Mount Street Gardens: Mayfair's Hidden Historic Park and Former Graveyard
Mount Street Gardens is a peaceful pocket park hidden between Mount Street and South Audley Street in Mayfair, one of London’s most elegant neighbourhoods . This tranquil green space conceals a fascinating secret: it was once the burial ground for St George’s Hanover Square parish church.
Unlike typical London parks, Mount Street Gardens retains visible traces of its graveyard past, including a sunken table-top tomb and flat gravestones set into the grass . Today, it offers visitors a rare combination of Georgian history, Victorian architecture, and peaceful gardens in the heart of central London.
From Parish Graveyard to Public Park
When Mayfair was developed in the early 18th century, St George’s Hanover Square became the new parish church, completed around 1724 . Unlike most London parish churches, it had no adjoining graveyard.
Instead, the Grosvenor Estate—which owned much of Mayfair—allocated land just south of Mount Street specifically for burials . Because burials could only take place on consecrated church land, the estate sold this plot to the parish, an unusual arrangement for the property-conscious Grosvenors.
The graveyard served Mayfair’s wealthy residents, but also the area’s poorest. A large parish workhouse overlooking the burial ground housed up to 600 residents at its peak, including orphans, single mothers, the sick, and the elderly .
The Victorian Burial Crisis and Park Creation
By the 1850s, London’s population had more than doubled in 50 years, causing a burial crisis across the city . Overcrowded central London graveyards became insanitary health hazards.
Parliament banned burials in inner London and established purpose-built cemeteries including:
- Highgate Cemetery
- Brompton Cemetery
- Kensal Green Cemetery
Many former burial grounds, including Mount Street, were later transformed into public parks, creating much-needed green space in densely populated Victorian London . Mount Street Gardens opened as a public park in this period, preserving the site’s history while serving a new civic purpose.
Two Contrasting Historic Churches
Mount Street Gardens sits between two architecturally significant churches that represent different periods and styles of London architecture.
Grosvenor Chapel (1730)
Grosvenor Chapel on South Audley Street was built in 1730 as a chapel of ease to St George’s Hanover Square . Modelled on James Gibbs’ masterpiece St Martin-in-the-Fields, the chapel exemplifies Georgian classical architecture with its elegant simplicity and light-filled interior.
The chapel served Mayfair residents who lived too far from the main parish church for convenient Sunday worship.
Farm Street Church (1849)
Farm Street Church, officially the Church of the Immaculate Conception, presents a dramatic contrast . Built in 1849 from rough Kentish ragstone, the exterior appears modest, even austere.
Inside, however, visitors discover a spectacular high altar designed by Augustus Pugin, the Gothic Revival architect responsible for the interiors of the Houses of Parliament . The church represents Victorian Gothic Revival architecture at its finest.
What to See at Mount Street Gardens
Mount Street Gardens offers visitors several unique features:
- Historic gravestones: Visible table-top tombs and flat gravestones embedded in the lawns
- Well-maintained gardens: Seasonal flower beds and mature trees providing year-round interest
- Peaceful atmosphere: A quiet retreat from busy Mayfair shopping streets
- Architectural landmarks: Easy access to two contrasting historic churches
- Georgian and Victorian history: Layers of London’s social history from wealthy parishioners to workhouse residents
The park is particularly beautiful in spring and summer when flower beds are in full bloom.
Location and Access
Mount Street Gardens is located in Mayfair, bounded by:
- Mount Street (north)
- South Audley Street (west)
- Farm Street (east)
Nearest stations:
- Bond Street station (Central and Elizabeth lines)
- Green Park station (Jubilee, Piccadilly and Victoria lines)
The gardens are open daily during daylight hours and are free to visit.
FAQs About Mount Street Gardens
Is Mount Street Gardens a former graveyard?
Yes, Mount Street Gardens was the burial ground for St George’s Hanover Square parish from the early 18th century until burials ceased in central London in the 1850s.
Can you still see gravestones in Mount Street Gardens?
Yes, some original gravestones remain visible, including table-top tombs and flat stones set into the grass.
What churches are near Mount Street Gardens?
Grosvenor Chapel (1730) and Farm Street Church (1849) stand at either end of the gardens, representing Georgian and Victorian architecture respectively.
Is Mount Street Gardens open to the public?
Yes, the gardens are a public park open daily during daylight hours with free admission.
Explore Mayfair's Hidden History
Discover the stories behind Mount Street Gardens and Mayfair’s elegant streets on a private guided walking tour.
Book a private tour with Jill Dalton to explore this beautiful corner of London and uncover the hidden history beneath Mayfair’s gracious façade.
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