Kingston-upon-Thames combines the old and the new

The Royal borough of Kingston-upon-Thames is one of London's most celebrated suburbs, awash with history and full of character.

Seven Saxon kings are thought to have been crowned in the borough, while seated on a large stone, known as the Coronation Stone, which now stands outside the Guildhall.

In Old English, 'ton' meant farmstead, so the area is widely believed to have been as the name suggests - a farmstead for King and his family.

Visitors and residents can experience a taste of that grandeur by paying a visit to Hampton Court Palace, Henry VIII's magnificent country estate complete with stunning gardens and a magnificent maze.

For much of the last century, Kingston was a major military aircraft manufacturing centre, where the legendary Sopwith Camel, Hawker Fury, Hurricane,Hunter and Harrier were all designed and built, while examples of each can be seen today at nearby Brooklands Museum in Weybridge.

These days, the town of Kingston and its surrounding areas in the borough make up a thoroughly modern collection of places to live.

Its high street is full of excellent shops and well-stocked pubs, drawing in a mixed crowd of city dwellers and country-living style punters alike.

That crowd has become even more mixed in recent years, thanks to the transformation of the local polytechnic into Kingston University which has changed the demographic substantially, drawing in a younger crowd.

Sports fans are well catered for by the three football teams in the borough - AFC Wimbledon, Kingstonian FC and Corinthian Casuals - and local oval ball heroes Kingston Rugby Club.

Three railway stations mean the area is excellently served by local transport links, both into and away from Central London.

Right in the heart of Kingston, residents can enjoy nights at the theatre, delicious meals in a smorgasbord of quality restaurants and a raft of interesting art exhibitions.

Alternatively, they can be in the centre of the capital within 30 minutes, where they can enjoy London in all its glory.

Posted by Martyn Glynn

Published 18th October, 2011

© 2011 Estates IT Limited