Charing Cross Road, London
Where is Charing Cross Road?
Charing Cross Road is a major thoroughfare located in the heart of central London. It begins near Trafalgar Square and extends northward through the City of Westminster and into the London Borough of Camden. The road is renowned for its close proximity to many of the West End’s most iconic landmarks and cultural venues.It serves as a major connector between the entertainment district around Leicester Square and Soho to the west, and the academic and literary hubs around Bloomsbury to the east.
How Long is Charing Cross Road?
Charing Cross Road is approximately 0.6 miles (just under 1 kilometre) in length. Despite its relatively short stretch, the road is packed with cultural, historical, and commercial significance, making it one of the most vibrant streets in central London.History of Charing Cross Road
The street was built in the 1880s by the Metropolitan Board of Works as part of a wider urban improvement plan to ease congestion and improve traffic flow through central London. It was formed by the merging and widening of existing medieval streets including Crown Street, which once ran along a similar route.Construction was completed by 1887, with Charing Cross Road running from the Charing Cross junction at Trafalgar Square up to Tottenham Court Road. The project helped modernize the West End while creating space for broader pavements and improved transportation links.
Map of Charing Cross Road, London
How Did Charing Cross Road Get Its Name?
The road derives its name from Charing Cross, the historic junction and site of the Eleanor Cross near Trafalgar Square. The term “Charing” is believed to come from the Old English word cierring, meaning a bend, referring to a bend in the River Thames. “Charing Cross” became the central reference point for distances measured from London. The name was extended to Charing Cross Road due to its position connecting this central location with the areas further north. The naming was formalized with the construction of the road in the 1880s.Roads That Connect to Charing Cross Road
Charing Cross Road connects with several notable streets and junctions, making it a vital artery in central London. These include:- Trafalgar Square / Strand / Whitehall (at the southern end)
- St Martin's Place
- Leicester Square (via Cranbourn Street)
- Shaftesbury Avenue
- Great Newport Street
- Cambridge Circus
- Old Compton Street
- Manette Street
- Oxford Street (near Tottenham Court Road)
Painting of Charing Cross Road (View full-size image here)
Major Buildings and Landmarks on Charing Cross Road
Charing Cross Road is home to numerous significant buildings and landmarks, especially known for its literary and theatrical associations. On the west side:- Garrick Theatre – A historic West End theatre dating back to 1889.
- Palace Theatre – Located at the junction with Shaftesbury Avenue, one of London's grandest theatres.
- Foyles Bookshop – Once considered the world’s largest bookshop; now located at 107 Charing Cross Road with a modern five-storey layout.
- St Martin-in-the-Fields Church – Near the southern end, a notable Neoclassical church with a rich musical tradition.
- National Portrait Gallery (entrance nearby) – Located just off the street on St Martin's Place.
- Various antiquarian and second-hand bookshops – Once a defining feature of the east side, some still survive.
Nearest Underground Stations and Tube Lines
Charing Cross Road is exceptionally well served by London Underground stations, providing easy access for both locals and tourists.- Charing Cross Station – Located at the southern end. Served by the Bakerloo and Northern lines.
- Leicester Square Station – Midway up the road. Served by the Piccadilly and Northern lines.
- Tottenham Court Road Station – At the northern end. Served by the Central, Elizabeth, and Northern lines.
Fun Fact About Charing Cross Road
Charing Cross Road has a unique literary claim to fame thanks to the famous epistolary book 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff. The book recounts the true story of the author's correspondence with a London bookshop, Marks & Co., located at 84 Charing Cross Road, during the 1940s and 1950s.Though the shop no longer exists, a commemorative plaque marks the location and draws fans from around the world. The book was later adapted into a stage play, a television drama, and a film starring Anthony Hopkins and Anne Bancroft.
Conclusion
Charing Cross Road may not be the longest street in London, but it is undoubtedly one of the most iconic. With its blend of literary heritage, dramatic flair, and strategic location, it captures the essence of the West End.Whether you're browsing in one of its legendary bookshops, catching a show at a grand theatre, or simply passing through en route to Trafalgar Square or Soho, Charing Cross Road offers a vivid slice of London life. It remains a must-visit street for anyone looking to experience the cultural heartbeat of the capital.