Brief History of Kensington and Chelsea
Did you know?
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Kensington & Chelsea amalgamated in 1965.
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The Borough has a long and interesting history and the name of Kensington probably derives from the Anglo Saxon Chenestun and Chelsea from Chelchehithe.
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According to the Domesday Book both parishes had a priest and a Saxon Church.
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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.
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Henry VIII also built a palace which was is now the site of 19-26 Cheyne Walk.
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Queen Victoria was born in Kensington Palace in 1819.
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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.
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Chelsea Physic Garden was established by the Apothecaries Company in 1676.
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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.
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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.
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The Royal Court theatre opened in 1888.
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Messrs Harvey and Nichols opened their store in 1859 followed by Peter Jones in 1871.
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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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