Old Compton Street – The Saturday Street

The Saturday Street is our NEW weekly series in which we unlock the stories behind the names of London's famous thoroughfares. It's compiled by London Walks guide Karen – listed by Travel + Leisure magazine as The World's Greatest Tour Guide. You can find Karen on Saturdays guiding her Old Westminster and British Museum walks. If you've got a London street query or suggestion, email Karen at the usual address
Old Compton Street W1

Location: the City of Westminster
Old Compton Street was named after Henry Compton who raised money to build a local parish church – the church that stands today as St Anne’s Church, which was consecrated in 1686.

See Old Compton Street on the Soho Pub Walk every Sunday night.