St George's Square, London
The area is part of the grand 19th-century layout designed for Pimlico, known for its elegant proportions, garden squares, and uniform stucco-fronted buildings.
Length and Layout
St George's Square is not a conventional road but a rectangular garden square enclosed by a loop of residential streets. Measuring approximately 270 metres (885 feet) from north to south and around 130 metres (426 feet) across, the square forms the centrepiece of a wider grid of Georgian-style streets.
The main vehicular access follows the perimeter of the garden, while pedestrian paths criss-cross the central park, creating a calm, landscaped space in an otherwise urban environment.
History and Development
The development of St George's Square began in the 1840s as part of Thomas Cubitt's grand vision for Pimlico. Cubitt, the celebrated master builder behind much of Belgravia, was commissioned to extend London's residential footprint southwards. St George's Square was among the earliest parts of Pimlico to be laid out.
The design reflected Cubitt's preference for symmetrical garden squares, surrounded by classical terraces meant to attract the Victorian middle classes. The construction continued into the 1850s, with many of the buildings dating from this time.
How It Got Its Name
St George's Square takes its name from the patron saint of England, St George. The name was adopted in the mid-19th century, likely to invoke a sense of national pride and respectability, common in naming conventions of the era. The name was firmly established by the time the square appeared on Ordnance Survey maps in the 1850s.
Character and Atmosphere
Today, St George's Square is one of London's rare riverside garden squares. Its tranquil character is defined by a blend of residential quiet, heritage architecture, and a community-minded feel. The square is lined with:
- Victorian terraced houses
- Converted mansion blocks
- Low-rise modern flats and townhouses
The central garden, open to the public during daylight hours, adds greenery and serenity, with benches, mature trees, and lawns. It's popular with local dog walkers, young families, and professionals working nearby.
Sights and Places of Interest
While the square itself is largely residential, it is within walking distance of several key London landmarks. Notable nearby sights include:
- Tate Britain – Just a 10-minute walk north along Millbank
- The Thames Path – Running alongside Grosvenor Road, perfect for riverside walks
- Warwick Square and Eccleston Square – Other beautifully preserved garden squares
- Pimlico Gardens – A small park on the riverside, home to the statue of William Huskisson
Real Estate and Property Sizes
As of May 2025, properties in St George's Square command premium prices compared to much of outer London, though they are more affordable than nearby Belgravia or Chelsea.
Typical pricing includes:
- 1-bedroom flat: £650,000–£800,000
- 2-bedroom flat: £950,000–£1.4 million
- Full Georgian house: £2.5 million–£4.5 million
Flat sizes vary from 600–1,200 sq ft (55–110 sq m), while full houses can range from 1,800–3,000 sq ft (167–278 sq m), depending on layout and garden access. Many of the homes are now divided into flats, though some remain intact as single dwellings.
Transport Links
London Underground:
- Pimlico Station (Victoria Line) – 5-minute walk east, ideal for access to the West End and King's Cross.
- Victoria Station (Victoria, Circle and District Lines, plus National Rail) – 12-minute walk northwest.
Nearby Bus Routes:
Several bus stops are located along Lupus Street and Belgrave Road. Key routes include:
- Bus 24 – Pimlico to Hampstead Heath
- Bus C10 – Victoria to Canada Water
- Bus 360 – Elephant & Castle to Royal Albert Hall
Fun Fact
St George's Square is London's only residential garden square with direct access to the River Thames. It is also unique in having both riverside and garden-facing homes, something quite rare in central London. The combination of riverside walks and leafy surroundings makes it a favourite among urban nature lovers.
Quick Facts
- Location: Pimlico, City of Westminster, London SW1
- Connected Roads: Grosvenor Road, Lupus Street, Chichester Street,
- Moreton Street, Belgrave Road
- Length: Approx. 270m x 130m loop
- First Developed: 1840s–1850s
- Named After: St George, patron saint of England
- Main Character: Quiet residential garden square with period architecture
- Nearby Sights: Tate Britain, Thames Path, Pimlico Gardens
- Real Estate Prices (May 2025): Flats from £650K+, Houses from £2.5M+
- Nearest Tube Stations: Pimlico (Victoria Line), Victoria (Victoria, Circle, District)
- Nearby Bus Routes: 24, C10, 360
- Fun Fact: Only Thames-adjacent garden square in London
Map of St George's Square, London
Painting of St George's Square, London (View image in full size)
Page Details
This page was created on 10 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?
New to London and need a place to live? Read our Renting A Flat Guide. This guide covers everything you need to know about renting a flat in London, from viewing to signing.Streets of London
Come, let's explore and discover the streets of London together! Listed here afre the Streets of London that I have documented. Dive in and discover!Map of Streets in London
View all the streets that I have documented on Google Maps in this Map of Streets in London.Want to share your London travel experiences or get tips from fellow travellers?
Join the London Travel Tips Facebook GroupMore information for visiting London
Here are some related articles to help you get to know London better.- Cost of Living in London: Discover the true cost of living in London, including housing, transport, groceries, and more - plus tips for budgeting in one of the world's most expensive cities.
- Driving in London: Planning to drive in London? Learn about roads, car rentals, parking, tolls, and key tips for tourists and visitors from outside the capital.
- Driving Tips for Visiting London: Thinking of driving to London? Discover the best times to travel, congestion tips, parking apps, breakdown help, and petrol advice for a smoother journey.
- Evolution of London's Streets: Discover the fascinating history of how London's streets developed from ancient footpaths to today's complex network of roads across the capital.
- History of Immigration to London: Discover the rich history of immigration to London, from Huguenots to Bangladeshis, and how diverse communities have shaped the city's vibrant identity.
- How Big Is London Compared to Other World Cities?
- How London's Streets Measure Up: A Global Comparison of Road Widths
- How Streets of London are Named: Discover how London streets get their names, who decides them, and how historic, political, and public influences shape street naming in the capital.
- How the Grosvenor Family Came to Own Much of Mayfair, Belgravia and Pimlico: Explore how the Grosvenor family came to own much of Mayfair, Belgravia, and Pimlico, and learn about their historical connection (or lack thereof) with the British royal family and government.
- Living and working in London
- London's Quiet Collapse: How Living Standards Fell as Costs Skyrockted (1975-2025): Explore how London residents endured rising costs and falling living standards from 1975 to 2025 - from rocketing rents to wage stagnation and inflation.
- Marvel of the London Underground: Discover the history, challenges, and triumphs of the London Underground - the world's first underground railway and a vital transport lifeline for the UK capital since 1863.
- Moving to London: Expat Tips for Settling in Westminster: Essential advice for expats moving to London's Westminster: neighborhood insights, cost of living, transportation, housing, healthcare, schools, and tips to help you feel at home in the heart of the city.
- Places in London that aren't pronounced the way they're spelled
- Shopping in London: Discover London's diverse shopping scene
- Taking the bus in London: This is your complete guide to taking the bus when in London.
- The Anglican Faith: A Visitor's Guide to the Church of England: Learn about the Anglican faith and its deep ties to London's landmarks like Westminster Abbey and St Paul's Cathedral.
- Top 10 London Streets Every Visitor Must See: Discover London through its most iconic thoroughfares - 10 streets every visitor must experience. From historic Abbey Road to vibrant Camden High Street, explore culture, shopping, and hidden gems.
- Why are most roads in Central London so narrow? Learn why there are so few multi-lane roads and elevated highways in the heart of the city.
