Texas Legation Plaque
A hidden brass plaque marking where the Republic of Texas once sought recognition from the British Crown.
A brass plaque marking the site of the Republic of Texas's diplomatic mission to the British Court, housed above a historic wine merchant from 1842 to 1845. Located in Pickering Place, a hidden alley off St. James's Street near St. James's Palace, this modest memorial commemorates a fascinating chapter when Texas sought international recognition as an independent nation. The plaque was erected in 1963 by the Anglo-Texan Society and remains a quirky reminder of Texas's brief sovereignty.
A brief summary to Republic of Texas Plaque
- 4 St James's St, London, St. James's, SW1A 1EF, GB
- Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
- Free
-
Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- The plaque is easily missed—look for the narrow passageway entrance marked 'No. 3' to the left of Berry Bros. & Rudd wine shop. It's tucked in the corridor leading to Pickering Place.
- Visit Berry Bros. & Rudd while you're there. This working wine merchant has operated continuously since 1698 and offers tastings and tours of its historic cellars beneath St. James's Street.
- Combine your visit with nearby attractions: St. James's Palace, Buckingham Palace, and the Royal Academy of Arts are all within easy walking distance.
- The plaque features the seal of the Republic of Texas at the top—take time to examine the details and read the full inscription commemorating the 1842-1845 legation period.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Food Options
- Drink Options
- Restrooms
- Information Boards
Getting There
-
Underground / Tube
Take the District, Circle, or Jubilee Line to Green Park station. Exit and walk northeast along Piccadilly for approximately 5 minutes, then turn onto St. James's Street. The plaque is located at 4 St. James's Street in the Pickering Place passageway. Journey time from central London: 10–15 minutes depending on your starting point.
-
Bus
Multiple bus routes serve the area, including routes 9, 14, 19, 22, and 38. Alight at stops near Piccadilly or St. James's Street. The plaque is a 2–5 minute walk from most bus stops in the vicinity. Buses run frequently throughout the day and evening.
-
Walking
If you're in central London, St. James's Street is accessible on foot from Trafalgar Square (10 minutes), Buckingham Palace (8 minutes), or Piccadilly Circus (5 minutes). The area is flat and well-paved. The plaque entrance is discrete—look for the narrow passageway to the left of Berry Bros. & Rudd wine shop at street level.
-
Taxi / Rideshare
Request drop-off at 4 St. James's Street, London SW1A 1EF. Taxis and rideshare services (Uber, Bolt) operate throughout London. Journey time from major attractions: 5–10 minutes from Buckingham Palace, 8–12 minutes from Trafalgar Square. Parking is limited in this area; rideshare is recommended over private vehicles.
Republic of Texas Plaque location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
Discover more about Republic of Texas Plaque
A Republic Seeking Recognition Across the Atlantic
When Texas declared independence in 1836, the fledgling republic faced existential threats from Mexico and the United States. To secure its survival, Texas established diplomatic legations in three major capitals: Washington D.C., London, and Paris. The London legation, housed above Berry Bros. & Rudd wine merchants at 4 St. James's Street, operated from 1842 to 1845 under the direction of Dr. Ashbel Smith, who served as chargé d'affaires to both England and France. This modest location, situated steps from St. James's Palace where foreign ambassadors were formally received, placed Texan representatives at the heart of British diplomatic circles. The strategic choice of London reflected Texas's calculated approach to survival. Britain viewed an independent Texas as a potential counterweight to American expansion and agreed to accept Texan goods into British ports, though it never formally recognized the republic as a sovereign nation. The British government even offered to guarantee Texas's borders against both American and Mexican incursion, and later proposed subsidizing the abolition of slavery in Texas—an offer that Dr. Smith rejected, believing it would compromise Texas's national dignity. These diplomatic overtures, while supportive, ultimately proved insufficient to sustain the republic's independence.The Building and Its Curious Tenants
Berry Bros. & Rudd, the wine merchant occupying the ground floor, has served British royalty since 1698 and remains one of London's most venerable establishments. The Georgian building at 4 St. James's Street, constructed in 1730, conceals two acres of wine cellars beneath St. James's Street and has housed an extraordinary array of occupants throughout its history—from a brothel and notorious gambling den to the site of London's last public duel. The Texan legation occupied the upper floors, creating an unusual pairing of diplomatic mission and prestigious wine shop. When Texas joined the United States in 1845, the legation closed abruptly, leaving behind an unpaid rent bill of £160—a debt that would remain outstanding for over a century.A Plaque Erected and a Debt Repaid
The Texas Legation Plaque was erected in 1963 by the Anglo-Texan Society, founded in 1953 with author Graham Greene as a founding member. Sir Alfred Bossom, a former Member of Parliament with extensive Texas connections, spearheaded the effort. The plaque's unveiling ceremony, attended by Texas Governor Price Daniel Sr., Greene, and Tony Berry of Berry Bros. & Rudd, marked a revival of interest in this forgotten chapter of Texas history. The brass plaque, bearing the seal of the Republic of Texas at its top, reads: "Texas Legation. In this building was the legation for the ministers from the Republic of Texas to the Court of St. James 1842-1845. Erected by the Anglo-Texan Society." In a remarkable gesture of historical reckoning, 26 members of the Anglo-Texan Society traveled to London in 1986 to commemorate the Texas sesquicentennial. Dressed in full buckskins, they settled the 141-year-old rent debt with Berry Bros. & Rudd, paying the £160 obligation using Republic of Texas banknotes. The wine merchant honored the occasion by launching a commemorative bourbon whiskey. This whimsical repayment transformed the plaque from a mere historical marker into a symbol of enduring Texan pride and the republic's persistent place in the collective memory.A Hidden Gem in London's Diplomatic Landscape
Today, the plaque remains tucked in the entrance to Pickering Place, a narrow passageway to the left of Berry Bros. & Rudd on St. James's Street. Few passersby notice this modest brass marker, yet it tells a story of ambition, diplomacy, and the brief moment when Texas stood as a sovereign nation on the world stage. The location's proximity to St. James's Palace and its position within one of London's most historic quarters underscore the legation's importance during its operational years. While the Republic of Texas lasted only nine years before annexation, its diplomatic presence in London remains etched into the fabric of this corner of Westminster.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Republic of Texas Plaque
0.0 km
A hidden brass plaque marking where the Republic of Texas once sought recognition from the British Crown.
Pickering Pl
0.0 km
Discover Pickering Place, London's smallest square, a hidden Georgian courtyard steeped in duels, diplomacy, and timeless charm.
St. James's Palace
0.1 km
Discover the Tudor grandeur and royal ceremonies at London’s oldest palace, the enduring heart of British monarchy.
Beau Brummell Statue
0.2 km
The dandy who revolutionised menswear and defined Regency elegance in bronze.
St James's Square
0.3 km
London’s oldest garden square, where Georgian elegance meets centuries of power, politics, and high society in the heart of Westminster.
King George VI & Queen Elizabeth,The Queen Mother Memorial
0.3 km
A dignified London memorial honoring King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, through iconic bronze statues and historic symbolism.
3 Carlton House Terrace
0.3 km
Elegant Grade I listed townhouse in London’s historic Carlton House Terrace, blending royal heritage with refined Georgian architecture.
Burlington House
0.4 km
A grand 17th-century mansion on Piccadilly, now home to the Royal Academy of Arts and Britain’s leading learned societies, blending Palladian elegance with centuries of art and science.
Guards Crimean War Memorial
0.4 km
A poignant bronze tribute in central London honoring the valor and sacrifice of ordinary soldiers in the Crimean War.
Equestrian statue of Edward Ⅶ
0.4 km
Majestic bronze tribute to King Edward VII in the heart of London’s historic Waterloo Place, blending regal artistry with imperial heritage.
Buckingham Palace
0.5 km
Experience the grandeur of Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the British monarch, a historical landmark in the heart of London.
225 Piccadilly Circus
0.5 km
At the luminous heart of London’s West End, 225 Piccadilly Circus dazzles with history, iconic lights, and vibrant urban energy.
Eros (Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain)
0.5 km
Iconic London landmark honoring Victorian philanthropy with the world’s first aluminium statue, set amidst Piccadilly Circus’s vibrant theatre district.
Piccadilly Circus
0.5 km
Piccadilly Circus pulses with iconic neon lights, historic monuments, and vibrant street life at the heart of London’s West End.
3 Savile Row
0.6 km
Historic Georgian townhouse in London, famed as The Beatles’ Apple Corps HQ and site of their legendary 1969 rooftop concert.
Unmissable attractions to see
Berry Bros. & Rudd Wine Shop
0.0 km
Discover the rich heritage and exquisite selection of wines at Berry Bros. & Rudd, London's historic wine shop and event venue.
The Queen's Chapel
0.1 km
Discover the elegant 17th-century Palladian chapel beside St. James’s Palace, steeped in royal history and architectural refinement.
Christie's London
0.1 km
Christie's London, at 8 King Street, is a historic and prestigious auction house renowned for its world-class art and luxury sales since 1766.
Spencer House
0.2 km
Step into Spencer House, a stunning 18th-century London mansion showcasing neoclassical elegance, aristocratic history, and exquisite interiors.
Clarence House
0.2 km
Explore Clarence House, the historic London residence of King Charles III, showcasing royal heritage, exquisite art, and elegant Regency architecture.
Lancaster House
0.2 km
Lancaster House: London’s neoclassical masterpiece blending royal history, political heritage, and elegant government hospitality near Buckingham Palace.
Masons Yard
0.2 km
Discover Mason's Yard, a historic London square blending rich artistic heritage with cutting-edge contemporary galleries in the heart of St James's.
White Cube Mason's Yard
0.2 km
Premier contemporary art gallery in St James's, free admission, architectural landmark housing international exhibitions.
Piccadilly Arcade
0.3 km
Step into Piccadilly Arcade, a refined Edwardian shopping haven blending heritage tailoring, unique boutiques, and timeless London charm.
Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk
0.3 km
A serene 7-mile circular walk through London's Royal Parks, honoring Princess Diana’s life, legacy, and connection to iconic royal landmarks.
Charles De Gaulle Statue
0.3 km
A dignified tribute in London’s Carlton Gardens honoring Charles de Gaulle’s leadership of Free France during WWII.
Pall Mall
0.3 km
Pall Mall: London’s historic street of royal games, elegant clubs, and pioneering urban charm.
The Mall
0.3 km
A majestic royal avenue in London, The Mall connects Trafalgar Square to Buckingham Palace with regal charm and historic grandeur.
Paxton & Whitfield Ltd
0.3 km
Discover the rich heritage of British cheese at Paxton & Whitfield, London's historic cheese shop on Jermyn Street, featuring exceptional selections and gourmet delights.
Fortnum & Mason
0.3 km
Three centuries of British luxury, tradition, and culinary excellence on Piccadilly
Essential places to dine
Golden Lion
0.1 km
Historic 1690s pub in St James's offering classic British fare, rich heritage, and a warm, family-friendly atmosphere near Buckingham Palace.
Great British Restaurant
0.1 km
Elegant British dining in the heart of St James’s, blending traditional flavors with modern sophistication in a tranquil hotel setting.
Seven Park Place by William Drabble
0.2 km
An intimate Michelin-starred restaurant in Mayfair offering refined British-French cuisine by Chef William Drabble in an elegant Art Deco setting.
Quaglino's
0.2 km
Glamorous basement brasserie with live music, cocktails, and theatrical dining in St. James's.
HIDE
0.4 km
Discover refined Modern European cuisine with panoramic Green Park views at HIDE, a Michelin-starred gem blending innovation and elegance in Mayfair.
Wild Honey St James
0.5 km
Michelin-starred French-influenced cooking in a Grade II-listed banking hall, where refined technique meets understated elegance.
Ormer Mayfair Restaurant
0.5 km
Michelin-starred modern British dining in an elegant 1930s-style Mayfair setting, offering inventive tasting menus and impeccable service.
Kricket Soho
0.6 km
Discover bold, modern Indian small plates in a lively Soho setting with an open kitchen and vibrant basement dining.
NOPI
0.7 km
Experience vibrant Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors in Soho at NOPI, Ottolenghi’s innovative restaurant known for shareable, seasonal dishes.
Mele e Pere
0.7 km
Discover authentic Italian flavors and a rich vermouth selection in the cozy, candlelit basement of Soho’s Mele e Pere.
Bantof
0.7 km
Discover Bantof, Soho’s intimate hotspot blending Michelin-starred modern European cuisine, inventive cocktails, and vibrant art in a stylish, welcoming setting.
Evelyn's Table
0.7 km
Discover Evelyn's Table, a Michelin-starred, intimate dining counter in Soho offering inventive British cuisine with French and Japanese flair.
Blacklock Soho
0.7 km
A vibrant Soho basement chophouse serving exceptional grass-fed steaks and chops in a lively, rustic setting with unbeatable value.
Bob Bob Ricard Soho
0.8 km
Experience glamorous British & French dining in Soho with iconic booths and a unique ‘Press for Champagne’ button at every table.
The Pem
0.8 km
Elegant modern British dining in Westminster, honoring heritage with exquisite seasonal menus and refined ambiance.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
John Lobb St. James
0.0 km
Where 170 years of royal patronage meets handcrafted perfection in every stitch.
Turnbull & Asser Jermyn Street
0.2 km
Discover Turnbull & Asser on Jermyn Street, the quintessential British shirtmaker blending heritage craftsmanship with timeless elegance since 1885.
Floris London
0.3 km
Experience nearly three centuries of British fragrance heritage at Floris London’s historic boutique on iconic Jermyn Street.
Shepherd Market
0.6 km
A Georgian village hidden in Mayfair's heart, where independent shops, art galleries and historic pubs preserve timeless London charm.
Glorious London Gift & Souvenir
0.7 km
Discover unique souvenirs and gifts that embody the spirit of London at Glorious London Gift & Souvenir, a must-visit shopping destination.
CLOSET CASE SOHO LONDON
0.7 km
Discover avant-garde menswear from global designers in Soho's vibrant heart – unique finds for the bold dresser at Closet Case.
The Queen's Shop
0.7 km
Exclusive royal gifts and British heritage souvenirs steps from Buckingham Palace, blending luxury, tradition, and timeless elegance in a charming London boutique.
Bond St
0.7 km
London's most exclusive luxury shopping street, where three centuries of elegance meet contemporary high fashion.
The LEGO® Store Leicester Square
0.7 km
Explore the world’s largest LEGO® Store in Leicester Square, London—two floors of interactive fun, iconic models, and endless creativity.
M&M'S London
0.7 km
Experience the colorful world of M&M'S London, where candy dreams come true with personalized treats and vibrant merchandise.
Hard Rock London Rock Shop
0.8 km
Discover exclusive rock ’n’ roll merchandise and iconic memorabilia at London’s legendary Hard Rock Rock Shop on Old Park Lane.
LONGCHAMP
0.8 km
Discover French luxury and craftsmanship at Longchamp’s elegant Bond Street boutique in London’s exclusive Mayfair district.
Crest of London Ltd
0.8 km
Discover authentic London souvenirs and local crafts at Crest of London Ltd, your premier gift shop in historic Whitehall.
Kingly Ct
0.8 km
A vibrant three-storey courtyard in Soho offering eclectic global dining and unique shops in a lively, relaxed atmosphere.
Cool Britania
0.8 km
Discover authentic British souvenirs and capture timeless memories at Cool Britannia, Leicester Square’s premier gift and photography shop.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Below
0.4 km
Discover Below at HIDE, a hidden Mayfair cocktail bar offering expertly crafted seasonal drinks and rare spirits beneath a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Adam & Eve
0.7 km
Classic Westminster pub pouring real ales and hearty grub amid historic streets—a cozy haven near Parliament and the Abbey for authentic London pints.
Two Chairmen
0.7 km
Traditional Westminster pub serving hearty pies, fresh ales, and classic British cheer just steps from St. James's Park and Parliament.
The Thin White Duke
0.7 km
Discover Soho’s intimate cocktail bar inspired by David Bowie, blending bespoke drinks, award-winning dim sum, and creative recording studios.
All Bar One Leicester Square
0.7 km
Stylish wine and cocktail bar in the heart of Leicester Square, perfect for socializing, dining, and private events in central London.
Disrepute - Soho
0.7 km
Descend into Soho's glamorous underworld at Disrepute, where 1960s scandal meets masterful cocktails in velvet-clad vaults—Soho's seductive late-night escape.
Duke of Argyll
0.7 km
Step into the Duke of Argyll for authentic Victorian pub charm, affordable ales, and a warm Soho atmosphere in central London.
Hampshire Restaurant and Bar
0.8 km
Intimate bar and restaurant serving vibrant Mexican and Peruvian cuisine in the heart of Leicester Square’s iconic theatre district.
Cahoots London
0.8 km
Step into a 1940s London underground tube station and enjoy creative cocktails in a vibrant, theatrical vintage setting.
Old Shades
0.8 km
Historic Whitehall pub pouring cask ales and pub classics since 1898, steps from Trafalgar Square—a true taste of London tradition.
Blue Boar Pub
0.8 km
Traditional Westminster pub serving hearty British classics in a cozy, historic setting near Abbey and Parliament—perfect for ales, roasts, and relaxed evenings.
Westminster Arms
0.8 km
Historic Westminster pub with parliamentary division bell, Shepherd Neame ales, and cozy alcoves steps from Abbey and Parliament—timeless British charm in political heart.
The Spy Bar
0.8 km
Step into London’s secret subterranean bar where espionage history meets masterful cocktails and exclusive, no-photos privacy.
Duke Of Wellington
0.8 km
A lively Soho pub blending traditional British charm with modern nightlife energy on Wardour Street.
Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho
0.8 km
Discover a hidden Soho speakeasy blending 1920s Shanghai charm with inventive cocktails and exquisite dim sum in London’s Chinatown.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Scotch of St James
0.3 km
Legendary Mayfair speakeasy where 60s rock stars jammed and today's elite dance till dawn in velvet-clad intimacy.
Tabu London
0.3 km
Escape Mayfair's polish for Tokyo's neon-lit Shinjuku alleys at Tabu London—retro gaming vibes, caged dancers, hip-hop beats, and upscale bites fuel epic nights.
The Cuckoo Club
0.5 km
Exclusive Mayfair nightclub and restaurant blending glamorous design, contemporary cuisine, and vibrant nightlife in London’s upscale scene.
LUXX CLUB LONDON
0.5 km
Experience Mayfair’s premier luxury nightclub with dazzling lights, top DJs, and exclusive VIP vibes at LUXX CLUB LONDON.
TSQ Club
0.6 km
Dive into Trafalgar Square's nightlife pulse at TSQ Club, where eclectic beats, dazzling lights, and craft cocktails fuel unforgettable weekend nights in London's heart.
Tiger Tiger London
0.6 km
Experience London’s iconic Haymarket nightclub with six vibrant rooms, lively DJs, and a dynamic party atmosphere just moments from Piccadilly Circus.
Luxe Club
0.6 km
Experience London's vibrant nightlife at Luxe Club, a central hotspot for music, dancing, and late-night entertainment.
The Windmill Soho | Restaurant, Cabaret & Nightclub in Soho, London
0.7 km
Soho's legendary cabaret den revived: burlesque bites, theatrical feasts, and all-night beats in a historic hotspot of hedonism.
The Penthouse London
0.8 km
A compact, rooftop nightclub above Leicester Square — reached by a side lift, built for late‑night private parties and skyline glimpses.
Sophisticats Soho
0.8 km
An intimate, late‑night Soho gentlemen’s club on Brewer Street offering staged performances, VIP seating and an upmarket, discreet atmosphere.
Versity Camp Nightclub
0.8 km
Dive into Soho's beating heart at Versity Camp Nightclub, where thumping bass, inventive cocktails, and an electric crowd fuel unforgettable nights until dawn.
The Box Soho
0.8 km
A clandestine Soho cabaret where decadent staging, provocative shows and high‑end cocktails collide in an intense late‑night theatre.
Zoo Bar & Club
0.9 km
Dive into Leicester Square's edgy nightlife hub: two floors of R&B beats, sports screens, and wild energy until 3am at Zoo Bar & Club.
Sunset night club
0.9 km
Dive into Soho's electric nightlife at Sunset Night Club, where thumping beats, craft cocktails, and dawn-chasing energy define unforgettable nights in London's vibrant core.
Heaven
1.0 km
London’s iconic gay superclub under the railway arches — big nights, loud music, drag, and late finishes in the heart of the West End.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Historic
- Unique
- Quirky
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Myth & Legends
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
