Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames facts for kids
| Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames | |
 Shown within Greater London |
|
| Official website | RB Kingston upon Thames |
Quick facts for kids Geography |
|
|---|---|
| Status | London borough Royal borough |
| Area — Total |
Ranked 325th 37.25 km² |
| ONS code | 00AX |
| Admin HQ | Kingston upon Thames |
| Demographics | |
| Population — Total (2005 est.) — Density |
Ranked 107th (of 354) 153,000 4,107 / km² |
| Ethnicity | 84.5% White 7.8% South Asian 1.6% African-Caribbean 1.4% Chinese |
| Politics | |
| Leadership | Leader & Executive |
| Mayor | Shiraz Mirza (Lib) |
| Executive | Liberal Democrats |
| MPs | Edward Davey (Lib) Susan Kramer (Lib) |
| London Assembly — Member |
South West London Tony Arbour (Con) |
The Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames is a special part of London located in the southwest. It's one of only three areas in London known as a "Royal Borough." This title means it has a long and important connection to the Royal Family.
Contents
What is a Royal Borough?
A Royal Borough is an area that has been given a special title by the King or Queen. This usually happens because of its history or a special event involving the Royal Family. For Kingston upon Thames, this title goes back a very long time. Many early English kings were crowned here, making it a place of great historical importance.
Where is Kingston upon Thames?
Kingston upon Thames is situated on the River Thames, a famous river that flows through London. Being next to the river has always been important for trade and travel. It is about 10 miles (16 km) southwest of Charing Cross, which is considered the center of London. This location makes it a busy place with good connections to the rest of the city.
History of Kingston
Kingston has a very rich history, dating back over a thousand years. Its name means "King's Town," which shows its royal connections.
Early Beginnings
In ancient times, Kingston was an important crossing point over the River Thames. This made it a key place for people to live and trade. It grew into a significant market town.
Royal Connections
Many Anglo-Saxon kings were crowned in Kingston during the 10th century. This included kings like Æthelstan, who was the first King of all England. The Coronation Stone, which you can still see in Kingston, is believed to be where these kings were crowned. This history is why it's called a Royal Borough today.
Modern Development
Over the centuries, Kingston continued to grow. It became a busy commercial center and a popular place to live. In 1965, it officially became one of the new London boroughs, combining several smaller towns into one larger area.
Life in Kingston upon Thames
Kingston is a lively place with a mix of modern shops, historic buildings, and green spaces. It's a popular area for families and students.
Shopping and Entertainment
Kingston has one of the largest shopping areas in London. You can find many big stores, smaller shops, and a variety of restaurants and cafes. There are also cinemas and other entertainment venues.
Parks and Green Spaces
Despite being a busy town, Kingston has many beautiful parks and open spaces. These include Richmond Park, which is partly in Kingston, and Bushy Park. These parks are great for walking, cycling, and seeing wildlife like deer. The riverside area is also very popular for walks and boat trips.
Education
Kingston is home to Kingston University, which attracts students from all over the world. There are also many good schools in the area, making it a popular choice for families.
How Kingston is Governed
Like all London boroughs, Kingston upon Thames has its own local government. This government is called the Kingston Council.
The Council and its Leaders
The Kingston Council is made up of elected councillors. These councillors make decisions about local services, such as schools, parks, libraries, and waste collection. The council is led by a "Leader & Executive" team, who are responsible for the day-to-day running of the borough. The Mayor of Kingston is a ceremonial role, representing the borough at events.
Representing Kingston
Kingston upon Thames is represented in the national government by Members of Parliament (MPs). These MPs speak for the people of Kingston in the UK Parliament. The borough also has a representative in the London Assembly, which helps govern the whole of London.
Images for kids
-
Surrey County Hall Clock Tower
See also
In Spanish: Kingston upon Thames para niños
