Borough

Kingston upon Thames

About:

The Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames is a borough in south-west London.

Kingston was built at the first crossing point of the Thames upstream from London Bridge and a bridge still exists at the same site. In Old English, tun, ton or don meant farmstead - so the name Kingston may have been thought to mean farmstead of the kings. Seven Saxon kings are traditionally said to have been crowned at Kingston, while seated on a large stone - The Coronation Stone - that stands outside the Guildhall.

Nipper, the dog that served as the model for a painting entitled His Master's Voice and which later became the trademark of HMV, was buried in Kingston, in a small park surrounded by Magnolia trees. As time progressed the area was built upon and the area is now the rear car park of Lloyds TSB in Clarence Street. On the wall of the bank a brass plaque is displayed commemorating the famous terrier which lies beneath the building.

Routes that go through Kingston upon Thames:

London Outer Orbital Path (LOOP):

Section 8 (Bourne Hall Park, Ewell to Kingston upon Thames)

Thames Path National Trail:

Section 1 (Hampton Court to Albert Bridge)

Population:

147,273 which is 2.1% of the total London population (2001 Census)

Area:

37 square kilometres

Tube:

There are no tube services in the borough.

Rail:

Rail services in the borough are provided by South West Trains. Visit http://www.tfl.gov.uk/rail/ for more information.

Bus:

The borough is served by a comprehensive network of bus routes. Visit http://www.tfl.gov.uk/buses/ for more information.

Green space:

The Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames is located along a stretch of the River Thames where the Hogsmill River joins the former at the town of Kingston. Kingston has approximately 13% open space made up of parks, golf courses and a nature reserve.

Local Authority:

Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames