Many persons must have been surprised to find this is the name of a street, known to many as “Billionaire’s Row.” Originally called Queen’s Road, the name changed in 1870, it was built on the grounds of Kensington Palace, which…
Hyde Park
King Henry VIII used the 154 hectare Hyde Park as a royal hunting ground and so it remained for 200 years. King Charles II used it for military reviews. Queen Caroline, wife of King George II united Hyde Park with…
Historic Royal Palaces
The Palace is now in the hands of a non-government organisation Historic Royal Palaces, it has been closed during renovations, their proposed purpose is described: ”We felt not enough people were aware you could get into Kensington Palace’s state apartments,…
Rooms, Painting, Art
The palace has been described as a “plain brick building, of no particular style or period, but containing a heterogeneous mass of dull apartments, halls, and galleries, presenting externally no single feature of architectural beauty; the united effect of its…
The Gardens of Kensington Palace
History The gardens attached to Kensington Palace, when purchased by William III, did not exceed twenty-six acres. They were immediately laid out according to the royal taste; and this being entirely military, the consequence was that closely-cropped yews, and prim…
World Wars and after
In WW1 the palace was used for offices to support charitable enterprises, and was closed until 1923, when it reopened to the public. There was some bomb damage in WW2, and after repairs the palace was opened again in 1949.…
1867: Birth of the future Queen Mary
Princess Mary Adelaide Wilhelmina Elizabeth of Cambridge was a granddaughter of George III, and great-grandmother of Elizabeth II. She is remembered as the mother of Queen Mary, the consort of George V. Mary Adelaide spent the early years of her…
Queen Victoria
Queen Victoria born 24 May 1819; ascended to throne of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland 20 June 1837; died 22 January 1901.
King William IV
King William IV (born 21 August 1765; ascended to thrones of the United Kingdom and Hanover 26th June 1830; died 20th June, 1837).
King George IV
King George IV (born 12 August, 1762; ascended the thrones of the United Kingdom and of Hanover 29 January, 1820; died 26 June, 1830).