Kingston upon Thames: the town where England began
This commuter town in southwest London is one of only three monarchical boroughs in the capital. But most visitors need to learn about the special events that occur in Kingston upon Thames.
A stone is on a quiet corner in Kingston upon Thames, a humble town on the River Thames. It’s no normal stone.
It is guarded by a ring of blue iron rails created to simulate a crown, with seven pillars depicting the seven kings whose names are carved at the bottom of the stone; according to legend, this fixed historical monument is England’s very own Coronation Stone.
As the town is well-known, Kingston is the executive centre of the eponymous London borough. Its nearness to the renowned Hampton Court Palace, Henry VIII’s most prominent residence, and the famous filming site for many period dramas, such as Bridgerton, makes it a well-known tourist transport hub.
Nevertheless, many ought to realise the special events that took place here.
That’s because Kingston upon Thames is a rare London borough. This ancient market city was called the first official Royal Borough of England and is one of just three royal boroughs in London due to its robust and noble origin.
The city’s Coronation Stone is particularly relevant right now, too. With King Charles III’s impending crowning, there was a Scottish controversy over whether Scotland should transport the Stone of Destiny.
This traditional coronation stone crowns all British rulers to Westminster Abbey this week due to a rally over Scotland being refused another referendum for freedom.
While the official rock is now in London, ready for the coronation, several people know England has its own Coronation Stone in Kingston.
Kingston upon Thames’ prestige goes back to the 10th Century when King Athelstan, the most famous Saxon king, was crowned here in 925 CE.
Athelstan is considered the first King of England, having beaten the Vikings and Scotland union at York in the Battle of Brunanburh, unifying a map of the British Isles and observing Kingston as the place where a united England started.
