7 things you didn’t know about Oxford Street
One of London’s well-known areas, Oxford Street is the busiest shopping street in Europe with over 300 stores, including some of the world’s most famous fashion brands. Formerly known as London-Oxford road, it stretches over one and a half miles.
Here at Sensu, we’re located only a few steps away from Oxford Street. Here are a few things you didn’t know about Oxford Street.
1) Every year since 1959, Oxford Street is decorated with Christmas lights. It only stopped between 1967-78 during recession years, after which point they were introduced again. Every year, the lights are switched on by celebrities, including the likes of Richard Branson, Jim Carey and Cheryl Cole.
2) Marks & Spencer’s Marble Arch store at 458 Oxford Street is the British multinational retailer’s largest store. The shop covers a space of 170,000 feet. If you can’t find it in Oxford Street’s M&S, they probably don’t sell it anywhere else.
3) Oxford Street used to connect Newgate Prison and the hallows at Tyburn. Condemned prisoners were hung from the Tyburn tree at Marble Arch. To this day, a small round stone marking the original spot remains visible.
4) There’s only one pub left on Oxford Street, the Grade II. It was originally built in the 19th century, under the name The Flying Horse.
5) Oxford Street features on the British Monopoly board. Along with Regent Street and Bond Street, it forms the green set which is the second most expensive category of properties in the game.
6) Oxford Street is home to over 200 British fashion brands, employing 50,000 people as well as educating over 2,000 students. Every year, it attracts an enormous amount of visitors, generating an estimated £4.9 billion in revenue.
7) Since the 12th century, it’s been known as Tyburn Road, Uxbridge Road, Worcester Road and Oxford Road. Oxford Street has been known under its current name since 1729.