St James's, London: History, Elegance and Royal Heritage in Westminster

St James's, London

Where is St James's?

St James's is a historic and prestigious district in the heart of the City of Westminster, central London. Nestled just west of Trafalgar Square and north of Buckingham Palace, St James's forms part of an illustrious neighbourhood bordered by:

Mayfair to the northwest
Green Park and Buckingham Palace to the southwest
Westminster proper (including Whitehall and Parliament) to the southeast
Soho to the northeast

It is within walking distance of several key London districts, making it a central and well-connected part of the capital.

Size and Population

St James's is a relatively small area, covering roughly 0.25 square miles (0.65 square kilometres). Despite its compact size, it plays an outsized role in the culture and administration of the capital. The residential population is low - estimated at fewer than 1,000 permanent residents - owing to the area's dominance by commercial buildings, clubs, government offices, embassies, and royal parks. However, its daytime population surges with tourists, workers, and visitors.

A Glimpse into the History of St James's

The origins of St James's stretch back to the medieval period, but the area as we know it today began to take shape in the 17th century. Before urban development, the land was primarily open fields and marshland situated on the edge of Westminster. Its transformation began with the establishment of St James's Palace by Henry VIII in the 1530s on the site of a former leper hospital dedicated to St James the Less (not to be confused with James the Apostle). The surrounding area, originally farmland and hunting grounds, gradually developed into an aristocratic residential quarter through the 17th and 18th centuries. By the 1660s, the Restoration period saw the development of St James's Square, which became one of London's most fashionable addresses. Over time, it evolved into a hub for exclusive gentlemen's clubs, elegant shops, and royal establishments.

Map of St James's, London

How St James's Got Its Name

The name St James's comes from the 12th-century Hospital of St James, a leper hospice dedicated to St James the Less, one of the twelve apostles. Unlike the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route in Spain, St James's was never a major pilgrimage destination, but its name reflects a biblical association and the Christian charitable tradition of caring for the sick.

Main Roads in St James's

St James's is defined by a number of grand and historic streets that still retain their charm and importance today:

Pall Mall - home to many gentlemen's clubs and formerly a royal road.
St James's Street - a key thoroughfare running south from Piccadilly to St James's Palace.
Piccadilly - forming the northern boundary of St James's.
Jermyn Street - renowned for bespoke shirtmakers and high-end menswear tailors.
King Street - connecting St James's Square with St James's Street.

These roads are lined with a mix of historic buildings, luxury boutiques, and private clubs.

The Character of St James's

St James's is a district that exudes elegance, prestige, and tradition. It is:

Commercial - home to exclusive offices, auction houses, and art galleries.
Retail-focused - especially high-end menswear, art, and fine wine.
Institutional - with many clubs, royal residences, and cultural institutions.
Semi-residential - but with very limited housing stock.

Despite its central location, it remains relatively quiet and refined compared to neighbouring Soho or Covent Garden. The area retains a distinct air of old-world sophistication.

Major Sights and Attractions in St James's

St James's is rich in heritage and attractions, many of which are iconic London landmarks. Highlights include:

St James's Palace - a working royal residence and the formal home of several royal family members.
St James's Park - one of the loveliest Royal Parks, with views of Buckingham Palace and waterfowl-rich lakes.
The Mall - the ceremonial road leading to Buckingham Palace, used for royal processions and parades.
Spencer House - an 18th-century aristocratic mansion open to the public on Sundays.
St James's Square - a peaceful garden square surrounded by historic buildings.
The Royal Academy of Arts - located just outside St James's, on Piccadilly, but integral to the cultural fabric of the area.
Jermyn Street - perfect for shopping aficionados, with tailors and perfumers dating back centuries.

Buckingham Palace, while adjacent to St James's, is technically within the Buckingham Palace Gardens area, but it is closely associated with St James's due to its proximity and historical ties.

Nearest London Underground Stations

St James's is well-served by several London Underground stations:

Green Park Station - serving the Jubilee, Piccadilly, and Victoria lines.
Piccadilly Circus Station - on the Piccadilly and Bakerloo lines.
Charing Cross Station - on the Northern and Bakerloo lines (a short walk away).
St James's Park Station - on the District and Circle lines, though technically closer to Westminster.

All of these make the area easily accessible for visitors coming from other parts of London.

Fun Fact: The Origins of Gentlemen's Clubs

St James's is famously home to many of London's oldest and most exclusive gentlemen's clubs. These private members' clubs, such as White's, Boodle's, and the Reform Club, have their roots in the 18th and 19th centuries and were founded as places where aristocratic men could gather to socialise, drink, and discuss politics in privacy. Even today, many of these clubs maintain their traditions and strict dress codes.