York Watergate

The York Watergate is the sole survivor of London’s famous “Golden Mile”. It once served as the river entrance to the Duke of Buckingham’s residence, one of eleven magnificent houses built on the Strand between 1550 and 1650. With imposing river-facing facades and luxurious interiors, these palaces were some of the most spectacular houses ever built. Home to Dukes and Earls of the English aristocracy through the 17th and 18th centuries, their designers competed to build the most inventive buildings of the time. The distinctly English style of these houses became a symbol of a unique architectural period and not only shaped other great houses around the country but also the image of English power on the world stage.

York House was demolished in the 1670s but the Watergate survived to mark the spot where boats once pulled up for the Duke’s palace.

Today the river is 150 metres away due to the construction of the Victoria Embankment in the 19th century. It is Grade I listed and was one of the first sites in London to be restored by London County Council in 1898, marking a turning point in public appreciation for heritage.

The York Watergate was adopted as HOLT’s logo at the establishment of the charity in 1980.

HOLT will be restoring this site in partnership with Westminster City Council and the London Heritage Quarter in 2026, the 400th anniversary of the building of the Watergate.