Gazetteer of
British Place Names

Kensington is a metropolitan district in Middlesex, forming a western suburb of London. Kensington originated as an Anglo-Saxon manor, listed as 'Chenesitone' in Domesday. The first church of St Mary and the parish of Kensington were founded in 1262. The present St Mary Abbots Church (1872), designed by Sir Gilbert Scott, is the fourth church on the site. In 1689 William III purchased Nottingham House, a Jacobean mansion in the village, and instructed Sir Christopher Wren to develop it into a royal palace. Kensington Palace remains an official residence of the British royal family. Kensington Gardens are now a Royal Park containing the Albert Memorial (1872). Kensington saw large-scale development following the Great Exhibition of 1851 and the opening of High Street Kensington station in 1868. From 1900-1965, for local government purposes, the ancient parish was the basis of Kensington metropolitan borough. From 1901 it was known as the Royal Borough of Kensington, in accordance with the wishes of Queen Victoria who was born in Kensington Palace. Kensington High Street is the district's commerical heart. South Kensington contains the Royal Albert Hall, Natural History Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, and Science Museum. The district is within the council area of Kensington and Chelsea.

Place Type: Town
Historic County: Middlesex
Lat, Long: 51.50199,-0.191251
Grid Reference: TQ 2564 7966
Council Area: Kensington and Chelsea CA
Strategic Authority Area: Greater London SA
Police Area: Metropolitan PA

GBPN ID: 24085
Entry Type: Main listing (P)
URL: https://gazetteer.org.uk/place/Kensington,_Middlesex_24085

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