St Margaret Street, London
St Margaret Street is a short yet historically rich street in the City of Westminster, central London. It links Great George Street, Parliament Street, and Bridge Street in the north to Abingdon Street in the south. This street lies in the heart of Westminster, just steps from the seat of British government, and is flanked by some of the most iconic landmarks in the UK capital.
Street Layout and Surrounding Area
St Margaret Street is a relatively short roadway that runs parallel to the western edge of the Palace of Westminster, with views of Westminster Abbey and the Victoria Tower Gardens. It is situated within a tight cluster of ceremonial and governmental routes and is heavily trafficked by both pedestrians and vehicles, especially during tourist seasons and parliamentary sessions. The street is paved in traditional London cobbles and stone, contributing to its stately and historical feel.
To the north, the street flows into Great George Street, a key thoroughfare lined with government offices. Turning east connects to Parliament Street and Bridge Street, leading to Westminster Bridge. The southern end transitions into Abingdon Street, a quieter road that borders Victoria Tower Gardens and follows the Thames River.
Historical Background
St Margaret Street takes its name from St Margaret's Church, which stands adjacent to Westminster Abbey. The church, originally founded in the 12th century, served as the parish church for the House of Commons before becoming primarily a ceremonial church. The street itself developed alongside the medieval expansions of Westminster and has served as an important link between the Houses of Parliament and the surrounding residential and administrative areas.
The name "St Margaret" is pronounced as /sənt ˈmɑːɡrət/, and in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as [sənt ˈmɑːɡrət]. The name reflects the street's ecclesiastical heritage and longstanding role in the religious and political life of London.
Notable Sights and Landmarks
While St Margaret Street itself is short, it is surrounded by some of the most recognised landmarks in London:
- Westminster Abbey – One of the most famous religious buildings in the world and the site of royal coronations and weddings.
- St Margaret's Church – Known as the "parish church of the House of Commons," dating back to the 12th century.
- Palace of Westminster – Home to the UK Parliament and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, directly adjoining the street.
- Victoria Tower Gardens – A tranquil green space offering views over the Thames, located at the southern end of the street.
Transportation Links
St Margaret Street is exceptionally well-connected by public transport. The nearest London Underground stations are:
- Westminster Station – Served by the Jubilee, District and Circle lines.
- St James's Station – On the District and Circle lines, offering easy access to Westminster and central London.
- Embankment Station – Interchange for the Bakerloo, Northern, District and Circle lines, providing riverside access to various parts of the city.
Numerous bus routes stop along Parliament Street and Abingdon Street, placing St Margaret Street within the reach of nearly every mode of London public transport.
Real Estate Overview
Due to its highly exclusive location, there is minimal residential property directly on St Margaret Street. However, nearby areas in Westminster offer a mix of period apartments, Georgian townhouses, and newer luxury developments. As of mid-2025, property prices in Westminster typically average between £1,500 to £2,500 per sq ft (approx. £16,145 to £26,910 per sq m), depending on condition and exact location.
A 1,000 sq ft (approx. 93 sq m) two-bedroom apartment near St Margaret Street may sell for around £2 million, while rental prices for similar properties can range from £5,000 to £8,000 per month depending on furnishings, views, and building amenities. These prices significantly exceed the average for most of London, reflecting the street's location at the heart of the political and ceremonial centre of the UK.
Fun Fact
Despite its proximity to the busiest government offices in the UK, St Margaret Street has been featured in multiple films and television programmes due to its authentic historic appearance. During state events and royal occasions, the street is often adorned with flags and ceremonial decorations, making it one of the most photogenic locations in central London.
Quick Facts
- Location: City of Westminster, Central London
- Connects: Great George Street, Parliament Street, Bridge Street to Abingdon Street
- Nearby Landmarks: Westminster Abbey, St Margaret's Church, Palace of Westminster, Victoria Tower Gardens
- Pronunciation: /sənt ˈmɑːɡrət/
- London Underground: Westminster (Jubilee, District, Circle), St James's Park (District, Circle), Embankment (Bakerloo, Northern, District, Circle)
- Bus Stops: Located on Parliament Street and Abingdon Street
- Residential Property Prices: £1,500–£2,500 per sq ft (as of mid-2025)
- Rental Rates: £5,000–£8,000 per month for two-bedroom flats
- Fun Fact: Used as a filming location and often decorated during state events
Map of St Margaret Street, London
St Margaret Street Video Description
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This page was created on 18 June 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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