History
Kingston upon Thames, historically in Surrey, was an important market town, port and river crossing from the early medieval period, while there is evidence of Saxon settlement and of activity dating from the prehistoric period and of Roman occupation. It is close to the important historic royal estates at Hampton Court, Bushy Park, Richmond and Richmond Park. The old core of the town, around All Saints Church (C14 and C15, on an earlier site) and Market Place, with its recognisably medieval street pattern, is ‘the best preserved of its type in outer London’ (Pevsner and Cherry, London: South, 1983 p. 307). Kingston thrived first as an agricultural and market town and on its historic industries of malting, brewing and tanning, salmon fishing and timber exporting, before expanding rapidly as a suburb after the arrival of the railway in the 1860s. In the later C19 it become a centre of local government, and in the early C20 became an important shopping and commercial centre. Its rich diversity of buildings and structures from all periods reflect the multi-facetted development of the town.
Details
Chiesman's Store (formerly Hide's Store). A large modern department store, most of which is not of interest, but it contains some items of importance. In the basement, some flint walling and C17 brickwork. Inside the store, a fine mid C17 timber staircase from the Castle Hotel, which formerly occupied the site. Heavy square newels with carved, panelled sides and ball finials; strings carved with laurel leaves; heavy, moulded handrails; the space between handrails and strings filled with heavy foliage and roses, within which are some human figures. Some of the newels are initialled. [VCH]. Also incorporated into the new structure is an C18 hipped, tiled roof above a much-altered 3 storey, 4 bay range. [On the south side facing alleyway to back yard]. Listed solely for the items described.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
203157
Legacy System:
LBS
Sources
Books and journals
Legal
This building is listed under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 as amended for its special architectural or historic interest.
End of official list entry
