St James's Square

St James's Square is a quiet garden square in the St James's district of the City of Westminster, in the heart of London. It is the only square in the district, and its mostly Georgian and Neo-Georgian frontages make it one of the most elegant corners of central London. Visitors come for the architecture, the history and a sense of calm a few steps from the busy streets around Piccadilly and Pall Mall.

How did St James's Square begin?

The square dates from the 1660s. King Charles II granted Henry Jermyn, later the 1st Earl of St Albans, a lease over part of St James's Field. The lease was later converted into a freehold. Jermyn developed the land as a residential square for the court and the wealthy, and he died in his own house on the square in January 1684.

The plan worked. For its first two hundred or so years the square was one of the three or four most fashionable residential addresses in London. By the 1720s, seven dukes and seven earls lived around it.

What is there to see today?

The central garden is fenced and surrounded by tall townhouses. At its centre stands an equestrian statue of King William III, the work of John Bacon Sr and Jr, installed in 1808. On the south side is a pavilion designed by John Nash, the architect associated with much of Regency London.

The architecture itself is the main attraction. Walk slowly around the square and compare the facades: Georgian terraces stand beside later Neo-Georgian buildings, and many houses have been converted for institutional use.

Who is based on the square now?

Over time the grand private homes gave way to organisations. The square now holds the headquarters of several well-known businesses, among them BP and Rio Tinto Group. It is also home to four private members' clubs: the East India Club, the Naval and Military Club, the Canning Club and the Army and Navy Club. Other occupants include the High Commission of Cyprus, the London Library and Chatham House, the global think tank and peace-promoter.

Most of these buildings are not open to casual visitors, so the exterior views are what you will enjoy from the pavement.

What is the memorial by the railings?

At the north-east corner, just outside the garden railings, stands a memorial to WPC Yvonne Fletcher. On 17 April 1984 a demonstration by the Libyan National Salvation Front took place outside the Libyan People's Bureau at No. 5, which served as the Libyan embassy. Shots were fired from the building at the protesters, and Fletcher, a police officer on duty at the protest, was hit and died later that morning. The event led to the siege of the embassy. The building is now used as offices. The memorial is a place for quiet reflection and a reminder that this elegant square has also seen significant moments in modern British history.

Practical tips for visiting

• The square sits in the St James's district of the City of Westminster, within walking distance of Piccadilly and Pall Mall.
• Allow around 15 to 30 minutes for a walk around the perimeter, longer if you want to photograph the facades.
• Early morning and weekends are usually quieter, when the office traffic is lighter.
• Combine the visit with other sights of St James's, as the square is a natural stop on a walk through the area.

Frequently asked questions

Who built St James's Square? Henry Jermyn, later Earl of St Albans, developed it after Charles II granted him a lease over part of St James's Field in the 1660s.

Whose statue stands in the middle? An equestrian statue of King William III, made by John Bacon Sr and Jr and installed in 1808.

Can I go into the buildings? Many are headquarters, embassies or private members' clubs, so access is generally limited. The London Library and other institutions have their own rules for visitors.

What is the memorial in the corner? It commemorates WPC Yvonne Fletcher, who died after shots were fired from the Libyan embassy at No. 5 in April 1984.

Is St James's Square worth a visit? Yes, if you enjoy architecture and London history and want a calm break between the major sights of Westminster.