Vincent Square, Westminster SW1: A Green Retreat in the Heart of London
Vincent Square is located in the heart of the
City of Westminster, London SW1. It lies just southwest of
Victoria Street and within walking distance of
Westminster Cathedral and the
River Thames.
This quiet enclave is centered around a large, private sports field, giving it a secluded, almost village-like feel amid the bustle of central London.
Size and Layout
The actual road known as Vincent Square measures approximately
260 metres (850 feet) in length and runs along the eastern and southern borders of the square-shaped field. The green itself is impressively large for central London, covering roughly
13 acres (about 5.3 hectares).
The layout is framed by a number of adjoining streets, giving the area a grid-like structure reminiscent of elegant Georgian planning.
History of Vincent Square
Vincent Square owes its existence to the
Westminster Abbey estate, which developed the area in the early 19th century. The square and surrounding streets were part of a planned residential development aiming to provide high-quality housing for professionals and civil servants working in central London.
The field in the centre was retained for the exclusive use of Westminster School, which continues to own and use it as a playing field to this day.
How It Got Its Name
The square was named after
Vincent, a former Dean of Westminster, although the exact individual remains debated among historians. It is generally accepted that the square gained its name in the early 1800s during the initial wave of urban planning and development by the church estates.
Connected Roads
Vincent Square connects to or is immediately accessible from several smaller roads, creating a tight-knit local community. These include:
These streets create a compact, well-defined neighbourhood in Westminster with very little through-traffic, adding to the area’s charm and sense of privacy.
Real Estate Prices in Vincent Square
Vincent Square is known for its elegant mansion blocks and townhouses, many of which offer views of the private sports field. As of
April 2025, property prices in the area are among the highest in Westminster.
Typical property prices include:
- One-bedroom flats (500–600 sq ft / 46–56 sq m): £750,000–£950,000
- Two-bedroom flats (800–1,000 sq ft / 74–93 sq m): £1.2M–£1.7M
- Three-bedroom flats or townhouses (1,200–1,800 sq ft / 111–167 sq m): £2.5M–£4.5M
These prices are roughly
25–30% higher than the London average, due to the central location, the views of greenery, and the prestigious history of the square.
Character of the Street
Vincent Square is primarily a
residential area. It has a peaceful, almost suburban feel, with a mix of classic red-brick mansion blocks, converted Victorian townhouses, and a few modern developments.
There are
no major commercial or industrial facilities here, and shops are mostly located along nearby Victoria Street and Rochester Row. The area is popular with civil servants, retirees, and overseas buyers looking for a secure and scenic central London address.
Nearest London Underground Stations
Vincent Square is well-connected by public transport. The closest
London Underground stations are:
These stations provide excellent access to all parts of London, making Vincent Square ideal for commuters and visitors alike.
Fun Fact: A Private Field in Central London
One of the most intriguing features of Vincent Square is the
private playing field at its centre. Covering 13 acres, it is
one of the largest green spaces in central London not open to the public.
Owned by Westminster School, the field is used for cricket, football, and other school sports activities. While locals can't access it, the lush views from surrounding properties are a major attraction.
Quick Facts
- Location: Westminster, London SW1
- Length of Vincent Square Road: ~260 metres (850 feet)
- Size of Central Field: ~13 acres (5.3 hectares)
- History: Developed early 1800s by Westminster Abbey estate
- Named After: A Dean of Westminster, likely in early 19th century
- Connected Streets: 14, including Vincent Street, Maunsel Street, and Rochester Row
- Real Estate (as of April 2025): 1-bed flats from £750K, homes up to £4.5M
- Character: Quiet, residential, upmarket
- Nearest Tube Stations: St James’s Park, Victoria, Pimlico
- Fun Fact: Field is private, used by Westminster School
Painting of Vincent Square, London (View image in full size)
Page Details
This page was created on 3 May 2025.
More streets in London
To explore more streets across London, read the Streets in London page or scroll through the list of streets that I have documented from the window below.
Map of Streets in London
View all the streets that I have documented on Google Maps in this Map of Streets in London.