Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames

Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames

General Information
Name	Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames
Native Name
Other Names
Settlement Type	Royal borough
Transliteration
Language 1
Type 1
Info 1
Location
Coordinates	51.4123°N 0.3007°W
Map
Population
Total	176,107
Density	auto per km²
Area
Total	37.25 km²
Land	km²
Water	km²
Government
Type
Leader
Time Zone
Standard	UTC
DST	UTC

The Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames is a Royal borough in South West London, England. It is one of the 32 London boroughs and is unique in being the oldest of the four royal boroughs in England. The borough was formed in 1965 by the merger of the former Municipal Borough of Kingston-upon-Thames, the Municipal Borough of Malden and Coombe, and the Municipal Borough of Surbiton.

History

The area now known as Kingston upon Thames has a rich history dating back to the Anglo-Saxon period. It was the site of the coronation of several Anglo-Saxon kings, including Æthelstan, the first King of England, in 925. The name "Kingston" is derived from "King's Tun", meaning a royal farm or estate.

In 1965, the modern borough was created as part of the reorganization of local government in London. It was granted royal status in recognition of its historical significance and its association with the monarchy.

Geography

The Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames covers an area of 37.25 square kilometers. It is bordered by the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames to the west, the London Borough of Merton to the east, and the London Borough of Sutton to the south. The River Thames forms the northern boundary of the borough.

Demographics

As of the 2021 census, the population of the borough was 176,107. The area is known for its diverse community, with a mix of urban and suburban environments. The borough has a higher than average proportion of young people and families, and it is a popular area for students due to the presence of Kingston University.

Economy

Kingston upon Thames is a major retail center, with the Bentall Centre being one of the largest shopping centers in the area. The borough also has a strong service sector, with many businesses in finance, education, and healthcare. The presence of Kingston University contributes significantly to the local economy.

Education

The borough is home to several notable educational institutions, including Kingston University and Kingston College. These institutions attract students from across the UK and internationally, contributing to the borough's vibrant and youthful atmosphere.

Transport

Kingston upon Thames is well-connected by public transport. The borough is served by several National Rail stations, including Kingston railway station, Surbiton railway station, and New Malden railway station. There are also numerous bus routes that connect the borough to central London and surrounding areas.

Culture and Leisure

The borough offers a variety of cultural and leisure activities. The Rose Theatre, Kingston is a prominent venue for performing arts. The borough also has several parks and open spaces, including Richmond Park and Bushy Park, which are popular for outdoor activities.

Governance

The Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames is governed by the Kingston upon Thames London Borough Council. The council is responsible for local services and administration, including education, housing, and transport.

Also see

• London Boroughs
• History of London
• Royal Boroughs in the United Kingdom
• Kingston University
• River Thames