List of place names with royal patronage in the United Kingdom facts for kids
A "royal" place name means a town, city, or area has a special connection to the British royal family. This might be because a king or queen gave it a special title, or because the land used to belong to the Crown (the monarch). These names often show a long history and important events linked to royalty.
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England
Royal Places in England
Some places in England have been officially given the title "royal" by a monarch. This usually happens through a special document called a royal charter. Since 1926, the rules for using "royal borough" have been very strict.
Berkshire is known as a "Royal County." This is because Windsor Castle, one of the main homes of the royal family, is located there.
Greenwich became a "Royal Borough" in 2012. This was to celebrate Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee (60 years as queen). It's a historic place where kings and queens like Henry VIII, Mary I, and Elizabeth I were born at the old Palace of Placentia.
This area became a "Royal Borough" in 1965. It got its royal status because Queen Victoria was born at Kensington Palace in the area.
Kingston upon Thames has a very old royal history. It's where King Æthelstan was crowned way back in 925 AD! In 1927, King George V officially confirmed its right to be called a "royal borough" because it had been known as one for so long.
This town became "Royal Leamington Spa" in 1838 after Queen Victoria visited. It was a popular spa town where people went to relax and use the mineral waters.
- The Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield
King Henry VIII gave Sutton Coldfield its "royal town" title in 1528.
This spa town was allowed to use the "Royal" prefix in 1909 by King Edward VII. This was to recognize its long connections with the royal family.
- Windsor and Maidenhead
The town of Windsor has been royal since the 12th century because of Windsor Castle. In 1974, the larger area of Windsor and Maidenhead became a "Royal Borough."
This town was given the "Royal" prefix in 2011. This was a special honor to recognize the town's respectful role in the repatriation (return home) of military personnel.
Former Royal Places
This area used to have special royal rights, but these were ended in 1892.
Regis Places
The word Regis is Latin for "of the king." When you see Regis in a place name, it usually means that the land or area used to belong to the king. Sometimes, "Regis" was used instead of "King's."
- Examples include Houghton Regis in Bedfordshire, Lyme Regis in Dorset, and Milton Regis in Kent.
- A modern example is Bognor Regis. In 1929, King George V spent time recovering from an illness in Bognor. He liked it so much that he allowed it to be renamed "Bognor Regis."
King's Places
Many places in England start with "King's" or "Kings," showing a historical link to the king.
- Kingham
- Kingsbury
- Kingsclere
- King's Cliffe
- King's Cross
- King's Heath
- Kingskerswell
- Kings Langley
- King's Lynn
- King's Norton
- King's Sutton
- Kings Ripton
- Kings Tamerton
- Kings Worthy
- Kingstanding
- Kingsteignton
- Kingston by Ferring
- Kingston upon Hull
- Kingston upon Thames
- Kingswear
- Kingswinford
- Kingswood, Surrey
- Winterborne Kingston
- Kingsthorpe, Northampton
King's Places in Somerset
- Kingsbridge
- Kingsbury Episcopi
- Kingsdon
- Kingston Bridge
- Kingston Seymour
- Kingston St Mary
- Kingstone
- Kingweston
- Kingswood
Queen's Places
These places are named after a queen.
- Queen Adelaide, Cambridgeshire
- Queenborough, Isle of Sheppey, Kent
- Queen Camel
- Queen Charlton
- Queen's Park, London
- Queensbury
- Quendon
Prince's Places
These places are named after a prince.
Scotland
King and Rìgh Places
- Many places are called Kingshouse.
- The region of Fife is often called the "Kingdom of Fife."
- Dalrigh and some places called Dalry might also have royal connections.
- Portree (though this is debated).
It's important to know that in many Scottish place names, "Kin(g)" comes from the Scottish Gaelic word Ceann, which means "head" or "end." So, places like Kinghorn and Kingussie are not named after a king.
Regis Places in Scotland
- Cramond was once known as Cramond Regis, meaning it had a connection to the king.
Queen Places in Scotland
- North and South Queensferry are named after a queen.
- Queen's Park in Edinburgh is also named after a queen.
Royal Places in Scotland
This area is called "Royal Deeside" because Balmoral Castle, a royal residence, is located there.
Former Royal Burghs
In Scotland, a "royal burgh" was a town that was given a special royal charter by the monarch. These towns had certain rights and privileges. There were 70 royal burghs by 1707. While they were officially ended in 1975, many towns still use the term "royal burgh" today to show their history.
Wales
Royal Places in Wales
- Royal Town of Caernarfon
Caernarfon was granted the status of "royal borough" in 1963. It became a "royal town" in 1974. This town is famous because it's where the Prince of Wales (the heir to the throne) is officially invested.
Northern Ireland
Royal Places in Northern Ireland
Hillsborough was given the "Royal" prefix in 2021. This was to recognize Hillsborough Castle, which is the official royal residence for Northern Ireland. It also marked 100 years since Northern Ireland was created.
See also
