Irving Street – The Saturday Street

The Saturday Street is our 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
Irving Street Location: Westminster WC2
Named for the first actor to be knighted – Sir Henry Irving. The street was laid out from 1670 when it was called Green Street, named for a bowling green that once stood at what is now Leicester Square.