Romney Street, London
Romney Street, Westminster: History, Character and Real Estate
Romney Street is a short, centrally located street in the heart of Westminster, in the City of Westminster, London.It runs east-west and forms a quiet link between Marsham Street on its western end and Dean Bradley Street on the eastern side. Positioned just south of Westminster Abbey and Parliament, it is a stone’s throw from the core of British government and state institutions. Despite this proximity, it is a calm and understated street, tucked away from the hustle and bustle.
How Long is Romney Street?
Romney Street is approximately 230 feet (70 metres) long, making it a very short thoroughfare by London standards.Its brevity contributes to its localised character—largely free from through traffic and typically used by residents, workers in the area, or pedestrians navigating the network of streets behind the major government offices.
The History of Romney Street
Romney Street emerged during the urban development of Westminster in the 19th century.This area saw significant transformation in the Victorian era, especially during the late 1800s, as housing and public buildings expanded south of Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament. The street was laid out during a period of controlled planning when the government sought to accommodate growing civil service infrastructure.
How Did Romney Street Get Its Name?
Romney Street takes its name from George Romney (1734–1802), a celebrated English portrait painter.Romney was one of the most fashionable artists of his day, known for painting society figures including Lady Emma Hamilton, the mistress of Admiral Lord Nelson. The naming appears to have occurred in the late 19th century, as part of a broader trend of naming Westminster streets after historical figures in the arts and public life.
Connecting Roads and Nearby Streets
Romney Street connects directly with:- Marsham Street – a major road running north-south, lined with government buildings such as the Home Office
- Dean Bradley Street – a quieter road that continues eastward and connects with Smith Square.
Real Estate Prices and Property Sizes
As of May 2025, property on or near Romney Street is highly desirable, given its central location.Prices here are steep, even by Westminster standards. A typical flat on Romney Street or adjacent roads ranges from £950,000 to £1.6 million, depending on floor level and finish. These flats are generally in converted buildings or post-war developments and typically measure around 850–1,200 sq ft (approximately 79–111 sq metres).
Larger properties nearby, particularly townhouses off Great Peter Street or Marsham Street, can exceed £2.5 million. Compared to the wider London average of around £540,000, Westminster—and Romney Street in particular—sits in the top tier of the capital's real estate market.
The Character of Romney Street
Romney Street is predominantly residential in character, with a subdued and peaceful atmosphere.There are no shops or restaurants directly on the street, although amenities are only a few minutes' walk away. Much of the street is occupied by apartments and small office spaces, reflecting its proximity to the Whitehall government complex. Some buildings are used by charities and NGOs due to the street’s discreet location and prestige.
Nearest London Underground Stations
Romney Street is well-connected via the London Underground network. The closest stations are:- St James’s Park (District and Circle lines) – about a 6-minute walk
- Westminster (Jubilee, District and Circle lines) – around a 10-minute walk
- Victoria Station (Victoria, District and Circle lines, plus National Rail) – approximately 12–14 minutes on foot
Fun Fact About Romney Street
One lesser-known fact about Romney Street is that it once housed a small editorial office of a political journal in the mid-20th century, frequented by post-war MPs and civil servants.Today, the building has been repurposed, but remnants of its publishing past occasionally appear in local archives and Westminster historical societies.
Quick Facts About Romney Street
Quick Facts
- Location: Westminster, City of Westminster, Central London
- Length: Approx. 230 ft (70 m)
- Connects: Marsham Street (west) to Dean Bradley Street (east)
- Named After: George Romney, English painter
- Character: Residential with government offices nearby
- Nearby Stations: St James’s Park, Westminster, Victoria
- Real Estate (2025): £950,000–£1.6M for flats (850–1,200 sq ft)
- Nearest Landmarks: Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Victoria Tower Gardens
Map of Romney Street, London
Painting of Romney Street, London (View image in full size)