The official home of the Lord Mayor of London is called Mansion House. When the Metropolitan District Railway decided to open a station within close proximity to it in 1871, it was named after the residence, although Bank station is actually closer. Prior to its opening it was referred to as Cannon Street.

The station, which has three platforms, was closed from 1989 to 1991 for construction and modernisation of its entry way.
Also in the vicinity are Shakespeare’s Globe, The Barbican Centre, Rose Theatre, and the Bank of England Museum.