Grainger Town - Grey Street

Grey Street

Grey Street was built by Richard Grainger in the 1830s with the aid of several architects, including John Dobson. The whole of the western side of the street was designed by two architects from Grainger’s office, John Wardle and George Walker. Dean Street, which continues south from Grey Street was constructed earlier, in 1749. Grey Street contains the Theatre Royal designed by John and Benjamin Green, the southern entrance to Monument Metro station and the Central Arcade. It is renowned for its Georgian architecture, and was in 2010 voted 'Best street in the UK' by BBC Radio 4 listeners.

The street runs South from Grey's Monument; after the junction with Mosley Street it continues as Dean Street. Like Dean Street it follows the route of the Lorke or Lort Burn, which formerly flowed into the Tyne but is now underground, and so curves slowly to the East as well as descending towards the river. The street was initially named Upper Dean Street, but was subsequently renamed as Grey Street.

Sir John Betjeman said:

As for the curve of Grey Street, I shall never forget seeing it to perfection, traffic-less on a misty Sunday morning. Not even Regent Street, even old Regent Street London, can compare with that descending subtle curve.