Chelsea has always been a district beloved by the influential and wealthy. Initially a small riverside village that centred around Chelsea Old Church, from the eighteenth century Chelsea mushroomed inland and the King’s Road, originally the private road of Charles II, became its main artery. New buildings replaced Chelsea’s market gardens and fields, and streets and squares were developed on what had been previously private estates. It became a popular artists’ colony and its bohemian reputation continued in post-war London when the King’s Road became a major fashion hub and Mary Quant and Vivienne Westwood established their boutiques. Its Old Town Hall has been the venue for fashionable weddings, and Chelsea’s many listed buildings, including the Royal Hospital designed by Wren and home to the Chelsea Flower show, designer shops, theatre, concert hall, the Saatchi Gallery in the Duke of York Headquarters and characterful pubs make it a delight to visit and explore.Chelsea in 50 Buildings unveils the history of this fascinating area of West London through a selection of its most interesting buildings and structures, showing the changes that have taken place over the years. This book will appeal to all those who live in Chelsea or who have an interest in the area.
