Beyond this spot lies a district steeped in history World’s End. It is nestled at the King’s Road western end in Chelsea. Once upon a time, this area was a Victorian slum. Today, it is known for its council housing and brutalist architecture.
The name World’s End comes from a public house. This pub dates back to at least the 17th century. Like “Elephant and Castle” the origins of the name remain a mystery.
Old writings describe the inn. It was once a noted house of entertainment during Charles II reign. Tea gardens and grounds were extensive. They were elegantly fitted for company. The name came from its distance from London. Roads leading to it were bad and dangerous.
In 1695, Congreve mentioned it. He placed it west of London. He noted it was a place of questionable reputation.
In 1795, a map showed the inn. It stood on the north side of Kings Road. It was the only building in the area. The modern pub called World’s End Distillery sits on the south side. It was built in 1897. It replaced an earlier building.
World’s End became a hub in the 1960s. The fashionable set discovered it. Granny Takes a Trip opened here. Several boutiques and hippie shops followed. Gandalf’s Garden sold candles and spiritual books. The Sweet Shop sold silk velvet creations. Twiggy and Keith Richards frequented it.
Nearby, the Dragon Tea Garden was a meeting place. Aristocrats, bohemians and hippies gathered. They sipped exotic teas. The World’s End became a center for counter-culture. Vivienne Westwood opened SEX in the 1970s. It is now known as World’s End.
In the 1960s, Chelsea Borough Council built new social housing. The Cremorne Estate was first. Then came the red brick towers of the World’s End estate. This swept away many Victorian houses. Jim Cadbury-Brown and Eric Lyons designed the estate. It is known for its brutalist architecture.
The World’s End pub is Grade II listed. It is a fine example of a gin palace.
The area saw severe bombing during World War II. It became a center of counterculture. This was formed by the threat of nuclear annihilation.
Charlie Gere grew up in World’s End. He witnessed its social and cultural evolution. He saw it bearing the marks of out-of-control neoliberalism.
Today, the World’s End stands as a testament. It is a testament to London’s ever-changing landscape. It shows how bohemian roots have evolved. The area has transformed through different eras. It is a place where history echoes. It is a place where culture continues to thrive.