St James's Park Station, London
The station is ideally located for those visiting the Westminster area, and its proximity to St James's Park makes it a convenient starting point for a leisurely walk through one of London's most historic areas.
History of St James's Park Station
St James's Park Station was officially opened on December 24, 1868, as part of the extension of the District Line. It was originally known as "St James's Park and Westminster" to reflect its proximity to both the park and Westminster's government buildings. Over time, the station's name was simplified to just St James's Park, making it easier for passengers to remember.The station's design is relatively simple compared to some of the grander Underground stations, but its strategic location and historical significance have made it a key part of London’s transport infrastructure. It was designed to provide easier access to the rapidly growing political and governmental district, facilitating better travel for both locals and tourists.
How St James's Park Got Its Name
The name "St James's Park" originates from the nearby St James's Park, one of London’s oldest and most famous parks. The park itself was originally created by Henry VIII in the 16th century as a hunting ground and has since been transformed into a public park.When the station was built, it naturally adopted the name of the park, which was already well-known as a royal space and a popular attraction for both Londoners and visitors. The station was not originally called just "St James's Park" — its initial name included "Westminster," as mentioned earlier. Over time, the connection to the park became the primary reference, leading to the current, simplified name.
Station Layout and Exits
The main entrance to St James's Park Station is located on Broadway, a major road running through the Westminster area. There are also exits onto Petty France and Victoria Street, both of which are major roads leading to other key areas of the city. These exits are easily accessible, making the station an important transport hub for commuters in the Westminster area.At ground level, the station is housed in a modest building that blends into the surrounding architectural style of Westminster. The building is primarily dedicated to the station’s entrance, but it may house some additional utilities or facilities for passengers, such as ticket machines and information points.
Distance from Charing Cross
St James's Park Station is located approximately 0.6 miles (about 1 km) from Charing Cross, which is one of London’s most central and well-known locations. This makes the station quite close to some of London's busiest and most iconic areas, including Trafalgar Square and the Strand. The station’s proximity to Charing Cross also means it is easily accessible for those traveling to and from this important transportation hub. By road, the journey from Charing Cross to St James's Park Station typically takes around 10 to 15 minutes depending on traffic conditions. However, for those traveling by public transport, the Underground provides a much quicker option.Rail Services Offered
St James's Park Station offers a range of services, primarily focused on the London Underground network. The station is served by two lines:- District Line - The District Line connects St James's Park Station to a wide variety of locations across London. The station is situated between Victoria Station (to the west) and Westminster Station (to the east), making it an essential stop for those traveling through the central part of the city.
- Circle Line - The Circle Line provides a circular route through central London. St James's Park Station is also between Victoria Station (to the west) and Westminster Station (to the east).
55 Broadway
55 Broadway was built above St James's Park Station. The building, which was completed in 1929, was originally the headquarters of the London Transport organization. It was designed in the Art Deco style and is an iconic structure in the Westminster area.When the station was originally constructed in 1868, it had a simple entrance and layout. However, with the growing importance of the Underground network and the need for a new headquarters for London Transport, the decision was made to construct a large office building above the station. The development of 55 Broadway provided not only office space but also a more prominent entrance for the station.
The new entrance to St James's Park Station was moved to a position inside 55 Broadway, making it a key part of the building's design. The new entrance was more accessible and in a more central location, facilitating easier access for passengers.
Interestingly, 55 Broadway was one of the first buildings in London to feature integrated office space above a transport hub, a concept that became more common in later decades. The station itself remained operational during the construction of the building, but the station's facilities were significantly upgraded as part of the redevelopment.
Fun Fact
A fun fact about St James's Park Station is that it has been a filming location for various films and TV shows over the years, thanks to its central location and proximity to famous landmarks. It has appeared in scenes for productions involving political intrigue, historical dramas, and even detective series. Additionally, the station is often featured in "hidden gems" tours of London, as many tourists and even locals are unaware of its historical significance and strategic location in the heart of Westminster.Quick Facts
- Station Name: St James's Park Station
- Location: Broadway, Westminster, London
- Opened: December 24, 1868
- Lines Served: District Line, Circle Line
- Nearby Landmarks: St James's Park, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey
- Distance to Charing Cross: 0.6 miles (about 1 km)
- Exits: Broadway, Petty France, Victoria Street
- Fun Fact: Featured in numerous films and TV shows
St James's Park Station is 
on the Map of London Underground
Painting of St James's Park Station, London (View image in full size)