Image credit: Matt Brown / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0 · 2015-01-02 ↗
Pickering Place
St James’s · Piccadilly → St James’s → Covent Garden · Hidden passage / tiny square / Georgian history
Story
From St James’s Street it is extraordinarily easy to walk straight past. Find No.3, the historic Berry Bros. & Rudd shop, and slip through the narrow timber-lined passage beside the shopfront. On the other side is Pickering Place, a tiny court that has been described as London’s smallest public square. The business here began in 1698 with a woman known only as the Widow Bourne; her daughter married William Pickering, and the family rebuilt both No.3 and the former Stroud’s Court, which eventually became Pickering Place. This court has accumulated stories of gambling, violence and duels. For decades, it has been claimed that “London’s last duel” happened here. However, recent examinations of the history make clear that this event has never been proved. Indeed, photographs exist of a staged duel filmed here in 1922, which may have helped the legend grow. The distinction between myth and historical fact is fascinating in itself.
What to look for
Look for the old timber shutters lining the entrance passage, the tiny court beyond, and the surrounding façades. Also notice Berry Bros. & Rudd’s historic details at the entrance.
Secret detail
While the legend of “London’s last duel” is compelling, there is no historical proof to back it up. The true story is often more nuanced than the myth.
Where exactly
From St James’s Street, find the narrow passage immediately beside Berry Bros. & Rudd at No.3 and walk through into the court.
Orientation
From the street, enter WEST/SOUTH-WEST through the passage beside No.3.
Why it matters
This tiny corner encapsulates London’s hidden history, revealing how small passages and courts can preserve centuries of social life, commerce, and urban legends in the city's heart. It's a reminder of how the 'small' often conceals the 'large' in London's history.
Access & opening
Public access can be temporarily affected by private events or operational needs; do not enter clearly closed/private rooms.
Free
We never show live status. Check opening hours before you go.
Accessibility
Very narrow historic passage; surfaces and width should be checked before claiming full step-free accessibility.