Pall Mall

If one were to ask any British citizen what Pall Mall was, there is little doubt that a large number of respondents would name it as a square on the Monopoly board. This answer would be correct; Pall Mall is the second of the light pink properties, available for around L140 – making it one of the cheaper on the board. Unless a respondent was familiar with the intricacies of London, England, it is likely they would be able to name the color and price of the Monopoly square – but not actually be aware of the original Pall Mall.

Pall Mall itself, as in the real street, is not a hugely popular London destination. It is more used as a thoroughfare, as it connects on to one of the most recognizable tourist attractions in London itself; Trafalgar Square. The reason for its inclusion on the Monopoly board is a matter of confusion for some, with others – incorrectly – assuming it is linked to The Mall, essentially the driveway of Buckingham Palace.

The modern, non Monopoly board, Pall Mall, has little more of interest to offer any London tourist – rather like the modest value it gains on the Monopoly board. There is little historical value attributed to it, despite the fact that the southern side of the area has been property of the Crown and Monarch for several hundred years. At one end, there is Marlborough House, and although this was at one time a royal residence, its prominence on royalty related sightseeing tours is minimal.

The one true associated history that can be associated with Pall Mall is a little less stimulating than the areas of London that surround it, though is nevertheless noteworthy. Pall Mall has always had a reputation for an unusually large amount of Gentleman’s Clubs appearing on its street front, with some of the most famous of such clubs having been residents on the street at some point. Notable occupiers of Pall Mall include the Oxford and Cambridge Club, Travelers Club and Army and Navy Club; but these offer little excitement and enchantment for even the most committed of tourists.

It seems, that Pall Mall is destinate to be little more than a place one crosses through when trying to reach somewhere else. It is essential to travel across the road itself if trying to cross London, particularly if trying to visit all of the major tourist spots; many are separated by the road itself.

The street itself offers little inspiration, and perhaps more than a little explanation for its relatively low pricing on the Monopoly board for which it is so known. Large, towering buildings – which are nevertheless attractive – make it somewhat difficult for light to reach the street naturally, and many of the buildings have lost their natural historical architecture through years of redesign.

While it is unlikely one could visit London without at some point encountering Pall Mall, it is also unlikely that one would ever notice they were upon the road unless expressively informed. It is unlike much of London in that it has no distinctive features or sites of historical fascination, but it nevertheless endures. And of course, it can all be yours for the tidy sum of L140… as long as you’re playing Monopoly, that is.