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Over the centuries, Knightsbridge’s neighbours,
Kensington and Chelsea, have been host to so many important events and
significant figures, that a truly comprehensive history would run to several
volumes.
Many local landmarks are steeped in history including
The Royal Hospital. Founded by Charles II for the care of permanently disabled
soldiers. The Hospital is still there today and its uniformed residents have
become known worldwide as the Chelsea Pensioners. Also of historical interest
is the Chelsea Physic Garden, purchased in 1712 by Sir Hans Sloane and still
open to the public today.
With so many large houses available in Knightsbridge,
Kensington and Chelsea, these areas became natural locations for private
schools, a tradition that is still strong today. Although some American
residents in the Royal Borough choose to send their children to the nearby
American School in St John’s Wood, an excellent choice of schools
characterises the local area. These include Hill House, where Prince Charles
was once resident, Garden House, Sussex House and Queen’s Gate Schools.
In it’s entirety, The Royal Borough of Kensington
and Chelsea is an area of enormous historic and architectural interest and
renowned for it’s handsome residential streets and squares. It covers five
square miles, 70 per cent of which is located in conservation areas. Queen
Victoria was born here, Elizabeth I, Sir Winston Churchill, JMW Turner, and
Oscar Wilde are just a few of the countless famous people who have lived
here.
According to the Domesday Book, Kensington had a
population of just 50 in 1086 whilst Chelsea had reached 200. Today the
Borough’s population is in excess of 151,000 but people coming into the
area to work, shop or visit, swell this figure daily. It is home to 34
embassies and many London landmarks. It also has thriving commercial centres
and significant cultural attractions.
King Edward VII granted the title of Royal Borough in
1901 in recognition of his mother’s wish to confer a distinction on her
birthplace. Following a reorganisation of local government in 1964, the Royal
Borough of Kensington merged with the previously separate Borough of Chelsea
and the use of Royal Title was granted to the new Borough.
<Living in Kensington &
Chelsea> |
