Highlighting its appeal as a go-to destination for visitors to London, this article gives a brief overview of the rich history of Kensington High Street.

London History: A short history of Kensington High Street

Kensington High Street was declared Londons second best shopping street in 2005. Although it officially opened on October 1, 1868, its history goes back much further. Todays High Street with expensive shops is a far cry from its humble beginnings.

Kensington High Street, from Travellers Road to Commercial Centre

Back in the eighteenth century, rather than exclusive shops and high-end restaurants which line the street today, travellers coming to London from the west found many inns and drinking houses there; like The Adam and Eve (1722), The Griffin (1732), and The Goat, the oldest remaining pub in Kensington High Street, first constructed in 1695.

Nineteenth-century improvements transformed the roadway into a thriving commercial centre. Fashionable shops replacing market stalls and public houses attracted the attention of Victorians arriving from London at the new High Street Kensington Station.

Throughout most of the twentieth-century large department stores, like Barkers of Kensington, were dominant. Eventually, they were replaced by independent retailers whose shops are so successful today.

Kensington Palace, Centuries of Royal Residency

Kensington High Street runs westward through central Kensington, famous for its wealth and high-status living. Kensington Palace has been an official royal residence since King William III settled his court there in the seventeenth century.

Over the centuries, several other royals have resided in the palace. Queen Victoria was born there in 1819 and by her order, the palace became open to the public. Today one can take several tours of the palace as well as visit the memorial to Princess Diana, who was a resident for 15 years.

Kensington High Streets rich history is there to explore as one wanders in and out of the many shops or stops in at The Goat for a pint or two. Whichever way one decides to discover it, Kensington High Street will be sure to make ones visit to London complete.

HTUK at English Wikipedia / Public domain