Shaftesbury Avenue is one of London’s most celebrated thoroughfares, serving as a central artery for entertainment and culture in the bustling West End. Starting from the iconic Piccadilly Circus, this vibrant street stretches north, passing through key cultural hotspots before almost reaching Tottenham Court Road. While many might assume it leads directly there, Shaftesbury Avenue intriguingly shifts course, ultimately joining Charing Cross Road at Cambridge Circus and flowing towards Bloomsbury and New Oxford Street.
Despite its youthful origins compared to other London streets, Shaftesbury Avenue has cemented itself as a cultural landmark since its creation in the late 19th century. Its history, however, is more than just a tale of brick and mortar; it’s a story of transformation, where urban redevelopment and architectural ambition collide with the city’s theatrical spirit.
The Birth of Shaftesbury Avenue: An Urban Transformation
In 1877, under the provisions of the Metropolitan Street Improvements Act, the Metropolitan Board of Works was authorised to embark on an ambitious urban redevelopment project. This included creating new thoroughfares to improve connectivity between areas such as Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, Bloomsbury, and Tottenham Court Road. The plan, designed by council architect George Vulliamy and implemented by engineer Sir Joseph Bazalgette, was not only intended to enhance urban mobility but also to benefit the city’s poorer residents by demolishing slums and rehousing over 3,000 people.
Interestingly, to avoid demolishing large portions of Soho, the new avenue was designed to widen existing streets. The resulting thoroughfare—Shaftesbury Avenue—was officially opened in January 1886. Named after the seventh Earl of Shaftesbury, a philanthropist renowned for his work in improving the lives of London’s impoverished, this 60-foot-wide street quickly became a vital link in the capital’s transport network.
A Mixed Architectural Heritage: The Look of Shaftesbury Avenue
Upon its creation, Shaftesbury Avenue was intended to be a grand boulevard akin to the impressive Regent Street Quadrant. However, this vision never fully materialised. While the initial design aimed for architectural uniformity, by the time of construction, the aesthetic leaned towards individual expression, with buildings reflecting the stylistic diversity of the era.
Most buildings along Shaftesbury Avenue were constructed using red brick, often adorned with terra-cotta, red sandstone, or Portland stone detailing. Heights varied from three to five storeys, with many featuring gables or turrets in the French or Flemish Renaissance style. Despite these interesting design features, the street never quite achieved the grand aesthetic ambition originally envisioned.
The Theatrical Heart of London: Shaftesbury Avenue’s Theatre Scene
Shaftesbury Avenue is perhaps best known for its theatres. From the late 19th century, it has been a magnet for theatre-goers, boasting an impressive line-up of some of London’s most famous venues. These include:
- Lyric Theatre: Opened in 1888, the Lyric is the oldest theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue. It has hosted a range of productions, from musicals to classic plays.
- Apollo Theatre: Known for its stunning Edwardian architecture, the Apollo Theatre has been entertaining audiences since 1901.
- Globe Theatre (now the Gielgud Theatre): Opened in 1906, this theatre was renamed in honour of John Gielgud, one of Britain’s most acclaimed actors.
- Queen’s Theatre (now Sondheim Theatre): A relatively new addition, it has been delighting theatregoers since 1907 and was renamed to honour Stephen Sondheim in 2019.
- Palace Theatre: Originally constructed as the Royal English Opera House in 1888, the Palace Theatre now stands as a beacon of London’s musical theatre scene.
In addition to its theatres, Shaftesbury Avenue also brushes up against the vibrant district of Chinatown, known for its fantastic array of authentic Asian cuisine and cultural landmarks.
Cultural Landmarks Beyond the Theatre
While theatre dominates the streetscape, Shaftesbury Avenue is home to more than just performance art. As visitors explore, they’ll find several fascinating points of interest:
- Leicester Square: Located at the southern end of Shaftesbury Avenue, this bustling hub is home to major cinemas, drawing crowds for movie premieres and celebrity sightings.
- Chinatown: Just off Shaftesbury Avenue, London’s Chinatown is an essential stop for those seeking vibrant dining experiences. The streets here are lined with restaurants, supermarkets, and bakeries offering authentic Asian flavours.
- Theatrical Relief: Visitors to the avenue will also encounter a striking sculptural relief by Gilbert Bayes. This artwork illustrates the history of theatre, from its ancient origins in Greek and Roman times to modern-day performances.
The Changing Face of Shaftesbury Avenue: From Victorian Slums to Modern Marvels
When Shaftesbury Avenue was first built, it marked a significant step in London’s fight against the squalid slums that had characterised central parts of the city for decades. The avenue cut through some of the worst of these slum areas, many of which were famously depicted in Charles Dickens’ novels. However, the creation of this thoroughfare was not without challenges.
Construction was delayed by the need to rehouse displaced residents. Many of the original homes and buildings in the area were demolished, including historic sites like the French hospital and dispensary and the Gower Street Memorial Chapel, both of which dated back to the 16th century. By the time the street was officially opened in 1886, much of this history had been lost, though the street’s architectural charm remains a testament to London’s ever-changing urban landscape.
Avenue of Innovation: Shaftesbury Avenue’s Hidden Secrets
Among the fascinating historical tidbits of Shaftesbury Avenue is its association with one of the first schools of oriental martial arts in Europe. The Bartitsu School of Arms and Physical Culture, established in 1905, was located here. Though the school only lasted a few years, it remains a notable part of the avenue’s eclectic history.
Other intriguing spots include the former Columbia Cinema, now the Curzon Soho. Designed by Sir John Burnet, this striking building opened in 1958 and remains a significant cultural landmark. Shaftesbury Avenue also housed the Trocadero Restaurant, which, though originally a dining establishment, has been converted into a shopping arcade and entertainment centre.
Shaftesbury Avenue Today: A Living Legacy
Today, Shaftesbury Avenue is more than just a connecting route through London’s West End. It continues to serve as a hub of entertainment, a dividing line between Soho and Chinatown, and a showcase of London’s theatrical heritage. The avenue comes to life in the evenings, as crowds flock to the theatres for the latest shows, and restaurants buzz with activity.
Whether you’re interested in catching a West End production, sampling the flavours of Chinatown, or simply taking a stroll through one of London’s most storied streets, Shaftesbury Avenue offers a rich tapestry of experiences. Its history, while rooted in Victorian ambition, continues to shape the vibrant cultural scene that defines the West End today.