Exeter Street

Exeter Street is a thoroughfare located in the London Borough of Camden, within the historic West End of London. It runs roughly east-west, connecting Strand to the north with Aldwych to the south, situated near significant landmarks like Somerset House and King's College London. The street's history is deeply intertwined with the development of the Aldwych and Kingsway improvements of the early 20th century, which transformed this part of central London.

History

The street's origins lie in the early 1900s, created as part of the comprehensive Aldwych and Kingsway redevelopment scheme initiated by the London County Council. This major urban planning project, which cleared a notorious slum area, was designed to improve traffic flow and modernize the district. The construction led to the demolition of the historic Lyceum Theatre's original home, though the theatre itself was rebuilt nearby. Exeter Street was formally established and named, with its current building stock predominantly dating from this Edwardian period of reconstruction, reflecting the architectural ambitions of the London County Council and the era.

Geography and notable buildings

Exeter Street is a relatively short street, positioned between the curve of Aldwych and the busy Strand, placing it within the heart of London's legal and academic precinct. Its southern end opens directly onto the crescent of Aldwych, near the Bush House building, long associated with the BBC World Service. Architecturally, the street is characterized by substantial Edwardian commercial and institutional buildings constructed from Portland stone. One of the most prominent structures is the Australia House, the High Commission of Australia in the United Kingdom, whose grand facade and iconic sculptural group dominate the western view. Other significant buildings include various properties owned by King's College London, which uses them for administrative and academic purposes, integrating the street into the fabric of the university's Strand Campus.

Transport and access

The street is primarily served by several key London Underground stations located within a short walking distance. The closest stations are Temple on the District and Circle lines, and Covent Garden on the Piccadilly line. Major bus routes along the adjacent Strand and Aldwych provide extensive connections across Central London. Given its central location within the Congestion Charging Zone and the Ultra Low Emission Zone, access by private vehicle is restricted, encouraging use of the extensive public transport network. The area is also a hub for black cabs and is well-served by cycling infrastructure, including Santander Cycles docking stations.

Cultural references

While not frequently the primary setting, the street and its imposing institutional architecture have appeared in various films and television productions, often representing the backdrop of official or academic London. Its proximity to the Bush House headquarters of the BBC World Service has also linked it indirectly to global media history. The architectural gravitas of Australia House has made it a recognizable location, notably featured as the interior of Gringotts Wizarding Bank in the Harry Potter film series, bringing it to international attention.

Notable residents

Historically, the street has been predominantly commercial and institutional, with few traditional residential addresses. Its notable associations are therefore largely with the institutions housed there and the figures connected to them. This includes various diplomats and High Commissioners stationed at Australia House, such as former Prime Minister Stanley Bruce, who served as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. Given the strong presence of King's College London, numerous eminent academics, including Nobel laureates like Peter Higgs and James Black, have worked in buildings on or accessed from the street. The area was also frequented by literary figures associated with the nearby Savoy Hotel and the Lyceum Theatre.

Category:Streets in the London Borough of Camden