London Dog Walking Kensington Streets

Whilst walking the dogs in the parks of Kensington are great. The tree lined avenues can be peaceful and often have artistic and historic points to visit



Kensington is historic and probably derives from Chenesitun, ‘town’ of Chenesi’s people. It was probably owened by early kings and in 1086 Kensington was owned by Aubrey de Vere.







Religion has been important, and the first mention of St Mary Abbots was in 1242, the church and land was given to the Abbots of St Mary's Abingdon in thanks for the medical assistance given to Godfrey son of Aubrey de Vere. Abingdon is now a nice road and the pub "The Abingdon" is a friendly place where your dog can sit outside.



The village grew up around the church, with grander houses on the higher ground towards Notting Hill Gate.

From the early 17th century Kensington became popular with persons of quality. Sir Walter Cope bought land in the area and built Cope's Castle. After his death it passed to his daughter who married the Earl of Holland. The house was badly damaged by an incendiary bomb in the Second World War and ths remains passed to the local council and the gardens were opened to the public.

Kensington Palace and the Royal Court had a supporting role in the development of the area.

The other major house in the area was Campden House, built on the land that reputedly Sir Walter Cope lost at cards. It was unfortunately burnt down in 1867.

The Georgian and early Victorian period resulted in many fine houses being built.

















At the start of the 19th century Northern Kensington was still mainly arable, supplying hay to the London market. Two farms, Notting Barns and Portobello - named in honour of the capture of Puerto Bello by Admiral Vernon in 1739 - dominated the area, occupying some 400 acres of land.

From 1850 - 1880 Kensington totally transfrmed from rurual to an urban area. Estate development, using the same architects and builders, created harmony to the area. Earl’s Court Farm spread over some 190 acres, tenanted for generations by the Hutchins family until the land was sold off between 1875 and 1878 as the area became more and more build up.

By 1871 the whole area from Sloane Square to West Brompton and from Kensington High Street to Notting Hill was served by the new rail routes.







The period of 1880s saw the arrival of the mansion blocks.







During this same period, slums were developing off Kensington High Street.

In 1887 R J Whitely opened an entertainment ground on derelict land that eventually became the Earl's Court Exhibition Hall.

There were few traditional industries, more of a service area. In 1849 Mr Harrod set up his first store in Knightsbridge.

Famous People who Lived in Kensington

Agatha Christie 58 Sheffield Terrace, W8

Alfred Hitchcock 153 Cromwell Road, SW5

James Joyce 28 Campden Grove, W8

John Stuart Mill 18 Kensington Square, W8

Jawaharlal Nehru 60 Elgin Crescent, W11

Howard Staunton 117 Lansdowne Road, W11







Freddie Mercury 1 Logan Place W8 London. There are daily visitors to the famous Queen singer. Often people leave flowers and burn candles.













Lady Diana lived in the area. Taking her children often to this MacDonalds on Kensigton High Street.

Kensington Plants

Kensington flowers through the seasons, with many beautiful plants, such as Wisteria, Lavatera, Cherry and increasingly exotic plants, as the area is so sheltered.