Stratford Place is a short, cul‑de‑sac street located in the City of Westminster, London, England. It lies off Oxford Street, directly opposite Bond Street underground station. The road is notable for its historic architecture and diplomatic presence.
History
The site originally housed the Lord Mayor of London’s Banqueting House, constructed in 1565. Between 1770 and 1776, Edward Stratford, 2nd Earl of Aldborough, commissioned the building of Stratford House as a London townhouse for the Stratford family. The central range of the house was designed by the eminent architect Robert Adam. Over the ensuing centuries, Stratford House changed ownership several times and underwent multiple alterations, including additions by Murray Guthrie (1894), Sir Edward Colebrook (1903), and Lord Derby (1908).
In 1960, the Oriental Club acquired Stratford House, converting it for club use while preserving many historic features. The building is currently a Grade I listed structure, reflecting its architectural and historic significance.
Notable Buildings and Occupants
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Stratford House (Numbers 1–3) – The former townhouse of the Stratford family, now the headquarters of the Oriental Club. It retains Adam‑era interiors and includes a drawing room, library, billiards room, and a number of bedrooms.
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Number 4 – Historically served as the headquarters of the Apollinaris Company Ltd in the early 20th century.
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Number 6 – Houses the High Commission of Botswana; the building is Grade II listed.
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Number 7 – Former London residence of American politician Martin Van Buren (citation needed).
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Numbers 12–13 – A pair of townhouses dating from 1774, designed by Richard Edwin, also listed.
The street also contains the High Commission of Tanzania at number ? (the source lists the High Commission of Tanzania but does not specify the exact number).
Significance
Stratford Place exemplifies Georgian urban development in London’s West End and remains a location of diplomatic missions and prestigious private clubs. Its preservation as a listed street contributes to the historical fabric of Westminster and provides insight into the architectural legacy of Robert Adam and subsequent alterations by notable 19th‑ and early‑20th‑century owners.