This attractive, well-to-do neighbourhood is located to the west of Pimlico, bounded by the busy railway line emanating from Victoria station to the west, and facing the stucco terraces of Pimlico and the Churchill Gardens to the east. The area consists of Regency-era and Victorian terrace houses along regular, straight roads. Many of the small blocks have an open space in the middle, albeit a small and narrow one surrounded by buildings. Nearer Victoria railway station, by the railway tracks, is Abbots Manor, which consists of several council flats, built with striking red bricks and white windows, including the towering Glastonbury House. The locality is predominantly residential, though there are numerous hotels, as well as a couple of eateries. The area is also home to a few car parks.

The street plan of Pimlico was designed by Thomas Cubitt, on what was then marshland – the land was filled in from the soil from St. Katherine’s Docks, which were being constructed at the same time.

Laura Ashley, the fashion designer who gave her name to the now-famous brand, started her clothing business in her home at the time on 83 Cambridge Street, while working as a secretary and raising her first two children. She had been involved in some development work for the Women’s Institute on quilting, and had begun revisiting the craft her grandmother had taught her, designing headscarves, napkins, table mats and other cloths.

Swami Vivekananda lived on 63 St. George’s Drive in 1896. He was a Hindu philosopher, key to introducing the Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world, as well as espousing interfaith awareness in general. His best-known speech is perhaps one where he introduced Hinduism at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago, 1893.

The area is at the heart of London, which sadly also means that the congestion can be overwhelming. Victoria railway station is close by, but even closer is Victoria coach station, and the many stops around the station. In addition, the only connection to westwards Chelsea is via Warwick Way and Elizabeth Bridge.

The Pimlico area’s terrace houses have largely been split into flats – and there are many small conversions throughout the area. However, there are also newer builds coming up, particularly near the railway lines – one such example is Ebury Place, a modern medium-rise building near Victoria railway and coach stations.