Millbank facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Millbank |
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 Millbank
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| OS grid reference | TQ295795 |
| London borough | |
| Ceremonial county | Greater London |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | LONDON |
| Postcode district | SW1 |
| Dialling code | 020 |
| Police | Metropolitan |
| Fire | London |
| Ambulance | London |
| EU Parliament | London |
| UK Parliament |
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| London Assembly | |
Millbank is a cool area in central London, right next to the River Thames. It's part of the City of Westminster. You can find Millbank east of Pimlico and south of Westminster. Millbank is famous for its important government buildings, the Burberry headquarters, the tall Millbank Tower, and amazing art places like Tate Britain and the Chelsea College of Art and Design.
Contents
What is the History of Millbank?
How Did Millbank Get Its Name?
The name Millbank comes from a watermill that used to be here a long time ago. This mill belonged to Westminster Abbey. An old map from 1573, made during the time of Elizabeth I, shows this mill.
Back then, much of the area was called Tothill Fields. People like Samuel Pepys described it as a low, wet place. It had bogs and muddy areas.
What Happened in Tothill Fields?
After a big battle in 1651, about 4,000 soldiers were held in Tothill Fields. They were prisoners before being sent to work far away. The conditions in the camp were very bad. Sadly, many prisoners died because it was so unhealthy.
How Did Millbank Change Over Time?
Before a large prison was built in 1816, Millbank had only a few houses. There was a place by the river that made drinks. There were also small homes and hospitals for people who were poor or sick.
Near Vauxhall Bridge, there was a company that took apart old ships. Many old Royal Navy ships were taken apart here. Their fancy front parts, called figureheads, were often shown on the company's walls.
When Was Millbank Rebuilt?
Millbank looks mostly like it does today because it was rebuilt in the 1930s. This happened after a big flood in 1928 damaged the Thames Embankment. The main road, also called Millbank, runs along the River Thames. It was built in the mid-1800s and has a large sewer underneath it.
Many important offices are on this road. For example, No. 7 Millbank was once the main office for a big tobacco company.
What Important Discoveries Happened Here?
The old Royal Army Medical College was in Millbank. This is where the vaccine for typhoid was first created. Also, the world's first modern prison, Millbank Prison, was built here in the late 1800s.
Today, this historic building is home to the Chelsea College of Art and Design. The famous Tate Britain art gallery is also very close by. This makes Millbank a hub for art and creativity.
What Companies and Offices Are in Millbank?
The main office for a huge chemicals company, ICI, used to be in Millbank. Now, other important offices are here. These include the Northern Ireland Office and the headquarters for MI5, which is a security service.
Millbank is also a key place for news and broadcasting. Millbank Studios is an independent TV company. It is right across from the Houses of Parliament. Many news channels, like BBC Parliament, Sky News, and ITV, have offices here. They often interview politicians at nearby College Green. Even broadcasters from other countries have offices in Millbank.
What Are the Notable Buildings in Millbank?
What is the Millbank Estate?
The Millbank Estate is a large group of red-brick buildings. It is a Grade II-listed site, meaning it's an important historical building. This estate gives the area behind Tate Britain a special look.
It was built between 1897 and 1902. The bricks used to build it came from the old Millbank Prison. The estate has 17 buildings, named after famous painters like Turner and Gainsborough. It has 562 apartments. Many of these apartments are rented from the local council, while others are privately owned.
What is 4 Millbank?
In 1914–1916, architects designed and built 4 Millbank. It is a six-story office building with a classic style. It used to be the main office for the Crown Agents for the Colonies. Now, it's an office building with a central glass roof.
What is the Millbank Tower?
Millbank Tower is a very tall, modern office building. It stands between the River Thames, the Millbank Estate, and Tate Britain. It has restaurants and a public garden.
Before the 1997 election, the Labour Party had its main office here. Later, the Conservative Party also had its headquarters in the tower.
How Can You Get Around Millbank?
What River Transport is Available?
Millbank Millennium Pier is a modern pier on the River Thames. From here, you can take a special riverboat. This boat connects Tate Britain with Tate Modern, another famous art gallery.
What Underground and Train Stations Are Nearby?
The closest London Underground stations are Westminster, Pimlico, and Victoria. London Victoria station is also a big train station. It has a large coach station next to it for buses that travel across the country. Waterloo and Charing Cross stations are also not too far away.
Are There Buses in Millbank?
Yes, Millbank is very well connected by buses. You can easily get around the area and to other parts of London using the bus network.
See also
In Spanish: Millbank para niños
