Vincent Square, London
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:- Elverton Street
- Maunsel Street
- Rutherford Street
- Fynes Street
- Vincent Street
- Douglas Street
- Osbert Street
- Stanford Street
- Bloomburg Street
- Udall Street
- Hatherley Street
- Walcott Street
- Vane Street
- Rochester Row
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
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:- St James's Park (Circle and District Lines) – about a 7-minute walk
- Victoria (Victoria, Circle, District lines, plus National Rail) – about a 10-minute walk
- Pimlico (Victoria Line) – about a 12-minute walk
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
Map of Vincent Square, London
Painting of Vincent Square, London (View image in full size)
Page Details
This page was created on 3 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?
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