St James’s is a relatively small area, covering the area between Piccadilly to the north, Haymarket to the east, Green Park to the west and south to St James’s Park.
This elegant, relatively quiet enclave of London is home to some of the most impressive houses in the capital.
Named after the medieval hospital dedicated to St James, which was founded in the 12th century; the hospital stood on the site of what is now St James’s Palace, which was built by King Henry VIII after acquiring the site in 1531.
King Henry VIII obtained this site because he wanted to adorn the newly obtained Whitehall Palace with a park. As the hospital had 185 acres of land, he thought this was the perfect solution. In time, this land became St James’s Park, London’s oldest royal park.
Once complete, St James’s Palace became the residence of kings and queens of England for over 300 years and still remains the official residence of the Sovereign.
Proximity to the royal residences influenced the character of the area; elegant homes were constructed along with influential trade stores such as Boodles, Christie’s and Fortnum and Mason.
In the late 17th and early 18th centuries, coffee houses were established in the area, particularly in St James’s Street and Pall Mall; they were the meeting place for men who helped develop political discussion and parties. These coffee house meetings evolved into the famous gentlemen’s clubs of the 18th century such as White’s and Brook’s.
Arguably more desirable than nearby Mayfair, the historic streets of St James’s have remained virtually unchanged for centuries, and are still home to the aforementioned gentlemen’s clubs.
The areas trade roots are still evident with Fortnum and Mason, Christie’s, the tailors of Jermyn Street, one of London’s most elegant thoroughfares and cigar retailers of St James’s street. Arts and antique dealers are also concentrated around King Street.
St James’s is a charming area of London, with a fantastic selection of elegant homes and world renowned shops ideal for purchasers who are searching for a historic London property.
St James’s is relatively well connected for a small area with Green Park providing services on the Victoria and Jubilee line; the Piccadilly and Bakerloo lines from Piccadilly Circus and Circle and District lines from St James’s Park.
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