If you walk through London’s West End, you are likely to come across one of the capital’s most historic and fashionable streets: Jermyn Street. Lying parallel to Piccadilly, and in the heart of theater land, Jermyn Street has a rich and fascinating history that is palpable even today. It seems that the small section has been saved by the nerve of modernization, which must be said is a bit rare nowadays.
Its past dates back to 1664, when the Earl of St Albans, Henry Jermyn, was commissioned by none other than Charles II to develop a fashionable area near his residence, St James’s Palace. It was to be a place for the elite to rub shoulders with the elite; a place where the sophistication of royalty could be brought to the high street.
Aristocratic beginnings gave way to an aristocratic future, and Jermyn Street developed a world-renowned reputation as the go-to place for elegant and refined menswear, particularly tailored and made-to-measure men’s shirts. Boasting the finest cotton in the world, the shirtmakers of Jermyn Street likely measured, handcuffed and collared some of history’s most prominent figures, including Sir Isaac Newton and the Duke of Marlborough, who both lived in the area.
Even Louis Napoleon settled there, staying at the Hotel Brunswick after his escape from captivity at Ham’s fortress. Using the alias Count D’Arenberg (can’t think of anything less flashy?), he may have had time to go shopping. After all, it’s important to look your best even if he’s running! And let’s not forget the famous highwayman, William Plunkett, who also lived on the streets. Given his notoriety as the ‘gentleman highwayman’, he might as well have given away a tailored shirt while he went about his business as an outlaw.
Fast-forward a few hundred years, and Jermyn Street continues to be home to the cream of the crop. But one anecdote is quite tragic: big band singer Al Bowlly was killed by a parachute mine explosion outside his Jermyn Street flat during the Blitz of 1941.
Through this rich tapestry emerges a street that has remained firmly on the fashion radar of the discerning man. But today, Jermyn Street not only maintains its reputation as the world’s most famous place for men’s tailored shirts, it also brings quality and elegance to ladies’ clothing, fine dining, theatergoers and bars. . If you want sophistication and class, this is definitely the place to be.
So the next time you walk down Jermyn Street, think of its rich history and the fascinating historical figures who walked the same sidewalks over three hundred years ago. It just goes to show that quality is timeless, and whether you’re a 19th century Lord or a 21st century lad, nothing beats a bespoke shirt from one of the world’s most prestigious and fashionable streets.