Knightsbridge
A Brief History of Mayfair, Belgravia & Knightsbridge
Knightsbridge – A district of Extravagance
Knightsbridge is one of the most sought after and exclusive locations in central London. It is probably best known to the tourists that flock there as a shopping destination and is home to both Harrods and Harvey Nichols.
This wealthy district lies in the western end of Central London, surrounded by other elite districts such as Chelsea, Mayfair, Belgravia and Kensington. Knightsbridge sits in the heart of fashionable London, incorporating the horse-trodden paths of Hyde Park, next to the grand embassies of Belgravia, the museums of Kensington, and the artist residences of Chelsea. Today, the neighbourhood is awash with all manner of world-class shops, restaurants, historic townhouses, and leading hotels.
Residential
Origins
Like all London centres, Knightsbridge’s origins are shrouded in legend. Historical records suggest that its original name was either “Knightsbrigg,” or “Kyngesbrigg”. King Edward the Confessor held lands here, and possibly may have built a bridge for the use of the monks of Westminster, to whom he devised a portion of his acres. From a charter preserved in the British Museum, which conveyed to the monks of Westminster, along with the manor of Chelsea, “every third tree, and every horse-load of fruit grown in an adjacent wood at Kyngesbyrig, as heretofore by law accustomed.”
The fashionable streets were, for a long time, marshland, latticed by crossing points and bridges. It is believed that the bridge which spanned the Westbourne and used by heraldic knights is It stood where now i how Knightsbridge got its name.
Knightsbridge London was originally a hamlet (a small settlement), and the land was later used to build several churches and houses, attracting many travellers who would visit London. The area was further developed when more improved roads started running through Knightsbridge, attracting more visitors and more investments.
By the 1900s, the area was already marked as a desirable place to live with expensive houses and elegant garden squares. Scenes of luxury cars, fashionable addresses and the blend of the old-world architecture and ultrachic developments vividly portrays the immaculate neighbourhood of Knightsbridge.
While much of Knightsbridge’s buildings and structures are remnants of the early 20th century but that doesn’t mean there is any shortage of modern homes. The district has property varying from elegant Georgian houses to terracotta faced Victorian houses, luxurious penthouses, apartments and beautiful mews houses.
Things to do in Knightsbridge
Contemporary shopping and dining
Knightsbridge’s fashionable legacy still shines through the many glamorous boutiques and restaurants that line its grand Victorian streets. Of particular fame are the luxurious halls of Harrods, filled with designer brands, decadent furniture, and delicious foods. Nearby, Harvey Nichols has been defining British fashion for over a century, and Sloane Street is a catwalk of London’s most elegant ateliers. Throughout Knightsbridge, a collection of high-flying restaurants cater every cuisine imaginable, combining stylish and imaginative courses with mesmerising interiors.
Knightsbridge is known to be a shopping hub, and its streets are lined with numerous branded fashion stores, designer shops and boutiques of all kinds. Die-hard shoppers will not want to miss the famous Harrods, which is considered to be the ultimate destination for fashion and style in London. Harvey Nichols, Chanel, Armani and Jimmy Choo are other high-end brands that can be found here.
If shopping is not your cup of tea, the district has other areas worth exploring. Brompton Oratory is a neoclassical Church with an interior that showcases artwork from the Italian Renaissance era. They also have a famous choir that holds regular performances.
The close proximity of Knightsbridge to Kensington, Belgravia and Mayfair means that other famous attractions like the Natural History Museum, Hyde Park, Wellington Arch, Cadogan Hall and Buckingham Palace are all easily accessible.
Knightsbridge Restaurants and Cafes
Cafes, restaurants and Knightsbridge coffee shops will be sure to delight you with exquisite international and traditional British flavours. Head to Gran Café Londra to savour refined Italian pastries, savoury canapés and rustic sandwiches. You can also head to Fifth Floor Café at Harvey Nichols to try its fine European style desserts or to Parisian tearoom Ladurée at Harrods, which is known for its world-famous macaroons.
Gourmet restaurants in Knightsbridge are also some of the city’s finest. Celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal, known for his unbelievable food creations, has opened his restaurant Dinner in this area. Hawksmoor Air Street is another popular spot with a heart combination of prime steak and seafood. Other noteworthy restaurants are Marcus, with a menu that has French style dishes with flavorful British ingredients; Rivea, which serves up fresh Mediterranean cuisine; and Amaya, known for mouth-watering Indian dishes that are grilled or tandoor-baked and served tapas-style.
Knightsbridge undoubtedly has elegance flowing through its streets, and has a reputation for being one of the wealthiest areas in London. The district attracts the rich and famous from all over the world, who come to sample what it has to offer and end up becoming long-term residents.
