London
Town Guide


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.


James Bond fans will know that Royal Avenue, a street off the eastern end of the King's Road, is where the world-famous spy had his London residence.



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