Kennington

Kennington
Stephen McKay · CC BY-SA 2.0 · source
Name	Kennington
Pushpin label position	bottom
Coordinates	51.4833°N 0.1167°W
Population	21,287

Kennington is a district in south London, England, located within the London Borough of Lambeth and London Borough of Southwark, near Vauxhall, Oval, Stockwell, and Camberwell. The area is home to The Oval cricket ground, which has hosted numerous international cricket matches, including Ashes series and ICC World Cup games, featuring teams like England cricket team, Australia national cricket team, and West Indies cricket team. Kennington is also close to the River Thames, Imperial War Museum, and Lambeth Palace, the official residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Geography

Kennington is situated near the South Bank of the River Thames, which offers stunning views of the river and the city skyline, including landmarks like St Paul's Cathedral, Tower Bridge, and Canary Wharf. The area is bounded by the A23 road to the east, Clapham Road to the south, and Lambeth Road to the west, and is close to Vauxhall Park, Kennington Park, and Brockwell Park. Kennington is also near the London Borough of Wandsworth, London Borough of Merton, and London Borough of Croydon, and is accessible via the A3 road and A4 road. The area's geography is characterized by its proximity to the Thames Valley, North Downs, and Surrey Hills, which offer opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling in Richmond Park, Wimbledon Common, and Box Hill.

History

The history of Kennington dates back to the Domesday Book of 1086, when it was mentioned as a small settlement in the Kingdom of England. The area was later owned by the Duke of Norfolk and the Earl of Surrey, and was a popular spot for hunting and falconry among the British nobility, including King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I. Kennington was also a key location during the English Civil War, with the Battle of Turnham Green taking place nearby in 1642, involving forces led by King Charles I and Parliamentarian commanders like Robert Devereux, 3rd Earl of Essex. The area's history is also tied to the British Empire, with many East India Company officials and British Army officers living in Kennington, including Robert Clive and James Wolfe.

Demographics

According to the 2011 United Kingdom census, the population of Kennington is approximately 21,287, with a diverse mix of White British, Black British, Asian British, and Latin American residents. The area is home to many young professionals and families, with a high proportion of residents working in Central London and commuting to areas like The City, Westminster, and Canary Wharf. Kennington is also a popular destination for international students attending universities like University College London, Imperial College London, and King's College London, and is close to the London School of Economics and University of the Arts London.

Transport

Kennington is well-connected to the rest of London via public transportation, with several London Underground stations, including Kennington tube station, Oval tube station, and Vauxhall tube station, which are served by the Northern line and Victoria line. The area is also accessible by London Bus routes, including the N109 bus and N155 bus, which connect to Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, and Oxford Circus. Kennington is close to the Vauxhall railway station, which offers South Western Railway services to Waterloo station and Clapham Junction railway station, and is also near the Thameslink route, which connects to London Bridge station and St Pancras International.

Culture

Kennington is known for its vibrant cultural scene, with numerous theatres, galleries, and music venues in the area, including the Ovalhouse, White Bear Theatre, and The Coronet. The area is also home to the Imperial War Museum, which showcases a collection of military history and wartime artifacts, including exhibits on World War I, World War II, and the Cold War. Kennington is close to the South Bank Centre, which hosts various arts festivals and cultural events throughout the year, including the London Jazz Festival and London Film Festival, and is also near the National Theatre, Royal Festival Hall, and British Museum.

Education

Kennington is served by several schools and universities, including Ark All Saints Academy, Lilian Baylis Technology School, and Morley College, which offer a range of academic and vocational programs. The area is also close to the University of London, which comprises several colleges and institutes, including King's College London, University College London, and London School of Economics. Kennington is near the Institute of Education, which is a leading center for educational research and teacher training, and is also accessible to the British Library, which is the national library of the United Kingdom and a major research institution. Category:Districts of London