Brief History of Kensington and Chelsea

Did you know?

• Kensington & Chelsea amalgamated in 1965. 

• The Borough has a long and interesting history and the name of Kensington probably derives from the Anglo Saxon Chenestun and Chelsea from Chelchehithe.  

• According to the Domesday Book both parishes had a priest and a Saxon Church.

• Sir (Saint) Thomas More came to Chelsea in 1520 and built a house later known as Beaufort House.  The More Chapel in Chelsea Old Church, was the only part of the church to survive the 1941 bombings. 

• Henry VIII also built a palace which was is now the site of 19-26 Cheyne Walk.

• Queen Victoria was born in Kensington Palace in 1819.

• The most famous residents of Chelsea are the Pensioners from the Royal Hospital which was founded by Charles II and designed by Sir Christopher Wren. 

• Chelsea Physic Garden was established by the Apothecaries Company in 1676.

• The Great Exhibition of the "Works and Industry of All Nations" held in Hyde Park was inaugurated by Queen Victoria on 1st May 1851.  The Central Pavilion was a ‘crystal palace’ designed by Joseph Paxton which was transferred to Sydenham.

• In 1887 J R Whitely opened an entertainment ground on derelict land at Earl’s Court.  Annual Exhibitions included Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show.

• The Royal Court theatre opened in 1888.

• Messrs Harvey and Nichols opened their store in 1859 followed by Peter Jones in 1871.

• Modern Kensington & Chelsea hold two well known events each year which are the Notting Hill Carnival and the Chelsea Flower Show.

For further information visit www.rbkc.gov.uk/vmhistory

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