Rathbone Place, London
Rathbone Place is a one-way street in Fitzrovia, in the City of Westminster, London. It runs from Percy Street in the north to Oxford Street in the south. Nestled in a bustling area, Rathbone Place is characterised by its mix of historic charm and modern redevelopment. It lies in close proximity to some of central London's busiest thoroughfares and trendiest neighbourhoods, offering a balance between cultural heritage and contemporary lifestyle.
Street Layout and Surroundings
Rathbone Place functions as a north–south corridor, connecting Percy Street to Oxford Street. It runs parallel to Newman Street to the east and Charlotte Street to the west. Smaller streets and mews such as Charlotte Mews and Rathbone Street crisscross the vicinity, adding to the area's urban texture. Though only a few hundred metres long, the street plays an important role in linking the quieter Fitzrovia district to the retail hub of Oxford Street.
Today, the street hosts a mix of residential developments, boutique offices, cafes, and restaurants. The northern section feels more residential, while the southern end, near Oxford Street, leans towards commercial activity.
History of Rathbone Place
Rathbone Place dates back to the early 18th century and was named after Captain Thomas Rathbone, a property developer active in the area during the mid-1700s. He laid out the street as part of the expansion of Fitzrovia during the Georgian period. The name “Rathbone” is pronounced RATH-bohn /ˈræθ.bəʊn/.
The street has undergone significant transformation since its inception, from hosting artisan workshops in the 18th century to accommodating media offices and modern residences today. The former Royal Mail site that once occupied a large portion of Rathbone Place was redeveloped in the 2010s into a mixed-use development known as Rathbone Square.
Rathbone Square Development
One of the most prominent features of the street is Rathbone Square, a 2.3-acre redevelopment completed in 2017. Once a postal depot, the site was transformed into a vibrant public square surrounded by luxury apartments, office spaces, and restaurants. It is also the location of Facebook's London headquarters, underlining the area's shift towards becoming a tech and media hub.
Real Estate on Rathbone Place
As of mid-2025, residential property prices on Rathbone Place reflect the premium nature of central London living. A two-bedroom apartment of about 1,000 sq ft (93 sq m) in Rathbone Square can sell for approximately £2.2 million, while similar properties in nearby areas of Marylebone or Soho might fetch slightly less. Rental prices are also high, with a two-bedroom flat averaging £6,000 per month.
The properties in Rathbone Square typically range from 600 sq ft (56 sq m) for one-bedroom units to over 2,000 sq ft (186 sq m) for penthouses. These often include amenities such as concierge service, gym, gardens, and underground parking.
Transport Connections
London Underground
Rathbone Place enjoys excellent access to the London Underground, being within walking distance of several major stations:
- Oxford Circus Station – served by the Bakerloo, Central, and Victoria lines
- Tottenham Court Road Station – served by the Northern, Central, and Elizabeth lines
- Goodge Street Station – served by the Northern line
Bus Services
Numerous bus routes serve Oxford Street, with stops located at both the Oxford Circus and Tottenham Court Road ends of the street. These routes provide access to destinations across London including the West End, the City, and South London.
Local Attractions and Amenities
Rathbone Place is within easy reach of several of London's cultural and commercial landmarks:
- Charlotte Street – a food lover's paradise with acclaimed restaurants and cafes.
- Oxford Street – one of Europe's busiest shopping streets.
- BT Tower – a distinctive landmark just a short walk away.
- University College London (UCL) – a leading research university within walking distance.
- The Dominion Theatre – a grand venue for West End musicals nearby at Tottenham Court Road.
In addition to entertainment and shopping, the area also hosts numerous medical clinics, co-working spaces, and art galleries, making it appealing for both residents and businesses.
Fun Fact
One quirky detail about Rathbone Place is that for over a century, it was home to the Royal Mail Western District Office. After its closure in the 2000s, the site's transformation into a luxury square marked one of central London's most striking urban redevelopments in the 21st century. The underground mail tunnels that once serviced the depot now form part of the Mail Rail museum route near Mount Pleasant.
Quick Facts
- Location: Fitzrovia, City of Westminster, London
- Connects: Percy Street to Oxford Street
- Historical Origin: 18th century; named after Captain Thomas Rathbone
- Pronunciation: RATH-bohn /ˈræθ.bəʊn/
- Landmark Development: Rathbone Square (opened 2017)
- Property Prices (2025): ~£2.2 million for 1,000 sq ft flat
- Rentals: ~£6,000/month for two-bedroom flat
- Nearest Underground Stations: Oxford Circus, Tottenham Court Road, Goodge Street
- Nearby Bus Routes: Stops along Oxford Street
- Fun Fact: Former site of Royal Mail Western District Office
Map of Rathbone Place, London
Painting of Rathbone Place
Painting of Rathbone Place
Page Details
This page was created on 27 July 2025. Hi, my name is Timothy and created it from my research, for my own entertainment, knowledge and to satisfy my curiosity. I am providing the information to you in good faith and hope it is useful. I try to get the details as accurate as possible. I also try to update the page whenever I stumble on new details. So this and all my other pages are perpetual work in progress. If you discover any error, please politely inform me, pointing out where the error lies, and I will correct it as soon as possible. Your helpfulness will keep this page accurate, relevant and helpful to those who need the information.Moving to London?
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