1811

Regent Street was designed by the architect John Nash as a compliment to the Prince Regent. He sought to link Carlton House, the home of the Prince Regent, with Regent's Park where the future king was planning to build a new palace.

1825

The street was completed and was declared a masterpiece of town planning. The street was acclaimed for its sweeping architecture.

Regent Street was immediately recognised as the centre of London’s social scene.

1848

The distinctive colonnades of the street were removed after the complaints of shopkeepers drew attention to the ladies of the night who plied their trade in the shadows of the columns.

1865

Regent Street welcomes The Café Royal, which quickly became home to London's social elite and was a favourite haunt for creative talents such as JM Whistler, Oscar Wilde and TS Elliot.

1904

By the end of the nineteenth century, Regent Street needed modernisation as retailers and businesses required larger units.

The Nash terraces were demolished and rebuilding started in 1902. It was delayed by the outbreak of World War 1 and was not completed until 1927.

1927

Street redesign completed.
The only surviving original Nash building is All Soul's Church.

2001

Regent Street gets branded. Find out more in our guide to the Regent Street brand.

Today

Few structural or physical changes have been made since the 1920s. Yet there are now many famous fashion and department stores and exciting new international arrivals such as Apple Store, Aquascutum and Lacoste. The street is now home to three large hotels and the food quarter in Heddon Street. Many businesses are located in the offices above and behind the shops.

The Future

The Regent Street Vision, a stewardship plan for the future, is the ongoing plan to make cosmetic alterations, minor improvements and major refurbishments for the Street. The Crown Estate recognises that urgent upgrading of some parts of the street is now required to provide facilities which meet the demands of the 21st century.