Drury Lane: A Historic Thoroughfare in the Heart of London’s Theatreland


Where is Drury Lane?

Drury Lane is located in the heart of London’s West End, within the City of Westminster and the London Borough of Camden. Running parallel to Kingsway and just a stone’s throw from Covent Garden, the street sits in the midst of London’s vibrant Theatreland.

It stretches from the junction with High Holborn in the north to Aldwych in the south, passing close to several iconic landmarks and bustling entertainment venues.

How Long is Drury Lane?

Drury Lane is approximately 0.4 miles (around 0.65 kilometres) in length. Despite its relatively short stretch, the street plays an outsized role in London’s cultural and theatrical landscape.

A Brief History of Drury Lane

Drury Lane dates back to the early 17th century. Originally known as the Via de Aldwych, it was developed as part of a residential area created during the reign of King James I.

By the mid-1600s, Drury Lane had become a fashionable area filled with fine houses. However, by the end of the 17th century, the street's reputation declined, and it gained notoriety for crime and poverty. Over time, the area was redeveloped, especially in the 19th and 20th centuries, helping restore its status as part of London's entertainment district.

Map of Drury Lane, London

How Did Drury Lane Get Its Name?

Drury Lane is named after Sir Robert Drury, a prominent figure in Elizabethan England. Sir Robert built Drury House on the site in the early 1500s, and the street gradually took on the name "Drury Lane" in reference to the family estate.

The name was well-established by the early 1600s, shortly after the house and its surrounding lands began to be developed into residential streets.

Connecting Roads

Drury Lane connects with several major and minor streets, making it a vital thoroughfare in central London. Roads that connect to Drury Lane include: These connections make Drury Lane a useful shortcut for both foot and vehicle traffic in the West End.

Painting of Drury Lane, London

Painting of Drury Lane

Major Buildings Along Drury Lane

Drury Lane is lined with a mix of historical and modern buildings, with significant structures on both its eastern and western sides:

East Side: West Side:

Nearest London Underground Stations

Drury Lane is well-served by several London Underground stations within a short walking distance: This excellent transport connectivity makes Drury Lane an easy spot to access for tourists, theatre-lovers, and commuters.

Fun Fact: The Muffin Man and Nursery Rhymes

A fun and curious fact about Drury Lane is its immortalisation in the English nursery rhyme, “Do You Know the Muffin Man?”. The song begins with the line:

“Do you know the Muffin Man, who lives on Drury Lane?”

This whimsical verse has been sung by children for generations, and many Londoners and visitors delight in walking the real-life street that inspired the rhyme. The origins of the song date back to at least the early 19th century and may have referenced the street vendors who once sold baked goods in the area.

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.