000–£4,200 per month depending on size and finish.
These figures are higher than the average for Greater London, reflecting the prestige of the location, proximity to institutions like LSE, and strong transport links.
Fun Fact
Portugal Street is home to the LSE’s New Academic Building, which sits on the former site of the London Patent Office. The transformation of the building retained parts of the original façade, preserving the street's architectural heritage while modernising its interior for 21st-century academic use.
Quick Facts
- Location: City of Westminster, central London
- Direction: One-way street from Kingsway (west) to Serle Street (east)
- Name origin: Named after Portugal, in honour of Catherine of Braganza
- Pronunciation: “PAWR-chuh-guhl” /ˈpɔː.tʃə.ɡəl/
- Nearby landmarks: LSE, Lincoln’s Inn Fields, Royal Courts of Justice
- Nearest Tube stations: Holborn, Chancery Lane, Temple
- Real estate (June 2025): Flats from £950,000+; rentals from £3,000/month
- Building type: Mix of academic, residential, and institutional use
- Transport: Served by multiple bus routes and Underground lines
- Fun fact: LSE’s New Academic Building stands on the site of the former Patent Office
Map of Portugal Street, London
Painting of Portugal Street, London