London Unveiled

great places to visit off the beaten path.

Pickering Place ~ the real Texan Embassy

One of London’s smallest courtyards - and one with a wealth of history.  The Republic of Texas has their embassy here from 1842 until 1845.  At that time, Texas ceased to claim its status as an independent country and it joined the United States.  The entrance to the courtyard takes you through a narrow passageway where a plaque commemorates the location of this embassy.  The plaque reads: TEXAS LEGATION In this building was the legation for the ministers from the Republic of Texas to the Court of St. James 1842-1845

This is certainly not the same as the Texan Embassy cantina by Trafalgar Square!

The courtyard is still gaslit and has a wonderfully historic Georgian feel.  In the 1700s history claims that Pickering Place’s seclusion allowed for gambling, bear baiting and even duelling.  It is claimed that Beau Brummel, close friend to King George IV and inventor of the cravat, once fought here.

Location:  Enter at #3 St. James Street (near Pall Mall), SW1A 1EA

Closest tube: Green Park

One comment on “Pickering Place ~ the real Texan Embassy

  1. blue starr
    February 14, 2013

    Another interesting place to have a look at that I would never have known about.
    Walking down the covered alley felt like I was going to step back in time. A lovely courtyard, old London, amazing to see these places pretty much unaltered.

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This entry was posted on July 26, 2012 by in Free Activities, Westminster and tagged .
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