Storey's Gate, London
Storey's Gate is a short yet historically significant street in the City of Westminster, London. Nestled between the northeast corner of St James's Park and the southwest edge of Parliament Square, it serves as a discreet but important link between central government institutions and the surrounding royal and ecclesiastical heritage.
Running roughly east to west, Storey's Gate connects Broad Sanctuary to Great George Street, with Tothill Street branching off nearby. Its location places it just steps from Westminster Abbey, the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom, and the Methodist Central Hall, making it a well-trodden path for civil servants, tourists, and locals alike.
The street takes its name from Edward Storey, a 17th-century gatekeeper who is said to have maintained a gate to St James's Park at this location. In the past, the area was part of the outer precinct of Westminster Abbey, with monastic buildings and various gates giving access to the abbey lands. Over the centuries, the gate disappeared, but the name "Storey's Gate" endured.
Map of Storey's Gate, London
Notable Buildings
Today, Storey's Gate is flanked by several notable buildings. Most prominent among them is the Methodist Central Hall Westminster, a grand Edwardian baroque building completed in 1912. It functions as a church and conference centre and was the site of the first meeting of the United Nations General Assembly in 1946. Its imposing dome and ornate detailing lend a sense of grandeur to the otherwise modest street.
On the southern side, just across the road, lies St James's Park, one of the oldest and most scenic royal parks in London. The view across the park towards Buckingham Palace and the Horse Guards Parade is especially striking and draws numerous visitors throughout the year. The entrance to the park from Storey's Gate provides a tranquil escape from the hustle of Westminster.
Painting of Storey's Gate, London (click to expand)
Storey's Gate is also home to government buildings and offices that contribute to the business of the British state. The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, although set slightly back from the street, is located at its eastern end, near Broad Sanctuary. This modern venue is frequently used for official gatherings and high-profile events.
Despite its short length, Storey's Gate encapsulates many facets of London's identity - political, religious, and royal. It is also a key pedestrian route connecting the Westminster underground station area with the broader government quarter, particularly Whitehall, Horse Guards Road, and Birdcage Walk.
For those on foot, Storey's Gate serves as both a practical shortcut and a place to pause and take in some of London's most iconic views. It may not be as famous as the grand thoroughfares nearby, but its quiet charm and proximity to historical landmarks ensure that Storey's Gate remains an integral thread in the fabric of Westminster.