Fleet Street, London

Fleet Street is one of London's most iconic thoroughfares, running from the Strand in the west to Ludgate Hill, near the junction with Farringdon Street, in the east. Situated within the historic City of London, the street has long played a central role in the city's development - particularly in the realms of publishing, journalism, and the law.

A Street Rich in History

Fleet Street takes its name from the now mostly underground River Fleet, once one of London's principal rivers. The river once flowed openly near this location before being gradually culverted and concealed by urban development. Though no longer visible, its legacy lives on in the name of the street.

Map of Fleet Street, London

Roads that branch from Fleet Street

Several notable roads branch off Fleet Street, contributing to its connectivity and prominence. These include:

Fleet Street and the Press

Fleet Street was once synonymous with the British newspaper industry, serving as the base for nearly all major national newspapers for most of the 20th century. From the Daily Telegraph to The Sun, this narrow stretch of road was the beating heart of British journalism. While most newspapers have since relocated to areas like Canary Wharf and Southwark, "Fleet Street" remains a metonym for the press.

Legal and Professional Life Today

Today, Fleet Street has largely transitioned into a hub for law firms, barristers' chambers, and other professional services. Its proximity to the Royal Courts of Justice and Inns of Court makes it a natural base for legal practitioners.

Fun Fact

Fleet Street famously features in the story of Sweeney Todd, the fictional "Demon Barber of Fleet Street," whose tale has been adapted for stage and screen - including Tim Burton's 2007 film starring Johnny Depp. While there's no evidence he actually existed, the legend is deeply tied to the street's lore.

Getting there

The closest London Underground station to Fleet Street is Blackfriars Station, located to the south. Blackfriars is served by the District Line and Circle Line. Blackfriars also has National Rail connections, making it an accessible hub for commuters and visitors alike.

More streets in London

To explore more streets across the capital, visit our Streets in London page, where you'll find an interactive map and a growing list of all the streets we've documented so far.

Map of Streets in London

View all the streets that I have documented on Google Maps in this Map of Streets in London.