Kew

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Kew is a place in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames in South West London.

It is best known for being the home of the Royal Botanic Gardens (now a world heritage site). Other points of interest include Kew Palace and The National Archives (previously known as the Public Records Office).

Kew village refers to several attractive parades of shops adjoining Kew Gardens station. It contains a mixture of independent retailers, several restaurants, including the well-reviewed The Glasshouse, and numerous cafes. Most of Kew developed in the late 19th century, following the arrival of the District Line of the Underground, and is characterised by large detached or semi-detached houses. It is a popular (and expensive) residential area because of its transport links and proximity to Kew Gardens.

Kew is also well known for having many notable residents including actor Ray Brooks, and news reader Sophie Raworth.

Etymology

The name Kew is a combination of two words: the Old French kai (landing place; 'quay' derives from this) and Old English hoh (spur of land). The land spur is the bend in the Thames. The name was recorded in 1327 as Cayho.

Education

Transport and locale

The South Circular Road (the A205) passes through Kew, with Kew Road providing the main road link to Richmond. The M4 motorway starts a short distance north of Kew, providing access to Heathrow Airport and the west. The A316 road starts in Chiswick and continues over Chiswick bridge and junctions with the south circular at Chaulker's corner. The road passes Richmond and Old Deer Park before re-crossing the river and after several round-abouts turns into the M3 motorway.

In the 17th Century, the Kings Road was created by Charles II to travel to Kew and Hampton Court. It remained the Kings Private Road until 1830. However, people with the right connections were able to obtain a pass to use it. By the 1960s the King's Road had become famous for its fashionable boutiques and its association with the Swinging Sixties.

Since 1869 rail services have been available from Kew Gardens station, with services from both London Underground and National Rail.

Nearest places

• Brentford
• Richmond
• Gunnersbury
• Chiswick
• Mortlake
• Barnes

Nearest tube station

• Kew Gardens station

Bridges

• Kew Bridge, which carries the A205 South Circular Road. Beside the bridge is Kew Gardens Pier, which serves tourist ferries operating under license from London River Services.
• Kew Railway Bridge

Quotes

I am His Highness' dog at Kew;

Pray tell me, sir, whose dog are you?

Epigram, engraved on the Collar of a Dog which I gave to his Royal Highness (Frederick, Prince of Wales)— Alexander Pope, 1688-1744

References

External links

• Kew Society website
• Kew Online
• Kew Meridian

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Last updated on Tuesday January 01, 2008 at 14:48:24 PST (GMT -0800)
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