Duke of York's Headquarters

The Duke of York's Headquarters is a military complex on King's Road in Chelsea featuring symmetrical wings and classical architecture arranged around a central courtyard. The site contains multiple retail stores, restaurants with outdoor seating, and hosts a weekly fine food market each Saturday.

Built in 1801 by architect John Sanders, the complex initially served as a Royal Military Asylum providing shelter for children of soldiers' widows. During World War II, the site became a location where captured German spies, including Josef Jakobs and Theodore Schurch, were interrogated.

The site now functions as a cultural hub where contemporary art exhibitions shape how visitors experience the space, attracting people interested in modern creative work. The transformation reflects how historic military structures have been reimagined to serve contemporary cultural needs and public gathering.

The location is easy to walk around and offers plenty of places to sit and eat, with restaurants and cafes providing outdoor seating year-round. Those interested in fresh food and local products should visit on Saturday when the weekly market operates.

The grounds are now known as Duke of York Square and have been completely transformed to blend shopping, dining, and art into a single public space. This conversion from a restricted military zone into a lively community destination shows how historic barracks can gain new purpose and significance in modern cities.

Location: Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea

Inception: 1801

Architects: John Sanders

GPS coordinates: 51.49060,-0.15890

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:40