Kingston lies in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames — the oldest of England’s four royal boroughs, located in South West London.
This riverside town is renowned for its bustling market scene, enduring history, and connectivity to some of London’s best natural wonders. And with central London just 30 minutes away, the city’s energy is never far.
Established as a market town in the 12th century, Kingston preserves its historic roots with a range of dynamic retail offerings. In the ancient marketplace, explore stalls brimming with jewellery, exotic food and flowers. For a more modern scene, the Bentall Centre brings a plethora of diverse shops into one single space for you to discover.
Situated in a royal English borough, Kingston is uniquely tied to royalty — a connection further enriched by its close proximity to Hampton Court Palace, the majestic and cherished residence of King Henry VIII. A 30-minute drive, Richmond Park is London’s largest Royal Park, where herds of deer freely roam against a backdrop of stunning nature. Past monarchs once dwelled in this vast green expanse, which today provides a scenic escape with stunning views that make it hard to believe you’re still in the city.
County Hall Kingston’s story is rooted in 1888 when the Local Government Act established county councils across England and Wales. For the newly formed Surrey County Council, this landmark moment meant they were in need of an official headquarters.
In response, Surrey County Hall was commissioned, providing a grand meeting space for council members just a stone’s throw away from the iconic River Thames. The building was constructed on two-acres of land that faced Grove Road, later renamed to Penrhyn Road in honour of the very first chairman.
Surrey County Hall opened its doors in 1893, playing a pivotal role within the community until 2020.
Surrey County Hall was the realisation of established architect Charles Henry Howell, whose impressive portfolio included the design of bridges and police stations across the county. Faced in elegant Portland stone, the building is distinguished by a uniquely asymmetrical main frontage, a grand arched doorway, and a rising clocktower complete with an ornate belfry and dome.
In the years following its creation, several extensions were added to Surrey County Hall — each building upon its grand and stately stature.
One of these extensions, the ‘Ashcombe Block’, was demolished in 1944 by a flying wartime bomb and later rebuilt in 1953. Despite efforts to repair the war damage, shrapnel marks are still visible in the some of the building’s stonework — a striking reminder of a past endured.
Eventually, these ongoing extensions formed two quadrangles with buildings dating between 1893 and 1982. Completing the northern quadrangle, the 1982 computer block was the first building designed in a modern style.
Today, County Hall Kingston meticulously preserves the historic design details of Surrey County Hall. These echoes of the past provide an extraordinary setting for modern furnishings. Walk across intricately tiled floors and beneath doorframes embellished with intricate wood carvings. Savour every moment, surrounded by outstanding heritage.
