Rutherford Street, London
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
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.
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.
Quick Facts: Rutherford Street, Westminster
- Location: Westminster, Central London
- Length: Approx. 260 feet (80 metres)
- Connected Roads: Vincent Square (entry), Regency Street (exit)
- Nearby Green Space: Vincent Square – 13 acres (5.3 hectares)
- Street Type: One-way, residential
- Historical Origin: Late 19th century
- Property Prices (May 2025): Avg. £1.3 million
- Nearest Tube Stations: St. James's Park, Victoria, Pimlico
- Lines Served: Victoria, District, Circle
- Fun Fact: Area featured in political TV drama "House of Cards"
Map of Rutherford Street, London
Painting of Rutherford Street, London (View image in full size)
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This page was created on 4 May 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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