St. James in City of Westminster in Greater London, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)

Texas Legation

Photographed by Josh Pletcher, April 14, 2023

1. Texas Legation Marker

Inscription. 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

Erected by The Anglo-Texan Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. A significant historical year for this entry is 1842.

Location. 51° 30.335′ N, 0° 8.291′ W. Marker is in City of Westminster, England, in Greater London. It is in St. James. It is on Saint James's Street near Pickering Place, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3 St James's Street, City of Westminster, England SW1A 1BN, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Greater South East.

Globally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean,

in the North Atlantic Region,

in Europe,

in Atlantic Europe,

on one of the British Isles,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Commonwealth – a Family of Nations (within

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shouting distance of this marker); Westminster Tree Trust (within shouting distance of this marker); St James's Theatre (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); The Liberal Party (about 120 meters away); Nell Gwynne (about 150 meters away); Thomas Gainsborough (about 150 meters away); The Waterloo Way (about 210 meters away); Ada Countess of Lovelace (approx. 0.2 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in City of Westminster.

Also see . . . The Embassy of the Republic of Texas (Atlas Obscura). Excerpt:

Built in 1730, the distinguished property at 4 St James's Street is steeped in history and peculiar secrets. Under the shop floor lies two whole acres of wine cellars and caves which run underneath St. James's Street. The Georgian rooms had once held a brothel and a notorious gambling den, and the courtyard at the back was also home to bear-baiting, cock-fighting and London's last ever public duel. Napoleon III even lived here in exile whilst plotting his return to France.

But between 1836 and 1845 it was home to perhaps one its most unusual tenants; for the space above the wine shop was briefly
Photographed by Josh Pletcher, April 14, 2023

2. 3 St. James's Street
home to the Embassy of the Republic of Texas. At the time of its founding, Texas was an independent sovereign country with its borders under threat from both the United States and Mexico. Then-President-of-Texas Sam Houston sent Dr. Ashbel Smith, the Secretary of State, to be the Texan diplomatic representative in England in an effort to build international sentiment for their country. A second Embassy was also established in France, located in what is now the Hôtel de Vendôme.

Texas finally joined the Union in 1845, despite the Crown's support of its independence, and the Embassy in London was closed. Taking full advantage of their desirable location above one of London's best wine shops, the Texan delegation departed the capital leaving a £160 rent bill outstanding.

(Submitted on October 22, 2025.)

Credits. This page was last revised on October 22, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 22, 2025, by Josh Pletcher of Wellington, Colorado. This page has been viewed 53 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 22, 2025, by Josh Pletcher of Wellington, Colorado. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.