Rochester Row, London

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Rochester Row is a prominent street located in the heart of Westminster, within the City of Westminster, London SW1. It begins at the Artillery Row roundabout in the north and runs in a southwesterly direction until it meets Vauxhall Bridge Road.

The street is situated just a short walk from major London landmarks such as Victoria Station, Westminster Cathedral, and Vincent Square, making it centrally positioned and well-connected.

Length and Layout

Rochester Row extends for approximately 0.4 miles (0.64 kilometres). It serves as a key north-south thoroughfare and is lined with a mixture of residential blocks, office buildings, and institutional premises.

Along its route, it branches off to several notable streets including:

• Greycoat Street
• Rochester Street
• Vincent Square
• Emery Hill Street
• Vane Street
• Stillington Street
• Walcott Street
• Willow Place

History of Rochester Row

Rochester Row was laid out during the rapid urban development of Westminster in the 18th and early 19th centuries, at a time when the once-rural parish was becoming part of metropolitan London. Its emergence reflected the growing need for orderly residential and civic planning near the seat of government.

The area saw gradual development from the 1720s onwards, with the street itself appearing on maps by the early 1800s. Many of the original buildings have since been replaced or redeveloped, though the street still retains a traditional Westminster character.

How Rochester Row Got Its Name

The street derives its name from the Bishopric of Rochester, a reference to the ecclesiastical influence in the area during the 18th century. The Diocese of Rochester had ownership of land in Westminster, and several street names in this part of the city – including nearby Rochester Street – commemorate that connection.

The naming likely dates to the period between 1720 and 1770, in line with surrounding developments that honoured church officials and diocesan heritage.

How to Pronounce "Rochester"

Although it's spelled Rochester, the word is not pronounced as it appears. In British English, it is commonly pronounced:

• Common pronunciation spelling: "ROTCH-iss-tuh"
• IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet): /ˈrɒtʃɪstə/

The “ch” is pronounced like in “watch” (a "tch" sound), and the final “-er” is softened to a schwa (“uh”). So, “Rochester Row” sounds like “ROTCH-iss-tuh Row”. This pronunciation is consistent whether referring to Rochester Row in Westminster or the town of Rochester in Kent.

Streets Connected to Rochester Row

Rochester Row is well-integrated into the local street network, connecting or branching into:

• Artillery Row (via the roundabout at the northern end)
• Greycoat Street
• Rochester Street
• Vincent Square
• Emery Hill Street
• Vane Street
• Stillington Street
• Walcott Street
• Willow Place
• Vauxhall Bridge Road (at its southern terminus)

These connections give Rochester Row excellent access to both civic institutions and residential communities within Westminster.

Real Estate and Property Prices

As of May 2025, Rochester Row commands premium property prices typical of Central London, especially within Westminster. Residential flats on the street generally range between £800,000 and £2.5 million depending on size and amenities.

A modern two-bedroom apartment of approximately 950 sq ft (88 sq metres) may cost around £1.25 million, while larger penthouses exceeding 1,400 sq ft (130 sq metres) can go for over £2 million.

This puts Rochester Row significantly above the London average, which stands at roughly £525,000 across all boroughs. However, it is still more affordable than some ultra-prime Westminster addresses such as Eaton Square or Belgravia.

Character of the Street

Rochester Row is primarily a residential and institutional street, with pockets of commercial activity. The northern section features some office buildings and small businesses, including cafés, estate agents, and professional services.

The street is also home to St Stephen’s Church and the Westminster Chapel of the Church of Scotland, adding a religious and cultural dimension to its otherwise residential atmosphere.

Its southern stretch becomes quieter and more residential, featuring apartment blocks, small private roads, and leafy courtyards.

Nearest London Underground Stations

Rochester Row benefits from close proximity to several London Underground stations, offering convenient transport links:

• Victoria Station – served by the Victoria, Circle, and District lines. This major interchange is just 6 minutes’ walk to the west.
• St James’s Park Station – served by the District and Circle lines, approximately 8 minutes to the northeast on foot.
• Pimlico Station – served by the Victoria line, about 12 minutes’ walk to the south.

These stations provide direct access to the West End, the City, South London, and beyond.

Fun Fact

Rochester Row was once home to a historic military barracks known as Rochester Row Police Section House, a residence for Metropolitan Police officers in the 19th and 20th centuries. The building was later redeveloped into high-end apartments, but the name lives on as part of the area's heritage.

Additionally, the street was one of the filming locations for background scenes in British television dramas due to its classic Georgian architecture and its proximity to iconic landmarks.

Map of Rochester Row, London

Painting of Rochester Row, London (View image in full size)

Page Details

This page was created on 3 May 2025.

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