Camden: The past meets the present

Background

The central London borough of Camden was officially formed in 1965, bringing together the metropolitan districts of Hampstead, Holborn and St Pancras. The area's name was derived from the iconic Camden Town, which traces its roots back more than 200 years.

In 1791 Charles Pratt - the first Earl Camden - started up a development that grew into a major centre when Regent's Canal was opened to traffic in 1820. The borough went on to become an important industrial area as key railway stations arrived during the mid-19th century and although this function has now lessened it remains a commercially important part of the capital.

Property

Houses for sale in Camden were recently found by the Land Registry to cost an average of £454,503. However, those looking for a home in the borough may prefer not to make a purchase in order to avoid the prospect of negative equity, as that value represents a 16 per cent fall over the last year. flats to rent in Camden typically cost £2,362 per month for two bedrooms, or £1,170 for a studio apartment.

In 2007, Camden Council noted that the official Office for National Statistics estimate of the borough's population is 227,500. It is relatively young compared to both London and the UK as a whole, with an average age of 35 - two years younger than the capital and five years less than the national figure.

Nearly three-quarters of residents were found to be below the age of 45, while 43 per cent were under 30. The 2001 census showed that 27 per cent of Camden's population represent black or ethnic minority groups - a proportion three times the English average.

Transport

Residents of Camden can gain easy access to other parts of the capital and beyond thanks to a variety of transport options. King's Cross, St Pancras and Euston railway stations are all located in the borough, having been built during the 19th century. The three serve as termini for the East Coast Main Line, Midland Main Line and West Coast Main Line respectively, while St Pancras is also now a terminal for the Eurostar service.

The stations also account for some of the London Underground access in the capital, in addition to Camden Town - a key interchange on the Northern Line. Other Tube Stations include Warren Street, which serves the Circle, Metropolitan and Hammersmith & City lines.

Entertainment

There is certainly no shortage of things to do and see in Camden, with the historically significant Camden Town area featuring Camden Market - visited by approximately 100,000 people each weekend. Those who are not satisfied with the vast range of goods on offer can also head over to Covent Garden, parts of which are located within the borough.

Some of Regent's Park - which houses London Zoo - is also situated in Camden, although Hampstead Heath is the largest of the green spaces, with parts of the famed 800-acre area having been open to the public since 1871.

Those seeking a taste of the cultural history of the area can visit the Camden Arts Centre, while the Roundhouse is sure to attract music lovers - having previously played host to the likes of Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, The Who and James Brown.