Here, four miles northwest of Charing Cross lies Kensal Town. It is a district straddling two London boroughs. The Grand Union Canal divides the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea from the City of Westminster.
Originally, Kensal Town was part of Chelsea. It served as an exclave from the Middle Ages until 1900. This area was once known as Chelsea-in-the-Wilderness. Alternatively, it was known as the Hamlet of Kensal Town.
The name Kensal comes from Kingisholt. It means King’s Wood. Records show this name existed as early as 1253. The wood likely stood within Chelsea’s exclave, now Kensal Town. Kensal Green got its name in 1550. It described a long roadside common west of Kensal Town.
The Grand Union Canal shaped Kensal Town. It opened in 1801. The canal passed through a deforested area. The Great Western Railway followed in 1838. It skirted the exclave’s southern edge.
Soon after the railway’s arrival, Kensal New Town estate emerged. It sat south of the canal. The exclave’s boundaries contained it. An 1876 map first recorded the name. Later, Kensal Town became the area’s formal name. Kensal New Town remained specific to the area south of the canal.
A large Irish community quickly populated Kensal New Town Estate. Consequently, the area has many Catholic churches. The estate’s location between the railway, canal, and Kensal Green Cemetery presented challenges. The area north of Harrow Road proved more successful.
In 1911, Emslie Horniman, a local MP, donated land for recreation. He noted the lack of play areas for children and rest spots for mothers. This land later became Emslie Horniman Pleasance.
Mid-20th century improvements replaced slums with council housing. In 1900, Kensal Town was removed from Chelsea. The area south of the canal joined Kensington. The area north of the canal merged with Paddington.
Different perceptions exist about Kensal Town’s boundaries. Many consider the area south of the canal to be part of North Kensington. Some view the area north of the canal as part of Queens Park.
The annual Notting Hill Carnival kicks off at Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance. Queens Park Rangers football club formed nearby. It was founded at St Jude’s Institute in 1886.
Today, Kensal Town stands as a testament to London’s evolving landscape. Its rich history continues to shape its identity. The area thrives with a vibrant community spirit.