Things to know about the Borough of Kensington and Chelsea

The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea is the smallest district in England. It is also the smallest borough in London as its covers an area of 4.68 square miles. Kensington and Chelsea has a population of about 155.000 and a density rate of 33.000 people per square mile which makes it the most densely populated urban area in the United Kingdom. The borough is home to some of the city’s most famous and well-known neighbourhoods, buildings, entertainment venues, shopping centres and touristic sites.

The district of Kensington has a population of almost 65.000 people and is known for being the location of Kensington Gardens, one of London’s most beautiful green spaces. Before becoming a public park, the gardens were part of Kensington Palace and were accessible only to the residents and visitors of the estate. Today the park covers an area of 270 acres of lush green lands and is part of the Royal Parks of London. Kensington, W8, is also home to some of the capital’s best educational institutions including the Royal College of Music which was founded in 1882 and since then has produced some of the finest musicians in the world. Some of the school’s most notable alumni are:

• John Williams
• Benjamin Britten
• Malinee Peris
• Colin Davis
• Gillian Weir
• Julian Lloyd Webber

Earl’s Court, SW10, lies in the southwestern parts of Kensington and Chelsea at about three miles from the intersection of Charing Cross. The area has a population of over 9.000 and is one of the borough’s least populous districts. The Empress State Building is perhaps the area’s most distinguishable edifice. It is a triangular office building which was constructed during the early 1960s. It was the headquarters for the Ministry of Defence for three decades. During the late 1990s and early 2000s it was the subject of a major renovation project which enhance several of its interior features. The edifice has been occupied by the Metropolitan Police since 2003. Earl’s Court lies within a walking distance of numerous internationally known sites such as:

• Holland Park
• Royal Albert Hall
• Imperial College
• Natural History Museum
• Science Museum
• Victoria and Albert Museum

Brompton is known among Londoners for being the home of numerous renowned British authors, poets and actors. The area is the location of two of the city’s most prolific hospitals: Royal Marsden Hospital and Royal Brompton Hospital. The former was established during the mid-19^th century, specialises in cancer treatment and has a capacity of 269 beds while the latter was founded in 1847 and is the largest heart and lung medical facility in the United Kingdom. It has a total 350 beds. Brompton, SW3, is linked to the other parts of London via numerous bus routes while the nearest rail link lies in the adjacent district of South Kensington.

The area of Holland Park, W11, is one of the borough’s most opulent and fashionable districts. It is known for its large Victorian townhouses and high end restaurants, public houses and shopping establishments. The area is home to the eponymous Holland Park which is one of the capital’s most well-reputed green areas. It spreads over 54 acres and its main feature are the ruins of Holland House, an early 17^th century mansion which was severely destroyed during the German raids of World War II. The park is beyond any doubt the district’s most visited landmark. Holland Park has appeared in many British and international television and cinematic productions.

Chelsea, SW3, is an affluent district which lies in the southeastern parts of the borough. It is home to some of the most expensive properties in Britain and is inhabited by some of Europe’s wealthiest people. Chelsea Bridge is perhaps the most noted structure in the area. The crossing was built during the late 1930s and was designed by G. Topham Forrest and E. P. Wheeler. It is has a total length of 213 metres, width of 20 metres and accommodates a traffic of approximately 30.000 vehicles on a daily basis. The area is heavily associate with the professional football club of Chelsea as it has given its name to the team. The club plays is home matches at Stamford Bridge which is situated in the neighbouring district of Fulham.