St James' Street
Sir Walter Besant, in The Fascination of London, published in 1903, turns his attention to St James' Street:
"St. James's Street is much more remarkable for the natural advantages and beauty of the ground, than from any addition it has received from art," so says Ralph ("Critical Review of Public Buildings," 1783 edition).
In the very earliest maps of the parish a road is marked on this site, leading northward from St James' Palace. The street was built about 1670, and was first known as Long Street.
In the time of the Stuarts it shared the aristocratic tendency of the square, and had a list of noble occupiers.
It was levelled and made uniform in 1764, having previously descended from Piccadilly by steps.
Next: St James' Street: Clubs: White's
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