York Square Gardens: The Inspiration for Albert Square, Walford

York Square Gardens, the inspiration for Albert Square, Walford.

In the Limehouse area of London's East End, in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, is York Square Gardens. This square, which is similar to many other residential squares in the East End, has a unique claim to fame.

Back in 1984, following a lot of scouting for suitable locations, York Square Gardens and the surrounding streets were chosen as the inspiration for 'Albert Square', Walford, in a new soap opera that the BBC were going to broadcast.

EastEnders first aired on BBC One 41 years ago today, on February 19, 1985.

The Queen's Head, the inspiration for The Queen Victoria pub in EastEnders.

York Square Gardens is much larger than its television counterpart, but the similarities are quite easy to spot.

Both have terraced houses surrounding a green square, with roads surrounding the open space. While the fictional 'Albert Square' has 'The Queen Victoria' pub, York Square Gardens has two: 'The Old Ship' and 'The Queen's Head', the latter of which is the inspiration for 'The Queen Victoria'.

Walking with friends: Aldgate to Limehouse... and beyond

A message from 'Beak and Squeak'.

Monday January 5, 2026: 

Sunny with Northwest wind at 9 mph. 

2°C (35.6°F), but the windchill made it feel like -4°C

First walk of 2026.

I had arrived at Aldgate station early, so I had a wander around the edge of the City of London, while I awaited the arrival of Dyan, who would be accompanying me on today's walk. This would be Dyan's first walk with me, so I had picked a route that went along with some of her interests.

One of London's 'Slum' pubs, soon to be demolished.

On leaving Aldgate station we headed along the very narrow Little Somerset Street, as I wanted to get some photos of the 'Still & Star' pub, before it gets pulled down. The pub closed in 2017 and is one of only a few 'Slum' pubs left in London. This pub was converted from a private house into licensed premises, in the 1820s. Rumours abound that the new developers are going to build a replica of the pub in front of their new office block. Which begs the question, "Why not keep the original building?"

We followed Little Somerset Street and joined Mansell Street, Goodman's Fields and the Prescot Street. Prescot Street was the first street, in London, where the buildings were numbered, rather than having signs hung outside. This practice spread, aiding the flourishing postal service.

A true Victorian pub.

We passed the 'English Martyrs Church', built between 1873-1876 and then the 'Princess of Prussia', named for Victoria Louise, Queen Victoria’s granddaughter and the daughter of German emperor Wilhelm II. I must pop in here, one day.