Republic of Texas Plaque

A Diplomatic Curiosity in the Heart of London

Nestled in the quiet passage of Pickering Place, just steps from St. James's Palace, the Republic of Texas Plaque stands as a testament to a fleeting but fascinating moment in international relations. Between 1842 and 1845, the building above Berry Bros. & Rudd, London’s oldest wine merchant, served as the Texas Legation—the diplomatic outpost for the independent Republic of Texas. At a time when Texas was navigating its precarious sovereignty between the United States and Mexico, this small office played a role in fostering ties with Britain, a nation that, while never formally recognizing Texas, allowed Texan goods into its ports and offered diplomatic support.

History Etched in Brass

The plaque itself, unveiled in 1963 by Texas Governor Price Daniel, Sr., was the initiative of the Anglo-Texan Society, a group dedicated to preserving the unique bond between Texas and Britain. The society’s efforts brought renewed attention to this overlooked piece of history, and in 1986, a delegation of Texans famously paid off a long-forgotten rent bill from 1845, settling the debt in Republic of Texas banknotes. The plaque bears the seal of the Republic of Texas and commemorates the legation’s presence during the final years of Texas’s independence.

Layers of London’s Past

The building at 4 St. James’s Street is steeped in history beyond its Texan connection. Berry Bros. & Rudd has operated from this site since 1698, serving the British Royal Family and hosting a variety of tenants over the centuries, including a brothel, a gambling den, and even Napoleon III during his exile. The Georgian rooms above the wine shop have witnessed centuries of intrigue, making the site a microcosm of London’s layered past. The plaque’s location in Pickering Place, a narrow alley with its own storied reputation, adds to the sense of discovery and hidden history.

A Symbol of Transatlantic Ties

The Republic of Texas Plaque is more than a historical marker; it is a symbol of the enduring relationship between Texas and Britain. The Anglo-Texan Society, founded in 1953 with Graham Greene as its first president, continues to celebrate this connection. The plaque’s presence in one of London’s most historic neighborhoods invites visitors to reflect on the unexpected ways in which global history intersects with local landmarks.

Visiting the Plaque

Today, the plaque is easily accessible to anyone exploring St. James’s. It is located in the passageway leading to Pickering Place, just off St. James’s Street. The site is free to visit and offers a quiet moment of reflection amidst the bustling city. The plaque’s inscription and the surrounding architecture provide a tangible link to a time when Texas was an independent nation, and its diplomatic mission in London played a small but significant role in shaping its destiny.