Right in the heart of London, bound between parks and neoclassical masterpieces, is a road that’s long been a byword for elegance, sophistication, and excitement: Piccadilly. With Green Park on one end of the road and the bright-light excitement of Piccadilly Circus on the other, going for breakfast at the Ritz is never more than a few steps away.
Our Piccadilly co-working space offers more than just a place to work; it provides an opportunity to be part of a legacy that has shaped the very essence of London – and therefore the wider country. But what is the history of Piccadilly? In order to feel a part of this historical legacy, it helps to know a bit about it! So let’s find out.
From fields to fabulous – the birth of Piccadilly
The origins of Piccadilly are as colourful as the area itself. In the early 17th century, the area we now know as Piccadilly was once a rural patch of land on the outskirts of London (which, at the time, occupied quite a small area). This stretch had been a thoroughfare since at least the Middle Ages for people getting to and from Reading – it was commonly known as some variation of “Reading Road”.
Being far enough out of the (at the time) squalor of London within the city walls, this road became known for the pleasant meadows surrounding it and, in around 1610, a successful tailor called Robert Baker bought the patch of land. Baker had made his fortune selling “piccadills” – which were a type of highly ornate stiff collars that, alongside ruffs, have become such a marker of Jacobean fashion.
With his newfound wealth, he built a large mansion on what is now Piccadilly, naming it “Piccadilly Hall.” From this humble beginning, the area began to grow in both reputation and importance. It very quickly had a church built – St James’ Church – which was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and still stands as a marker of the road’s quaint history.
As London expanded westward, Piccadilly evolved from a quiet rural area into one of the city’s most fashionable districts. By the 18th century, it had become a hub for high society, with grand mansions and elegant gardens lining both sides of the street. The aristocracy flocked to the area, attracted by its proximity to the royal parks and the court at St. James’s Palace (and, to an extent, the popular “gaming house” that had opened up – which is an old form of casino).
One of the most famous residents of the time was Lord Burlington, who built the magnificent Burlington House, which still stands today and is now home to the Royal Academy of Arts. The grandeur of these huge neoclassical buildings, many of which have survived centuries, gives Piccadilly a timeless charm.
Piccadilly in Pop Culture
The cultural significance of Piccadilly extends beyond its architecture. This street has found its way into the hearts and minds of people all over the world, immortalised in literature, art, and, of course, music. One of the most famous references to Piccadilly comes from the World War I song “It’s a Long Way to Tipperary,” which sings of the street with a kind of nostalgic reverence.
The song, written in 1912 by Jack Judge and Harry Williams, grew to become an anthem for soldiers during the war, symbolising a longing for home and the comforts of familiar places. Whether it was actually an anthem the soldiers sung or whether it was an anthem that civilians thought the soldiers sung is a bone of contention – but what matters is that the song was undoubtedly popular.
The chorus of the song mentions “goodbye Piccadilly, farewell Leicester Square” as two clear cornerstones of London life – places of stability, history, and tradition amidst the chaos of the burgeoning war.
Our Piccadilly Offices: A Modern Take on a Historic Legacy
Today, Piccadilly continues to be a symbol of London’s elegance and sophistication, and our offices are designed to reflect that legacy. Situated in a building that seamlessly blends historic charm with modern luxury, our co-working space offers a unique environment where history and innovation coexist.
The design of our offices is inspired by the timeless elegance of the surrounding area. High ceilings, large windows, and carefully selected materials create a space that feels both contemporary and classic. Each floor offers flexibility while enjoying the ambiance of one of London’s most prestigious locations. Whether you’re meeting clients in our beautifully appointed meeting rooms or taking a break in one of our stylish communal areas, you’ll find that every corner of our office has been designed with your comfort and productivity in mind.
But what truly sets our Piccadilly offices apart is not just the design or the location, but the sense of belonging that comes with being part of this historic area. Working in Piccadilly means more than just a prestigious address; it means being part of a community that values tradition while embracing the future.
Does Piccadilly still matter?
Some might wonder why places like Piccadilly continue to hold such importance in a city as dynamic as London. The answer lies in Piccadilly’s ability to balance the old with the new. It’s a place where history is honoured while innovation is encouraged – a place where the past and present come together to create something that’s hard to find elsewhere (at least in a genuinely living form).
For businesses, this blend of history and modernity is invaluable. A Piccadilly address signifies success, stability, and a connection to the heart of London’s rich cultural heritage. It’s an address that tells clients and partners that you are serious about your business, that you value quality and prestige. Our offices offer a workspace that’s not just a place to work, but a place to belong – a place where you can be part of a history that is still unfolding.
For more information, check out the brochure for our Piccadilly offices and, if you’d like to ask any questions, let’s talk about getting your stamp in history.
