Victorian Penny Chute at the House of St Barnabas, London
Discover the Victorian Penny Chute in Soho—a charming historic coin chute that channels charity donations through time at the House of St Barnabas.
The Victorian Penny Chute is a charming historic feature located at 1 Greek Street in London’s Soho. This quaint coin chute, attached to the railings of the Grade I-listed House of St Barnabas, allows passersby to drop pennies that roll down to a charity box in the building’s basement, supporting the House of Charity. The building itself is steeped in history, dating back to the 17th century, and has served various roles including aristocratic residence, sewer commission office, and a Victorian-era charity hub.
A brief summary to Victorian Penny Chute
- 1 Greek St, London, W1D 4EJ, GB
- Duration: 0.25 to 0.75 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Look closely at the railings outside 1 Greek Street to spot the penny chute’s coin slot and metal pipe.
- Consider dropping a penny into the chute to support the House of Charity’s ongoing charitable work.
- Explore nearby Soho Square to appreciate the broader historic context of the area.
- Note the distinctive tiling on the building’s exterior spelling out 'House of Charity.'
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Information Boards
Getting There
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London Underground
Take the Tottenham Court Road or Oxford Circus Underground stations, both approximately 10-15 minutes walk from 1 Greek Street. Stations serve multiple lines including Central, Northern, Victoria, and Bakerloo. Tickets cost £2.50–£6.00 depending on zones and ticket type. Note that walking routes involve typical central London pavements with some cobblestone areas.
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Bus
Several London bus routes stop near Soho, including routes 14, 19, 24, and 176. Bus stops are within a 5-10 minute walk of 1 Greek Street. Single fares cost £1.75 with an Oyster or contactless card. Service frequency varies between 5 to 15 minutes during the day. Buses are accessible but can be crowded during peak hours.
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Taxi or Ride-Hailing
Taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber can drop you directly at 1 Greek Street. Travel time from central London locations is typically 10-20 minutes depending on traffic. Fares generally range from £8 to £15. Note that central London congestion charges may apply during weekdays.
Victorian Penny Chute location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Victorian Penny Chute
A Historic Landmark Rooted in London’s Soho
The Victorian Penny Chute is more than a quaint curiosity; it is attached to the railings of the House of St Barnabas, a Grade I-listed Georgian building located at 1 Greek Street in Soho, London. The site’s history extends back to the late 17th century when Soho Square was first laid out. Originally a grand residence for aristocrats and wealthy figures, the house has witnessed centuries of London’s evolving urban and social fabric. Its architectural features, including distinctive tiling spelling out “House of Charity,” reflect its layered past.The Penny Chute: A Unique Victorian Charitable Device
This small metal pipe with a coin slot is a penny chute, designed to collect donations for the House of Charity, a Victorian-era charity that once operated from the building. When coins are dropped into the slot, they roll down the chute and are collected in an alms box located in the kitchen of the building’s basement. This ingenious mechanism allowed discreet and continuous support for the charity’s work, helping the destitute and homeless in Victorian London. Remarkably, the penny chute remains functional today, inviting donations from visitors and locals alike.The House of Charity’s Role in Social Welfare
Founded in 1846, the House of Charity aimed to aid “the waifs and strays of the turbid sea of human society,” providing shelter and support to vulnerable populations. The building housed a Victorian chapel designed by Joseph Clarke, reflecting the charity’s Christian ethos. The charity’s mission was deeply intertwined with Victorian social reform movements, addressing the challenges of homelessness and poverty during a time of rapid industrialization and urban upheaval. The penny chute symbolizes this legacy of compassion and public philanthropy.Architectural and Cultural Significance
The House of St Barnabas is notable for its architectural details, including a ‘crinoline staircase’ designed to accommodate the large hoop skirts of Victorian ladies. The building’s interior and gardens have been linked to Charles Dickens’ novel "A Tale of Two Cities," adding literary significance to its heritage. The penny chute itself is a rare surviving example of Victorian charitable technology, blending functionality with social conscience. Though the interior is not generally open to the public, the exterior features like the penny chute offer a tangible connection to London’s past.Continuing Legacy and Preservation
Despite changes over centuries, the penny chute remains a working symbol of Victorian charity. The House of St Barnabas continues to uphold its historic mission through modern social enterprises. The building’s preservation as a Grade I-listed site ensures that its architectural and cultural heritage endures. Visitors to Soho can appreciate the penny chute not only as an intriguing artifact but also as a reminder of the city’s long-standing commitment to social welfare and community support.Soho’s Layered History Captured in a Small Detail
The penny chute encapsulates Soho’s rich history—a neighborhood shaped by aristocracy, philanthropy, and urban development. It stands quietly on the railings, inviting reflection on the lives of London’s less fortunate during the Victorian era. This small but meaningful feature connects today’s visitors with stories of charity, resilience, and the evolving urban landscape of one of London’s most vibrant districts.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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