Kingston-upon-Thames has a little of everything including historical intrigue, princes, paupers, massive multi-nationals and cottage industries.
Saxon royalty considered 'Kings Tun' an important place, and for this reason its churches hosted them when they wanted to hold council. Several kings were crowned in the churches as well, including Edward, Edmund, Athelston, Edwy, Edred and Egbert. As part of the Norman Conquest in 1066, the royal status of Kings Tun was withdrawn. This meant that William the Conqueror was crowned as the first Norman King of England in London.
The 1200s saw Kingston-upon-Thames become a town in its own right, which meant a population of around 1,500 people. As a centre for agriculture, there was sheep shearing, crop cultivation and the use of water mills to produce flour from grain and the Thames was also home to salmon which were fished. The use of waterways in preference to overland transportation meant that Kingston-upon-Thames was important as an inland port. Markets were held every week, and fairs twice a year, making Kingston-upon-Thames an important trading post. When a bridge was built across the Thames, it was the first point at which the river could be crossed upstream of London Bridge, and that remained the case for centuries.
The beginning of the 16th century saw martyrdom in Kingston-upon-Thames, for a heretic known as Lollard. By 1520, however, Cardinal Wolsey had begun the construction of Hampton Court Palace, whose staff dramatically increased the population of the town and stimulated a growth in trade.
From this point on, Kingston-upon-Thames became more important as a town. In 1560 a grammar school was opened there and the local industries included the brewing and malting of alcoholic beverages, leather tanning and timber production. A third market was also set up, but the advent of the plague saw Kingston-upon-Thames being hit with outbreaks which left its population and ability to trade diminished.
The civil war between parliament and the royal family hit Kingston hard in 1642. The initial capture of the town by parliament saw troops moving in, but when they lost the Battle of Edgehill they withdrew. The Royalists then plundered Kingston, leaving the ruins for parliament, in whose hands it remained despite the fact that many citizens supported the king.
The advent of the modern era saw Kingston grow, with the population increasing to 8,000. The malting industry waned, but other's moved there including the manufacture of both bricks and aircraft. The town was first lit by gaslights in 1833, and 60 years later these were replaced by electric ones.
1836 saw the formation of the very first police force followed by teams of men, known as Improvement Commissioners, given responsibility for cleaning and paving the streets and lighting the lamps. The town's hospital was built in 1897 and over the following years horse-drawn carts became less popular, giving way to trains, electric trams and, eventually, buses. The town continued to grow, reaching a population of 37,000.
Today, with a population of 147,000, Kingston is now a Royal Borough and a popular destination amongst those who love culture, the arts, sightseeing and shopping.
Saxon royalty considered 'Kings Tun' an important place, and for this reason its churches hosted them when they wanted to hold council. Several kings were crowned in the churches as well, including Edward, Edmund, Athelston, Edwy, Edred and Egbert. As part of the Norman Conquest in 1066, the royal status of Kings Tun was withdrawn. This meant that William the Conqueror was crowned as the first Norman King of England in London.
The 1200s saw Kingston-upon-Thames become a town in its own right, which meant a population of around 1,500 people. As a centre for agriculture, there was sheep shearing, crop cultivation and the use of water mills to produce flour from grain and the Thames was also home to salmon which were fished. The use of waterways in preference to overland transportation meant that Kingston-upon-Thames was important as an inland port. Markets were held every week, and fairs twice a year, making Kingston-upon-Thames an important trading post. When a bridge was built across the Thames, it was the first point at which the river could be crossed upstream of London Bridge, and that remained the case for centuries.
The beginning of the 16th century saw martyrdom in Kingston-upon-Thames, for a heretic known as Lollard. By 1520, however, Cardinal Wolsey had begun the construction of Hampton Court Palace, whose staff dramatically increased the population of the town and stimulated a growth in trade.
From this point on, Kingston-upon-Thames became more important as a town. In 1560 a grammar school was opened there and the local industries included the brewing and malting of alcoholic beverages, leather tanning and timber production. A third market was also set up, but the advent of the plague saw Kingston-upon-Thames being hit with outbreaks which left its population and ability to trade diminished.
The civil war between parliament and the royal family hit Kingston hard in 1642. The initial capture of the town by parliament saw troops moving in, but when they lost the Battle of Edgehill they withdrew. The Royalists then plundered Kingston, leaving the ruins for parliament, in whose hands it remained despite the fact that many citizens supported the king.
The advent of the modern era saw Kingston grow, with the population increasing to 8,000. The malting industry waned, but other's moved there including the manufacture of both bricks and aircraft. The town was first lit by gaslights in 1833, and 60 years later these were replaced by electric ones.
1836 saw the formation of the very first police force followed by teams of men, known as Improvement Commissioners, given responsibility for cleaning and paving the streets and lighting the lamps. The town's hospital was built in 1897 and over the following years horse-drawn carts became less popular, giving way to trains, electric trams and, eventually, buses. The town continued to grow, reaching a population of 37,000.
Today, with a population of 147,000, Kingston is now a Royal Borough and a popular destination amongst those who love culture, the arts, sightseeing and shopping.
About the Author:
If you are looking for 1 bedroom properties for rent in Kingston Hill, we are the local experts with a wide range available. For more information on Robert Holmes estate agents check out our website.
No comments:
Post a Comment