Rochester Street, London
Rochester Street, Westminster: A Quiet Residential Corner in Central London
Rochester Street is a small residential street located in the City of Westminster, central London. It lies just a short walk from Victoria Station and is part of a quiet enclave west of Westminster Cathedral.This one-way street runs in a north–south direction, beginning at Greycoat Street and exiting onto Rochester Row. It lies between the busy hubs of Victoria Street and Horseferry Road, making it a peaceful yet centrally located residential street.
Length of the Road and the Size of the Square
Rochester Street is quite short — approximately 260 feet (about 80 metres) in length. Despite its modest size, it forms part of a larger residential block with a small central courtyard-style area that is sometimes referred to locally as Rochester Street Square, though this is not an officially designated square.The courtyard at the heart of the block is modest in size, measuring roughly 50 by 40 feet (15 by 12 metres), and offers a rare bit of breathing space in this dense part of Westminster.
History of Rochester Street
Rochester Street was developed during the mid to late 19th century, as part of the broader urbanisation of Westminster. The surrounding area saw significant building activity following the construction of Victoria Station (opened in 1860), which spurred development in what was then a semi-rural parish.The street and its neighbouring blocks were built predominantly to provide housing for the growing population of middle- and working-class Londoners employed in civil service, commerce, and domestic work in the nearby grand homes.
Today, remnants of the original Victorian terraces can still be seen in the architecture of the area, though many properties have since been refurbished or rebuilt in modern styles.
How Did Rochester Street Get Its Name?
Rochester Street derives its name from Rochester Row, which it adjoins to the south. Rochester Row itself is believed to have been named in honour of the Bishop of Rochester, whose diocese included parts of Westminster in centuries past.The naming likely dates back to the early to mid-19th century, around the time the road was laid out and built. It follows a common Westminster tradition of naming streets after ecclesiastical or aristocratic figures.
Connecting Roads and Surrounding Streets
Rochester Street is connected to the following streets:- Greycoat Street – The northern entrance to Rochester Street; a historic street with strong ties to the nearby Grey Coat Hospital School.
- Rochester Row – The southern end of the street; a longer thoroughfare connecting to Vauxhall Bridge Road and Horseferry Road.
Real Estate Prices and Property Sizes
As of April 2025, properties on Rochester Street are priced at around £950,000 to £1.5 million for two- and three-bedroom flats or maisonettes. These homes typically measure between 750 and 1,100 square feet (70 to 102 sq metres).This is slightly below the average for Westminster as a whole, where similar-sized properties often exceed £1.8 million due to proximity to landmarks and transport hubs.
The slightly lower pricing on Rochester Street reflects its tucked-away character and limited through traffic, offering excellent value for central London living in a quieter setting.
Character of the Street
Rochester Street is predominantly residential in character. The street is lined with low-rise apartment buildings and townhouses, many of which have been converted from original Victorian structures or rebuilt in sympathetic styles.There are no shops or commercial businesses directly on Rochester Street, though several convenience stores, cafés, and pubs can be found nearby on Greycoat Street and Rochester Row.
The quiet, neighbourly feel of the street makes it particularly appealing to professionals, small families, and retired residents seeking a calm atmosphere in the heart of the capital.
Nearest London Underground Stations
The closest Underground station to Rochester Street is St James’s Park, which is about a 7-minute walk away. This station is served by the following lines: Also within walking distance is Victoria Station (roughly 10 minutes on foot), which provides access to:- Victoria Line
- District Line
- Circle Line
Fun Fact: Rochester Street's Hidden Courtyard
One of the more charming secrets of Rochester Street is its small central courtyard, which can be glimpsed through iron gates and narrow passages from the street.Though not a public garden, this courtyard has often been used in film and TV productions as a stand-in for “hidden” residential London. Its compact and timeless character offers a glimpse into Victorian life, preserved in miniature.
Quick Facts About Rochester Street
- Location: City of Westminster, central London
- Street Type: One-way residential road
- Entry/Exit: Enters from Greycoat Street, exits onto Rochester Row
- Length: ~260 feet (80 metres)
- Nearby Streets: Greycoat Street, Rochester Row, Francis Street
- Transport: St James’s Park and Victoria stations nearby
- Real Estate: £950K–£1.5M for ~750–1,100 sq ft (70–102 sq m) flats
- Street Character: Quiet, residential, centrally located
- Fun Fact: Features a hidden courtyard often used in filming
Map of Rochester Street, London
Painting of Rochester Street, London (View image in full size)
