Kingston Vale

Did the name Kingston Vale ever conjure images of highwaymen and royalty? Kingston Vale, nestled between Richmond Park and Wimbledon Common, holds a history as diverse as its landscape. Once a quiet hamlet known as Kingston Bottom, Kingston Vale served as a resting point on the bustling London to Portsmouth road. Imagine weary travelers stopping at the Bald-Faced Stag, an inn that stood where an Asda now stands. This very inn was rumored to be a favorite haunt of the notorious highwayman, Jerry Abershawe, before his execution in 1795. His body was later displayed on a gibbet in nearby Putney Vale, a grim reminder of the area’s less savory past. But Kingston Vale’s story isn’t all dark tales. The area carries a strong association with the legend of Robin Hood. The nearby Robin Hood Gate of Richmond Park, Robin Hood Lane, and the former Robin Hood Inn all point to this connection. This link likely originated from the Robin Hood plays and May Day games performed in Richmond Park for the entertainment of King Henry VIII. By the mid-19th century, the name Kingston Vale began to appear, marking a shift from its humble beginnings. The construction of St. John the Baptist Church in 1861, with land donated by the Duke of Cambridge and funds from Princess Mary, Duchess of Gloucester and Edinburgh, cemented its status as a growing community. The church remains a focal point, hosting not only religious services but also community events, a testament to the area’s evolving spirit. The Kingsnympton Park Estate, once a grand mansion, tells another tale of transformation. Bombed in 1940, the estate was eventually purchased by the council for housing, a tangible reminder of the area’s resilience. From a highwayman’s hideout to a royal playground, from a quiet hamlet to a thriving suburb, Kingston Vale has woven a rich tapestry of stories. It’s a place where history whispers from behind leafy lanes and grand Victorian houses, inviting you to explore its captivating past.