Tucked away from London’s bustling streets sits St James’s. It’s a district steeped in royal history and aristocratic elegance. We are standing on ground that was once part of St James’s Palace’s gardens.
In the 17th century, St James’s transformed. Charles II gave the go-ahead to Henry Jermyn to develop the area. It became a residential haven for the British aristocracy. Imagine grand houses and refined society.
Let’s delve into the name St James’s. It originates from a 12th-century leper hospital. This hospital was dedicated to Saint James the Less. The hospital’s site is now occupied by St James’s Palace.
St James’s Palace is the nucleus of this district. Henry VIII built the original palace in the 16th century. After Whitehall Palace burned down in 1698, St James’s became the sovereign’s main London residence. Although the royal family later moved to Buckingham Palace, St James’s remains significant. It still serves as a residence and workplace for government officials.
The streets around St James’s tell their own stories. St James’s Square was created in the 1660s. It was intended as an aristocratic housing development. Jermyn Street is known for bespoke shirtmakers. Pall Mall is famous for its gentlemen’s clubs.
Many street names in St James’s have interesting origins. Arlington Street is named after Henry Bennet. He was the 1st Earl of Arlington. Babmaes Street is named after Baptist May. He was a trustee to Henry Jermyn. The Mall was built as a course for playing pall-mall. It was a fashionable game in the 17th century. Piccadilly got its name from Piccadilly Hall. It was the home of tailor Robert Baker.
The area transitioned after the Second World War. It shifted from residential to commercial use. Today, St James’s is home to auction houses and art dealers. BP has its headquarters here. You will also find fine wine merchants and cigar retailers.
St James’s is known as Clubland. It’s home to many gentlemen’s clubs. These clubs are organizations of English high society.
St James’s Park lies southeast of the palace. It is the oldest and most ornamental of London’s royal parks. Originally marshland, it was landscaped during the rule of Charles II.
St James’s is a blend of royal history and modern commerce. From its aristocratic past to its vibrant present, St James’s continues to captivate. It holds a unique place in London’s story.