Soho Square – 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
Soho Square W1 Location: Westminster
Most sources have it that the name Soho derives from an old, possibly French hunting cry. It first appears in the 1600’s. The cry “Soho!” was taken up by the Duke of Monmouth’s men at the Battle of Sedgemoor in 1685. The Duke, the eldest illegitimate son of King Charles II held property near what is now Soho Square.