Knightsbridge ia a cosmopolitan byword for wealth,
taste and discernment. Centrally located and complemented by neighbours
Kensington and Chelsea,The Royal Borough provides an oasis of haute couture
calm within Britains capital city, effortlessly attracting the rich, the
royal and the celebrated from all over the globe.
Strolling through its elegant squares and charming
cobbled mews, it is hard to believe that only 150 years ago, Knightsbridge was
an unruly, straggling village with a reputation as the home of thieves and
scoundrels. In fact, until 1800, Hyde Park Corner was as far west as
respectable Londoners cared to travel; brave souls wishing to travel further
afield would arrange to meet and travel in convoy to avert the villians and
highwaymen laying in wait in the park.
In 1820, Lord Grosvenor, who owned the estates around
Knightsbridge, employed the architect Thomas Cubitt to develop the area,
instructing him to build the very best houses in London. Belgravia was created
and as its imposing cream stucco buildings became home to the distinguished and
fashionable, the area picked up to eventually become the smartest residential
address in London.
Having lived down its disreputable past, Knightsbridge
still retains a unique village atmosphere.Well known and loved for its wealth
of shopping, its residents agree that Knightsbridge is probably the most
complete of all Central London districts. In addition,
Knightsbridges reputation as the premier international business location
seems sure to endure into the 21st century and beyond.
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