Rutherford Street, London

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Rutherford Street is located in the heart of the City of Westminster, Central London. It lies just west of Regency Street and runs east from Vincent Square, forming a small but functional link within a network of mostly residential streets. Set within a leafy and largely peaceful part of Westminster, Rutherford Street is tucked between the busy arterial roads of Vauxhall Bridge Road and Horseferry Road. Despite its central location, the street maintains a low profile and is primarily accessed by those who live or work nearby.

Length of the Road and the Size of Vincent Square

Rutherford Street is a short road, measuring approximately 260 feet (80 metres) in length. It functions as a one-way street, with vehicles entering from Vincent Square and exiting onto Regency Street.

The street borders the north-west corner of Vincent Square, one of Westminster’s most notable and spacious open areas. Vincent Square itself spans about 13 acres (5.3 hectares) and is primarily used by Westminster School as playing fields. It offers a rare expanse of green space in such a central London location.

History of Rutherford Street

Rutherford Street emerged in the late 19th century as part of the broader urban development of Westminster following the construction of Vincent Square in the early 1800s. The area had previously been marshy and underdeveloped, but the square’s landscaping and the rise of nearby institutions—such as Westminster School—stimulated the creation of residential streets like Rutherford Street.

By the early 20th century, the street had become home to several modestly-sized residential buildings, a trend that has persisted into the 21st century, albeit with modern renovations and upgrades.

How Did Rutherford Street Get Its Name?

Rutherford Street is likely named after a local landowner, developer, or a figure with ties to the neighbourhood’s early urban expansion. While the exact origin remains undocumented, it is not named after the famous physicist Ernest Rutherford, as some might assume.

Street naming conventions in this part of Westminster often honoured developers or local dignitaries, and Rutherford Street appears on maps dating from the early 1900s, indicating that its name was likely established by then.

Roads That Branch From Rutherford Street

As a short connector street, Rutherford Street only links two main roads:

• Vincent Square – to the west
• Regency Street – to the east

It does not have any streets branching from it directly, but several nearby roads include Erasmus Street, Stillington Street, and Marsham Street, which form a dense network in this part of Westminster.

Property Prices and Sizes

As of May 2025, property prices on Rutherford Street remain high, reflecting its location within one of London’s most desirable boroughs. The average cost of a residential flat here is around £1.3 million, compared to the London-wide average of about £540,000.

Typical property sizes on the street vary, but most flats measure between 800 to 1,200 square feet (74 to 111 sq metres). Larger, modernised apartments may exceed 1,500 square feet (139 sq metres), particularly in converted or redeveloped buildings.

Rutherford Street’s value is bolstered by its proximity to Parliament, Victoria, and the Thames, as well as the rare green amenity of Vincent Square. The area attracts a blend of professionals, retirees, and investors seeking a central yet quiet base in London.

The Character of the Street

Rutherford Street is primarily residential in character. It features a mix of purpose-built apartments and converted period buildings. While commercial activity is minimal on the street itself, residents are within a short walking distance of cafés, convenience shops, and restaurants on nearby Horseferry Road and Rochester Row.

The street is known for its tranquility despite being just a 10-minute walk from the bustling Victoria area and Westminster’s institutional heart. It benefits from limited through traffic and tree-lined surroundings, making it a desirable location for those seeking both centrality and calm.

Nearest Underground Stations

Rutherford Street is well served by multiple London Underground stations:

• St. James’s Park Station – served by the District and Circle lines, approximately a 7-minute walk away.
• Victoria Station – served by the Victoria, District, and Circle lines, about a 10-minute walk.
• Pimlico Station – served by the Victoria line, around 12 minutes on foot.

This convenient access to three major lines makes commuting from Rutherford Street straightforward and fast, whether heading into the West End, the City, or beyond.

Fun Fact About Rutherford Street

A little-known fact is that a section of the BBC's 1980s political drama "House of Cards" was filmed near Vincent Square, just steps from Rutherford Street. The street and its surroundings, with their proximity to Parliament and understated elegance, have made occasional appearances in both television and film as stand-ins for more prominent Westminster locations.

Additionally, Vincent Square—adjacent to the street—is one of the very few private squares in London primarily used for school sports rather than public recreation or residential gardens.

Map of Rutherford Street, London

Painting of Rutherford Street, London (View image in full size)

Page Details

This page was created on 4 May 2025.

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