CHELSEA DISTRICT SW1-SW3 - SW10
Nearest Tube: South Kensington/Sloane Square

The district of Chelsea lies on the north bank of the River Thames, bordered by Belgravia and Kensington.

Originally it was a small fishing settlement, but by the 16th Century it was the residential spot of choice for the aristocracy and even King Henry VIII (1509-47). As a result, during this period Chelsea gained the nickname 'Village of Palaces'.

By the 19th century the district was famous for its artistic community, a connection that continues into today. At 143 Old Church Street there is the Chelsea Arts Club that dates back over 100 years, and there are numerous small, commercial art galleries in the area.

Chelsea also has a long association with the military. Chelsea Barracks is the biggest army barracks in central London, while the Royal Hospital is a home for British army veterans. There is also the National Army Museum in Royal Hospital Road.

In more recent years, Chelsea has gained strong associations with the world of fashion - for this is also where you will find the Kings Road, the street that became synonymous with daring fashion in the 60s. And these days Chelsea is equally well known for its flowers with the famous Chelsea Flower Show held each year at Chelsea Royal Hospital. And of course there is the popular Chelsea Football Club.

A particularly nice part of Chelsea is Cheyne Walk (pronounced "chaynee") which for part of the way follows the banks of the River Thames. There are lots of famous past residents of this street, including authors George Eliot and Henry James and artists JMW Turner and Dante Rossetti.

King's Road
Chelsea, SW3
Nearest Tube: Sloane Square
The story goes that in the 17th Century, King Charles II (1660-85) built a house in Fulham for his mistress Nell Gwyn. When he was visiting her from Hampton Court, he used to travel along a farm road. The road was eventually established as a private road for Charles, and it eventually became known as the King's Road in the district of Chelsea.

Until 1830, the Kings Road remained a private royal road, but then it became a commercial road, lined with all manner of shops. By the late 19th Century it had become synonymous with cutting-edge fashion.

For it was the boutiques on this street that first sold mini skirts in the 1960s, and in the 70s this street was where the punk movement, spurred on by music pundit Malcom McLaren and fashion designer Vivienne Westwood, was born.

Today the Kings Road is still flanked by numerous small boutiques, high street stores, restaurants and bistros. And Vivienne Westwood's World's End store can still be found at 430 Kings Road.

There are also lots of antique shops along the Kings Road. And this is where the Chelsea Antiques Market is held where you can find old prints, books and maps as well as antiques.