Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames

Saxon Coronation Stone( Edward)

Guildhall, Kingston

Kingston upon Thames population pyramid

Surrey County Hall Clock Tower

Coat of Arms of the Municipal Borough of Malden and Coombe

Coat of Arms of the Municipal Borough of Surbiton

Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames
Royal borough
Coat of arms of Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames Coat of arms
Shown within Greater London Shown within Greater London
Coordinates:
Country	United Kingdom
Constituent country	England
Region	London
London borough	Greater London
Created	1965
Government
• Type	London borough council
• Body	Kingston upon Thames London Borough Council
Area
• Total	14.38 sq mi (37.25 km2)
Population  (2021)
• Total	176,107
• Density	12,000/sq mi (4,700/km2)
Time zone	UTC+0 (GMT)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+1 (BST)
Postcode	KT1–KT6, KT9
Area code(s)	020
Website	www.kingston.gov.uk

The Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames is a Royal borough in Greater London, England. It is located in the southwest of London and is part of the Outer London area. The borough is known for its rich history, vibrant town center, and significant cultural heritage.

History

The area now known as Kingston upon Thames has a long history dating back to at least the Anglo-Saxon period. It was the site where several Anglo-Saxon kings were crowned, including Æthelstan, the first King of England. The name "Kingston" is derived from "King's Tun" (King's farm or estate), reflecting its royal connections.

In 1965, the modern borough was formed by the merger of the Municipal Borough of Kingston-upon-Thames, the Municipal Borough of Malden and Coombe, and the Municipal Borough of Surbiton.

Geography

The borough covers an area of 37.25 square kilometers and is bordered by the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames to the north, the London Borough of Merton to the east, the London Borough of Sutton to the south, and the Surrey districts of Elmbridge and Epsom and Ewell to the west.

The River Thames forms part of the northern boundary of the borough, providing scenic views and recreational opportunities.

Governance

The borough is governed by the Kingston upon Thames London Borough Council, which is responsible for local services and administration. The council is elected every four years and is currently led by the Liberal Democrats.

Economy

Kingston upon Thames has a thriving economy with a mix of retail, commercial, and educational institutions. The town center is a major shopping destination, featuring the Bentall Centre and a variety of independent shops and markets.

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.

Transport

Kingston upon Thames is well-connected by public transport, with several National Rail stations, including Kingston railway station, Surbiton railway station, and New Malden railway station. The borough is also served by numerous London Buses routes.

Culture and Leisure

The borough boasts a range of cultural and leisure facilities, including the Rose Theatre, Kingston, the Kingston Museum, and the Hogsmill River. The Richmond Park and Bushy Park are nearby, offering extensive green spaces for outdoor activities.

Notable People

Several notable individuals have been associated with Kingston upon Thames, including the artist John Everett Millais, the writer Jacqueline Wilson, and the actor Tom Holland.

Related Pages

• Greater London
• London Boroughs
• Kingston University
• River Thames
• Surbiton

External Links

• Official website