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Kensington

Introduction

Kensington is one of London's 32 boroughs and is located in northwest London. It has been an important location for trade, commerce, and politics throughout history. The borough was formed by the union of Middlesex and Surrey in 1965.

History

The area that is now Kensington was once home to a number of small villages and farms, including Chiswick and Hammersmith. In the 12th century, the area began to develop into a settlement for merchants and traders who came to buy and sell goods from around Europe. The borough's name "Kensington" comes from the Old English words "ceaster" meaning town or village and "wicca" meaning forest.

In the Middle Ages, Kensington was an important center of trade and commerce, with many wealthy merchants and traders living in the area. In 1262, the Borough of Westminster was established, which included the area that is now Kensington. The borough continued to grow and develop throughout the centuries, becoming a major hub for art, literature, and culture.

Significant Contributions

Kensington has made significant contributions to British history and culture, including:

  • The Royal Opera House: Built in 1871, this iconic opera house is one of London's most famous landmarks and hosts a wide range of performances throughout the year.
  • The Natural History Museum: Opened in 1887, this world-renowned museum is home to over 80 million specimens and features exhibits on everything from dinosaurs to mammals.
  • The Kensington Palace Gardens: These beautiful gardens were built by Queen Victoria in the 19th century and feature a variety of plant species and walking trails.

Notable Attractions

Kensington is home to many famous attractions, including:

  • The Royal Mews: This historic building was once used as a royal residence but has been converted into a museum showcasing the history of horse-drawn carriages.
  • The Kensington Palace: This former palace was built in 1689 for Queen Anne and features beautiful gardens and interior rooms that showcase the life and times of royalty.
  • The Natural History Museum's Butterfly Pavilion: A stunning glass pavilion that houses thousands of butterflies from around the world.

Key Facts

  • Population: approximately 247,000
  • Area: 2.8 km² (1.1 sq mi)
  • Highest point: Kensington Gardens' highest point is at 73 meters (240 ft)

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  • Generation time: 2024-11-02 07:33:16
  • Keywords: Kensington, wiki, history, attractions, facts
  • URL: https://worldbestplaces.com/places/kensington