Pall Mall, Historic street in Westminster, England
This route runs from Trafalgar Square to St James's Street and forms one of the major axes in the West End. Georgian buildings line both sides, including former residences and mansions whose façades still shape the character today.
The street was laid out in the early 17th century and initially served as a playing field for the ball game paille-maille. From the 18th century onward, many private clubs opened here, catering to the English upper classes and surviving to this day.
The name comes from the Italian game palle-maglio, in which players strike a ball with a mallet through a hoop. The game was so popular at the court of King Charles II that the street took its name from it.
The street is freely open to all visitors and works well as a walking route between different areas in the center. Several underground stations lie nearby, making access from all parts of the city straightforward.
As early as 1807, some of London's first gas lamps were installed here, drawing attention at night. This technical innovation attracted many onlookers who came to marvel at the warm glow of the flames.
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