Odd Facts About Some Great Chelsea Attractions

Any visitor to London should add a visit to the lovely area of Chelsea to their itinerary. Some of the Chelsea attractions are rightly world-famous, and what might appeal to you as opposed to somebody else will, of course, be a matter of your personal preference. Some of the best-known Chelsea attractions have some interesting and even odd histories associated with them!

The King’s Road

The name of this famous road wasn’t chosen just because it sounded nice or to curry favour with the monarch. In fact, this was, quite literally, 'The King’s Road' and was built for Charles II, in the 17th century, so he could travel to Kew in peace thereby avoiding many of his unwashed subjects! It remained a private royal road until as late as the 1830s, although by then democracy had made some impact and people of 'good standing' were also able to use it occasionally.

Dante Gabriel Rossetti’s House

Rosetti was one of the best-known, most important and influential poets and artists of the 19th century. His house is high on the list of Chelsea attractions – although it is denoted by a name plaque only. Sometimes you may hear Rossetti described as an 'Italian immigrant', but he was, in fact, born in England of Italian ancestry.

Albert Bridge

This is one of the top London attractions and one of the most photographed of all the Thames bridges. Many also argue it’s the prettiest. However, it’s certainly had a troubled history. Found to be structurally unsound, it has been significantly strengthened several times in its life, but the odd fact here is that today it is again under threat – from dog urine! So many dogs cross the bridge on their 'walkies' towards Battersea Park, that over the centuries their urine has started to eat into the timber of the bridge.

The Chelsea Physic Garden

Tucked away in the heart of Chelsea is one of the lesser-known Chelsea attractions – the Chelsea Physic Garden. Established in 1673 by the charmingly named Worshipful Society of Apothecaries, it was and remains dedicated to identifying medicinal uses for plants - although today its functions are wider and include participating in issues like bio-diversity.

What is unusual is that this garden has links to Georgia, in the USA. When Georgia was still a colony, cotton seeds were introduced there through the work of the Chelsea Physic Garden, and that, in turn, led to a vast industry.

Eel Brook Common

This is a beautiful area of green in the heart of the borough very popular with local residents. What is less well-known is that this land was also once the original home of Fulham Football Club before they moved!

Ropers Gardens

This is a very small sunken garden near the Thames. What makes it interesting is that it was once owned by Sir Thomas Moore, in the 16th century, and given by him to his daughter on her marriage. It was not originally 'sunken'; that aspect of garden improvement was donated courtesy of the Luftwaffe, when one of their parachute mines detonated there, leaving a huge crater behind!

For the inquisitive traveller, it pays to keep in mind that many of the great Chelsea attractions have more to them than the basic facts you'll find in a tourist brochure.

Matthew Zelinski works for the London Regency Hotel, a top Kensington hotel from which you can explore all the best Chelsea attractions. This wonderful hotel embodies the true flavour of Kensington, with its traditional regency-style façade and superb facilities. Whether you're looking for accommodation in London for business or leisure, the Regency offers an effortlessly elegant experience.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.