Embassy of the Republic of Texas Plaque
when texas had a london embassy
A tiny plaque in a hidden St James's courtyard marking where independent Texas once had its London embassy.
Free to visit · St James's · Green Park · SW1A 1EA
Opening: Viewable any time
For a brief period in the 1840s, before it joined the United States, Texas was an independent country, and it kept a diplomatic legation in London. A small plaque tucked into Pickering Place, reached down one of the narrowest passages in the city beside an old wine merchant, marks where the Republic of Texas once had its embassy.
Pickering Place itself is a gem, a tiny gas-lit Georgian courtyard said to be London's smallest public square and a former spot for duels. It is free to find, a delightful two-for-one of obscure history and hidden architecture just off the grand sweep of St James's.
Getting there: In Pickering Place off St James's Street, a couple of minutes from Green Park.
Best time to go: Daytime, peeking into the tiny courtyard off St James's Street.
Insider tip: Walk down the slim passage beside Berry Bros & Rudd wine merchants to reach the hidden courtyard and find the plaque. Pickering Place is worth seeing in its own right as one of the smallest and oldest squares in London.
Free things to do in London · London Free Guide