Make your stay extra special with The Ritz Blue Plaque tour; a fascinating history walk through St James’s and Mayfair, uncovering the lives of iconic figures commemorated by London’s blue plaques. 

Our local neighbourhood surrounding The Ritz is an area rich with history. A stay at The Ritz wouldn’t be complete without a historical tour of the blue plaques in London, particularly in St James’s and Mayfair.  These plaques commemorate the many philosophers, artists, scientists, writers, politicians, and even royalty who once lived and worked just steps from 150 Piccadilly. 

Sir Henry Pelham

You don’t have to travel far to reach the first stop on our tour. Former Prime Minister Sir Henry Pelham hired architect William Kent in 1743 to build his residence at 22 Arlington Street, St James’s, which is now William Kent House, which adjoins The Ritz.

Frédéric Chopin

Polish composer and pianist, Frédéric Chopin lived just around the corner at 4 St James’s Place. During his time living here he gave his very last public performance at a gala benefit at Guildhall in the City for the Friends of Poland.

Field Marshal Horatio Herbert, Earl Kitchener of Khartoum

Army officer and Secretary of State Lord Kitchener, best known for appearing on the emblematic ‘Your country needs you’ poster of the First World War, lived at 2 Carlton Gardens, St James’s.

General Charles de Gaulle

Just a couple of doors down, French Army Officer and Former President of France, General Charles de Gaulle, set up the Headquarters of the Free French Forces government‑in‑exile in June 1940 at 4 Carlton Gardens, St James’s after the Fall of France in World War II.

Thomas Gainsborough

English portrait painter and landscape artist Thomas Gainsborough lived at 82 Pall Mall, St James’s. Gainsborough was also a founding member of the Royal Academy, located a moment from The Ritz on Piccadilly.

This is just one of the many blue plaques in London dedicated to legendary artists, making the city a paradise for art lovers.

Sir Isaac Newton

Mathematician, physicist, astronomer and philosopher, Sir Isaac Newton lived at 87 Jermyn Street. Newton came to Jermyn Street in 1696, having been appointed as Master of the Mint, a position he held until his death. He originally lived at number 88 until 1700, before moving next door to 87, where he remained until autumn 1709.

Lady Nancy Astor

Politician and the first female MP to sit in parliament, Lady Nancy Astor lived at 4 St James’s Square when she wasn’t at her country residence, Cliveden House, in Buckinghamshire.

Sir Joshua Reynolds

Portrait Painter, Former President of the Royal Academy and rival of Thomas Gainsborough, Sir Joshua Reynolds, lived at 47 Leicester Square. Moving to Leicester Square at just 17 years old, Reynolds built an extension on the house of studios and a gallery. A descendant noted that ‘Everybody in the house painted . . . the coachman and the manservant Ralph and his daughter, all painted, copied and talked about pictures’.

Sir Henry Irving

Strolling over to Mayfair, English stage actor and the first actor to receive a knighthood, Sir Henry Irving lived at 15a Grafton Street. Irving spent the most prosperous years of his career on Grafton Street, where his dining room overlooked the boutiques of Bond Street.

Jean Muir

From the inception of her company, Jean Muir Ltd, in 1966, Fashion Designer and Dressmaker Jean Muir had a grand showroom and office on the first floor of 22 Bruton Street, Mayfair. Here, she hosted house model and muse Joanna Lumley and esteemed clients, including Dame Maggie Smith and Dame Judi Dench.

Charles X

Charles X, the last Bourbon King of France, resided at 72 South Audley Street, Mayfair, whilst in exile between 1805 and 1814 during the French Revolutionary Wars.

Caroline Norton

Champion of legal rights for women who were separated from their husbands, Caroline Norton was instrumental in passing the 1839 Custody of Infants Act, also known as the first piece of feminist legislation. Norton was also a highly regarded writer during her lifetime. Her blue plaque at 3 Chesterfield Street, Mayfair, marks the house she lived in for over 30 years and is the final stop on our tour.

Back to The Ritz

After a captivating exploration of London blue plaques, showcasing the lives of some of history’s most fascinating figures, it’s time to return to The Ritz for a well-earned moment of relaxation

There you have it! Our tour of blue plaques in London ends with a short stroll back to The Ritz, perfect for a well-earned Afternoon Tea or lunch in the Two Michelin Star Ritz Restaurant after a fascinating journey through history.