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 your local listed buildings and places
Introducing some of Kensington and Chelsea's most historic sites, included in the National Heritage List for England. Some of these captions have been summarised by AI. Click through for the official List entry. Skip this section and go to place by numbers
Tomb of Emmeline Pankhurst
Kensington and Chelsea
Tomb of Emmeline Pankhurst, 1930, designed by Julian Phelps Allan. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Natural History Museum, Front Lodge and Gates, Gatepiers …
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.
ROYAL HOSPITAL, CHELSEA and RANELAGH GARDENS
Kensington and Chelsea
The Royal Hospital, Chelsea, developed in the 19th century, features historical gardens and plays host to the annual Chelsea Flower Show.
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. Read the official list entry to find out more.
The Boltons
Kensington and Chelsea
Public house-cum-hotel, built 1890-1892 to the designs of speculative builder-architect George Whitaker. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Cosmic House
Kensington and Chelsea
Mid-C19 house, remodelled in 1979-1985 by Charles Jencks with Terry Farrell Partnership. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Ladbroke Estate
Kensington and Chelsea
The Ladbroke Estate, designed mainly by Thomas Allason, consists of 16 communal gardens, developed from 1840 to 1868 in Notting Hill, featuring historical architecture and lush greenery.
The Roof Garden, 99 High St, Kensington
Kensington and Chelsea
The 1936-38 roof garden by Ralph Hancock atop Derry and Toms in Kensington showcases themed gardens influenced by his earlier work in New York.
Chelsea Embankment Cabmen's Shelter
Kensington and Chelsea
Cabman's Shelter, 1912. Read the official list entry to find out more.
1 Chelsea Embankment (Shelley House) with associated rail…
Kensington and Chelsea
This list entry was subject to a Minor Amendment on 18/12/2020. Town house.
Holland Park
Kensington and Chelsea
Holland Park, established in the early 18th century, features pleasure grounds designed by William Kent and Charles Hamilton, and has been managed as a public park since 1953.
105-123 St Mark's Road and 1-3 Cowper Terrace (consec), i…
Kensington and Chelsea
Terrace of houses and flats, built 1977-1979, for a housing trust. Read the official list entry to find out more.
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 flats 1925 by Henry Branch.
Monument to Dr James Barry, Kensal Green Cemetery
Brent
Portland stone headstone, 1865. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Church of St Cuthbert and St Matthias
Kensington and Chelsea
Parish church, 1884-7 by Hugh Roumieu Gough, with embellishments of 1887-1910 by W Bainbridge Reynolds, Ernest Geldart, J Harold Gibbons and others.
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. The interiors of studios 5, 6 and 11 are not of special interest and are excluded from the listing.
Chelsea Physic Garden
Kensington and Chelsea
Chelsea Physic Garden, founded in 1673, played a significant role in botanical research, with notable figures like Philip Miller and Sir Hans Sloane contributing to its development.
Pont Street Cabmen's Shelter
Kensington and Chelsea
Cabman's Shelter, 1892. Read the official list entry to find out more.
23 Kensington Square
Kensington and Chelsea
The main building at 23 Kensington Square comprises two distinct parts of different dates and styles. To the east are a pair of town houses built around 1838.
Church of St Simon Zelotes
Kensington and Chelsea
Anglican church built 1858-9 to the design of Joseph Peacock. Built by White of Pimlico. Sculpture by John Lewis Jacquet. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Hans Place
Kensington and Chelsea
Hans Place in Chelsea was developed by Henry Holland from 1777, features a private garden, and continues to be privately owned with limited access.
Roman Catholic Diocesan Seminary Chapel, Allen Hall
Kensington and Chelsea
The Diocesan Seminary Chapel was built in 1959 to designs by Hector Corfiato, to replace an earlier chapelRefurbishment works have been ongoing since 2013, and are nearing completion at the...
Roper's Garden
Kensington and Chelsea
A public garden designed in 1960 and completed in March 1964 by Peter Shepheard of Bridgwater, Shepheard & Epstein. Read the official list entry to find out more.
St Luke's Garden
Kensington and Chelsea
St Luke's church, built in early 19th century, stood on Chelsea Old Church's burial site, later transformed into formal public gardens, enduring changes from WWII impacts.
Brompton Cemetery
Kensington and Chelsea
Mid C19 public cemetery designed by architect Benjamin B Baud, previously assistant to Sir Jeffrey Wyatville.
Cadogan Place
Kensington and Chelsea
Cadogan Place was initially the late 18th-century London Botanic Garden, later redeveloped into private gardens with historical and cultural significance.
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. Sub-divided in 1947 by J Hunt of Eastbourne Mews, Paddington.
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.
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. 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.
Debenham House
Kensington and Chelsea
Debenham House, designed by Halsey Ricardo in 1905-7, features vibrant faience and mosaic interiors, with tiles by William de Morgan, representing early 20th-century artistic innovation.
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. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Church of St John the Baptist
Kensington and Chelsea
Parish church, 1872-1910 by James Brooks with JS Adkins. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Windsor Castle Public House
Kensington and Chelsea
Public house, c.1826, altered 1933. Read the official list entry to find out more.
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.
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.
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.
Explore more
Search for more listed placesKensington and Chelsea through time
This timeline shows the first period of use for buildings and places on the National Heritage List for England, just one of the details recorded for every list entry. Click around to see how Kensington and Chelsea changes over time. Skip this section and go to aerial photos
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 Catholic 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 permanently 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 Catholic 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 permanently 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
Aerial photography helps reveal secrets of England's changing landscapes that are impossible to see from the ground. Skip this section and go to archive images

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
Kensington and Chelsea in the Historic England Archive
The Historic England Archive cares for over 15 million images, dating from the 1850s to the present day. Discover stunning images of Kensington and Chelsea's past. Skip this section and go to stories about heritage
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 your local area
Historic England publishes news, blogs, research, videos, and podcasts celebrating England's rich heritage. Discover the stories we have about Kensington and Chelsea. Skip this section and go to education
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.
The Life and Works of Visionary Engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel
Mentions 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 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 Pont Street Cabmen's Shelter, Chelsea Embankment Cabmen's Shelter, Victoria and Albert Museum
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.
Rock Stars: 8 Women Who Broke New Ground in Geology
Mentions Kensal Green (All Souls) Cemetery
Women have always had inquiring minds, but have often had to fight harder than their male contemporaries for equal opportunities.
7 Historic Urban Parks and Gardens To Improve Your Wellbeing
Mentions Holland Park
Parks and green spaces are vital for our mental and physical health.
7 of the Best Post-war Parks, Gardens and Landscapes in England
Mentions Roper's Garden
Here are seven of the amazing post-war parks, gardens and landscapes that exist all over England.
10 Hidden Creatures You Might Have Missed in London
Mentions Natural History Museum, Front Lodge and Gates, Gatepiers and Railings
London’s extraordinary sculpted creatures – great and small, historic and modern – are hiding in plain sight; easy to miss when the city is full of...
5 Places That Tell the Story of Kensington and Chelsea
Mentions Trellick Tower Cheltenham Estate, Talbot Community Centre, Leighton House
Once a predominantly rural area, the Royal Borough of Kensington has evolved into one of London’s most diverse and historic neighbourhoods.
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.
1980s Buildings Officially Become Heritage
Mentions Cosmic House, 105-123 St Mark's Road and 1-3 Cowper Terrace (consec),, Kensington and Chelsea
Historic England announces the listing of 17 Post-Modern buildings
Places With Queer Histories Listed to Mark 50th Anniversary of the Partial Decriminalisation of Homosexuality
Mentions Monument to Dr James Barry, Kensal Green Cemetery
The two new listings come ahead of the 50th anniversary of the Sexual Offences Act 1967.
Groundbreaking Women of Science Celebrated
Mentions Chelsea Physic Garden
Historic England and The Royal Society celebrate International Women’s Day by bringing to light the exceptional achievements of female scientists
England's Queer History Recognised, Recorded and Celebrated
Mentions 34, Tite Street SW3
'Pride of Place' research project uncovers and celebrates LGBTQ heritage across England
Nation asked to throw new light on England’s lesbian gay bisexual transgender and queer heritage
Mentions Kensington and Chelsea
Nation asked to throw new light on England’s lesbian gay bisexual transgender and queer heritage.
Kensington and Chelsea's 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 their local area. Skip this section and go to grant-aided places
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
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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.
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
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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 historic places in your neighbourhood that you never knew existed! Please note that opening times may vary. Skip this section and go to related locations
Kensal Green Cemetery, Harrow Road
Established in 1832, Kensal Green Cemetery, part of the Magnificent Seven, faces preservation challenges on HE's Heritage at Risk Register.
Discover more
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