Historic Kensington and Chelsea
Explore hidden histories, historic photos, and things you never knew about Kensington and Chelsea from the collections and archives of Historic England.
Discover Kensington and Chelsea's listed buildings and places
Introducing some of Kensington and Chelsea's most significant historic sites, curated from the National Heritage List for England.
Tomb of Emmeline Pankhurst
Kensington and Chelsea
The tomb of Emmeline Pankhurst, 1930, by Julian Phelps Allan, is listed at Grade II for the following principal reasons: within the Grade I registered...
Natural History Museum, Front Lodge and Gates, Gatepiers and Railings
Kensington and Chelsea
Museum of 1873-81 and gates, piers and railings erected by 1881, all designed by Alfred Waterhouse and built by George Baker and Sons of Lambeth.
Kensal Green (All Souls) Cemetery
Brent
Opened in 1833, Kensal Green was the first of London's C19 commercial public cemeteries to be established, to a design by Richard Forrest.
The Boltons
Kensington and Chelsea
Public house-cum-hotel, built 1890-1892 to the designs of speculative builder-architect George Whitaker.
Cosmic House
Kensington and Chelsea
Mid-C19 house, remodelled in 1979-1985 by Charles Jencks with Terry Farrell Partnership.
1 Chelsea Embankment (Shelley House) with associated railings
Kensington and Chelsea
Number 1 (Shelley House) Chelsea Embankment, a town house of 1912 designed by Edward Prioleau Warren for Charles St John Hornby, is listed at Grade II...
Empire House
Kensington and Chelsea
Former showroom, warehouse and offices of the Continental Tyre and Rubber Company,1909 to 1916 (or later) by Paul Hoffmann; converted to shops and...
105-123 St Mark's Road and 1-3 Cowper Terrace (consec), including front boundary walls, garden party walls and access steps, railings and walls
Kensington and Chelsea
105-123 St Mark’s Road and 1-3 Cowper Terrace of 1977-1979 by Jeremy and Fenella Dixon is listed at Grade II for the following principal reasons: as a...
Church of St Cuthbert and St Matthias
Kensington and Chelsea
St Cuthbert’s Church is listed at Grade I for the following principal reasons: Historic interest: the church is a high water-mark of...
2 Chelsea Embankment (Dawliffe Hall) and associated railings
Kensington and Chelsea
Town house, built around 1881-1885, architect unknown. Altered in 1894 by George Campbell Sherrin. Extended to the rear in 1896 and in the late-C20.
Pembroke Studios
Kensington and Chelsea
Artists’ studios and accommodation, 1890-1, built by CF Kearley.
23 Kensington Square
Kensington and Chelsea
The main building at 23 Kensington Square comprises two distinct parts of different dates and styles.
Church of St Simon Zelotes
Kensington and Chelsea
The Church of St Simon Zelotes is listed at Grade II for the following principal reasons: Craftsmanship: in the skilfully executed stone carving and...
Roper's Garden
Kensington and Chelsea
A public garden designed in 1960 and completed in March 1964 by Peter Shepheard of Bridgwater, Shepheard & Epstein.
Roman Catholic Diocesan Seminary Chapel, Allen Hall
Kensington and Chelsea
Allen Hall, the Westminster Diocesan Seminary Chapel of 1958 by Hector Corfiato, is listed at Grade II for the following principal reasons: Group...
Brompton Cemetery
Kensington and Chelsea
Mid C19 public cemetery designed by architect Benjamin B Baud, previously assistant to Sir Jeffrey Wyatville.
Lincoln House
Kensington and Chelsea
Two identical blocks of mansion flats, designed 1903 by John A Gill Knight ARIBA for Harry Johnson, constructed 1915-6.
29 and a half, 28 and a half Lansdowne Crescent
Kensington and Chelsea
Two maisonettes, 1972-3, by Jeremy Lever, the larger, upper one, 29 and a half, effectively a house for himself and his family.
Tomb of Joseph Bonomi, Brompton Cemetery
Kensington and Chelsea
Headstone to Joseph Bonomi and family, c.1852. Read the official list entry to find out more.
2-16 and 20-28 (even) Stafford Terrace
Kensington and Chelsea
Terrace of town houses, built 1868 by Joseph Gordon Davis. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Linley Sambourne House
Kensington and Chelsea
Town house, built 1868 by Joseph Gordon Davis, altered and decorated from 1875 onwards by Edward Linley Sambourne and family.
Church of St John the Baptist
Kensington and Chelsea
Parish church, 1872-1910 by James Brooks with JS Adkins.
Tomb of Frederick R Leyland, Brompton Cemetery
Kensington and Chelsea
Tomb chest of Frederick Richards Leyland, c.1892, by Edward Burne-Jones. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Awakening Sculpture, Roper's Garden
Kensington and Chelsea
Bronze figurative sculpture, signed G Ledward 1915, cast 1922-1923, installed in Roper's Garden 1964. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Windsor Castle Public House
Kensington and Chelsea
The Windsor Castle pub, built around 1826 and remodelled in 1933, is recommended for designation for the following principal reasons: Early fabric: a...
Chelsea Pensioners Monument, Brompton Cemetery
Kensington and Chelsea
Memorial to Chelsea Pensioners, 1899-1901, by J Whitehead and Sons Ltd. Read the official list entry to find out more.
No. 45 Pont Street
Kensington and Chelsea
No. 45 Pont Street is a town house of c1888, built by C W Stephens in a classical Queen Anne style.
Monument to HRH Princess Sophia, Kensal Green Cemetery
Kensington and Chelsea
Marble sarcophagus and tomb chest on granite podium, c.1848, designed by Ludwig Grüner of Dresden and executed by the Signori Bardi (sarcophagus) and...
Monument to the Molyneux Family, Kensal Green Cemetery
Brent
Granite and marble mausoleum, designed 1866.
8, 9 and 10 Kensington Square, Abbot’s Court and 18, 20, 22, 24 and 26 Thackeray Street
Kensington and Chelsea
Residential mansion block with shops at ground floor level. Built in 1901 to 1902 by the builders Martin, Wells and Company for John Barker.
Rossetti Studios
Kensington and Chelsea
Artists' studios, built by Edward Holland and dated 1894. Although apparently built by 1890, they were not occupied until 1896.
Monument to Sir Augustus Wollaston Franks
Kensington and Chelsea
Peterhead granite funerary ledger, dated 1897. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Former Welsh Congregational Church
Kensington and Chelsea
Public entertainment/meeting hall, originally known as Commercial Hall, converted as a Welsh Congregational chapel.
K8 Kiosk on High Street Kensington Station
Kensington and Chelsea
A K8 telephone kiosk, produced to a design by Bruce Martin for the General Post Office from 1968. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Historic Kensington and Chelsea through time
The National Heritage List for England contains hundreds of details about buildings and places, including the periods in which they were built and the uses they've had over the years. Explore how your local area has changed through time.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanantly altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanantly altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Aerial photos of Kensington and Chelsea
Historic aerial photography shows the growth and changes in England's urban and rural landscapes, revealing secrets that are impossible to see from the ground.
Chelsea
The Royal Hospital, Chelsea, 1928
Chelsea
The Chelsea Flower Show, Royal Hospital and Ranelagh Gardens, Chelsea, 1953
Chelsea
Chelsea, Belgravia and Buckingham Palace, Chelsea, 1921
Chelsea
King's Road by Whitelands House and the Duke of York's Headquarters, Chelsea, 1952
South Kensington
The Victoria and Albert Museum, South Kensington, 1924
Brompton
The Brompton Oratory, Victoria and Albert Museum and surrounding area of Albertopolis, Brompton, 1948
Kensington
Kensington Palace and environs, Kensington, 1924
Kensington
Kensington Palace and the Round Pond, Kensington, 1952
Kensington
St Mary Abbots Church and environs, Kensington, 1921
Kensington
Kensington High Street and Kensington Gardens, Kensington, 1949
Historic England Archive images of Kensington and Chelsea
The Historic England Archive holds and cares for over 15 million images, from the 1850s to the present day. Discover stunning images of Kensington and Chelsea's past.
Charles George Harper Collection
Chelsea, Kensington And Chelsea, Greater London Authority
Date created: 1892 - 1933
A view from the south of Chelsea Old Church
Eric de Mare
South Kensington, City Of Westminster, Greater London Authority
Date created: 1945 - 1980
Exterior detail view of the front door of number 170, Queen's Gate in South Kensington.
John Gay Collection: Railway Stations
Kensington And Chelsea, Greater London Authority
Date created: 1960 - 1972
A view showing cars parked beneath a spiral vehicle ramp at the BEA Air Terminal in Chelsea
John Gay Collection: London
Kensington And Chelsea, Greater London Authority
Date created: 1960s
The Lots Road power station at dusk seen from Cheyne Walk
John Gay Collection: Highgate and Hampstead
Kensal Green, Kensington And Chelsea, Greater London Authority
Date created: 1980s
A group of tombs in Kensal Green Cemetery, with the statue of an angel sitting on the tomb of George Solon Ladd (d.1889), American pioneer of...
John Gay Collection: Modern Architects
Kensington And Chelsea, Greater London Authority
Date created: 1970 - 1979
The interior of a study at 10 Priory Walk, Brompton with the curtains closed
John Gay Collection: Advertising and Promotional Photographs
Knightsbridge, Kensington And Chelsea, Greater London Authority
Date created: 1954 - 1972
A display of jars of Chiltern Herbs in Harrods Food Hall
John Laing Collection
Kensington And Chelsea, Greater London Authority
Date created: 30 Nov 1989
A general view of the construction site for Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, looking north
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Kensington And Chelsea, Greater London Authority
Date created: 1900 - 1906
GENERAL VIEW FROM SIDE WITH MAN TO RIGHT AND PRAM TO LEFT
Eric de Mare
South Kensington, City Of Westminster, Greater London Authority
Date created: 1945 - 1980
Exterior detail view of number 170, Queen's Gate in South Kensington showing quoins with the street name and number.
John Gay Collection: London
Earls Court, Kensington And Chelsea, Greater London Authority
Date created: 1964
A rooftop balustrade overlooking a row of tall terraced houses in Earls Court
John Laing Collection
Kensington And Chelsea, Greater London Authority
Date created: 01 Aug 1991
A view from the south east showing Chelsea and Westminster Hospital during construction, with workers levelling concrete for the ground floor of the...
Stories about heritage in Kensington and Chelsea
Historic England publishes news, blogs, videos and podcasts celebrating England's heritage. Discover the stories we have about Kensington and Chelsea.
A History of Reading in 6 Places
Mentions Natural History Museum, Front Lodge and Gates, Gatepiers and Railings
Reading is the largest town in the UK. Discover the history of the town through its sites such as the Abbey Ruins, Reading Goal and Market Place.
6 Places Connected to Queer Jewish History in London
Mentions Kensington and Chelsea
Discover the places connected to queer Jewish history in London including Hyde Park, Gateways Club in Chelsea, and the Colony Room Club.
The Life and Works of Visionary Engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel
Mentions Kensington and Chelsea, Tomb of Sir Marc Isambard Brunel and Isambard Kingdom Brunel
Discover the bridges, structures and ships that Isambard Kingdom Brunel designed, including the Great Western Railway and Clifton Suspension Bridge.
The Buildings of Architect Ernő Goldfinger
Mentions Kensington and Chelsea, Trellick Tower Cheltenham Estate
Discover the modernist buildings of Hungarian-born architect Ernő Goldfinger, including Trellick Tower, Balfron Tower and 2 Willow Road.
A Brief Introduction to Cabmen’s Shelters
Mentions Kensington and Chelsea, Pont Street Cabmen's Shelter, Chelsea Embankment Cabmen's Shelter
Discover the history of the small green cabmen's shelters in London that still serve the capital's taxi drivers
7 Serene Cemeteries to Visit in England
Mentions Kensal Green (All Souls) Cemetery
These graveyards can offer space for quiet reflection or a peaceful walk.
A Brief Introduction to Christopher Wren
Mentions ROYAL HOSPITAL, CHELSEA and RANELAGH GARDENS, Kensington Palace
Christopher Wren was a polymath, scientist and world-renowned architect.
12 of the Oldest Tea Rooms in England
Mentions Harrods
Tea rooms first appeared in England in the 18th century, and the first tea room, Twinings, has stood in the same spot for over 300 years.
Southend-on-Sea Civic Fountain Listed
Mentions Harrods
The Civic Fountain in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, has been listed at Grade II by DCMS on the advice of Historic England.
13th Cabmen's Shelter in London Listed
Mentions Chelsea Embankment Cabmen's Shelter, Cabmen's Shelter to Centre Ground Outside Numbers 8 and 10, Pont Street Cabmen's Shelter
The cabmen's shelter on Wellington Place, St John’s Wood, has been listed at Grade II – all 13 historic green huts in London are now protected.
Bedford Shire Hall Upgraded To Grade II* Listing
Mentions Natural History Museum, Front Lodge and Gates, Gatepiers and Railings
Bedford Shire Hall, which sits within the Bedford High Street Heritage Action Zone, has been upgraded to Grade II* by the Department for Culture,...
Rare Phone Boxes Listed on the London Underground
Mentions K8 Kiosk on High Street Kensington Station
Four rare K8 phone boxes on the London Underground network have been listed at Grade II.
Historic England Highlights Fascinating Heritage Sites Listed in 2022
Mentions Pont Street Cabmen's Shelter, Chelsea Embankment Cabmen's Shelter
As 2022 draws to a close, Historic England highlights gems added to the National Heritage List for England (NHLE) over the last 12 months.
Five New Historic England Commissioners Appointed (2022)
Mentions Kensington and Chelsea
Nairita Chakraborty, Jane, Lady Gibson,David Laing, Sir Jonathan Marsden KCVO, FSA andRobert Sackville-West are appointed for a four-year term.
The Best of England’s Post-War Parks, Gardens and Landscapes Protected
Mentions Roper's Garden, Awakening Sculpture, Roper's Garden
Newly announced protections by Historic England are the result of a three-year collaboration with The Gardens Trust.
Explore your social history through photos
Over 10,000 images from the Historic England Archive have been specially selected and re-captioned for teachers, students, and anyone who wants to learn more about heritage in their local area.
Walton Street, Chelsea, Greater London
Period: 1960s (1960 - 1969)
A mother walking with a pram and a daughter skipping beside her by the shops at the south end of Walton Street, Chelsea, an awning overhead in the...
Walton Street, Chelsea, Greater London
Walton Street, Chelsea, Greater London
Period: 1960s (1960 - 1969)
A young man on a grocer's bicycle passing a pile of boxes on the pavement by the shops at the south end of Walton Street, Chelsea, an awning overhead...
Walton Street, Chelsea, Greater London
Tomb of Marc Isambard and Isambard Kingdom Brunel, Chelsea, Greater London
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
Tomb of Sir Marc Isambard Brunel, his son Isambard Kingdom Brunel and other family members.
Tomb of Marc Isambard and Isambard Kingdom Brunel, Chelsea, Greater London
Thomas Cook and Son, 21 Kensington High Street, Kensington, Greater London
Period: Edwardian (1902 - 1913)
A horse and carriage outside Thomas Cook & Son, during the widening of Kensington High Street.
Thomas Cook and Son, 21 Kensington High Street, Kensington, Greater London
The library, Holland House, Kensington, London
Period: World War Two (1939 - 1945)
An interior view of the bombed library at Holland House with readers apparently choosing books regardless of the damage.
The library, Holland House, Kensington, London
The Cancer Hospital, Fulham Road, Chelsea, Greater London
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
The Wilson Ward at The Cancer Hospital, showing patients and nurses on the ward.
The Cancer Hospital, Fulham Road, Chelsea, Greater London
South Kensington Museum, South Kensington, Brompton, London
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
General view of the South Kensington Museum with gardens in the foreground.
South Kensington Museum, South Kensington, Brompton, London
Royal Palace Hotel, Kensington High Street, Greater London
Period: 1920s (1920 - 1929)
A view from the roof of the Royal Palace Hotel, looking north along Palace Avenue towards Kensington Palace.
Royal Palace Hotel, Kensington High Street, Greater London
Visit grant-aided places near you
These places and buildings have been helped by Historic England's financial grants. Find local heritage in your neighbourhood that you never knew existed! Please note that opening times may vary.
Kensal Green Cemetery, Harrow Road
Kensal Green Cemetery, itself on HE’s Heritage at Risk Register, was laid out in 1832 and is the earliest of the Magnificent Seven cemeteries.
Discover more Heritage nearby
Have you got another local place, or somewhere you're planning to visit? Take a look at these other places nearby
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Local Authority District
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