1694 – The Royal Beginnings

King’s Road was established in 1694 by King Charles II. The monarch needed routes to travel between palaces, and this one provided a direct link between St James’ Palace to Fulham and Hampton Court. Right up to the 19th Century, it was his own private road, used by the King and his family, and accessible only to the aristocracy by special token. It remained this way until it opened to the public in 1830.

When the new Borough cemetery opened in 1855, King’s Road was renamed ‘Cemetery Road’ until 1911, when it was changed back to honour the coronation of George V. 

Henry VIII may have set the tone for Chelsea, but the construction of King’s Road built a higher sense of exclusivity for the neighbourhood and its future as one of the most popular and traditional spots in London to this day. 

1955 – The Swinging 60s

The Swinging Sixties scene on King’s Road, Chelsea, began in 1955 with the opening of the boutique, Bazaar, owned by famous fashion designer, Mary Quant. While the cultural phenomenon flourished throughout the 1960s, Mary catapulted King’s Road into the fashion sphere when she brought the iconic mini skirt to life. As a result, by the mid-1960s, the term ‘Swinging London’ gained widespread recognition and independent boutiques heavily populated properties along the street.

1970 – The (Literal) Home of Rock and Roll

The Beatles and The Rolling Stones were just a few of the iconic bands rocking the King’s Road. Led Zeppelin even started a record label, Swann Song Records in 1974 at number 484. Vivienne Westwood leading the punk movement in the 1970s opened up a whole new world of music and fashion trends from her store Worlds End. And with all this action, King’s Road soon became home to some of the most legendary musicians in the industry, including Eric Clapton, Bob Marley, Ronnie Wood, and Charlie Watts.

1968 – The Chelsea Drugstore phenomenon

What is now a McDonalds used to be the quintessential Chelsea Drugstore in 1968. The drugstore took inspiration from American-style malls which offered music, clothes, food, drink and a chemist within an eye-catching building that attracted many of the residents of King’s Road. Today’s concept of Deliveroo was even initially practised by the Chelsea Drugstore ‘flying squad’ delivery service, where young women in incredibly bright purple catsuits would deliver items to consumers’ homes via motorcycle. 

While it became one of the chicest and most modern spots on King’s Road, it was closed down in 1971 three years after opening. This was partly due to the design of the building but also because of its shocking 16 hour opening times – something unheard of in the 1960s. The destination was certainly ahead of its time but paved the way for King’s Road and its unapologetically unique way of shopping.

Today’s King’s Road

King’s Road has come a long way in recent years, and despite its arguably sophisticated and elegant presence, it has certainly kept its eccentric, expressive and inventive art forms with pride, oozing more charm than the whole of London as a whole. 

As a true London landmark, King’s Road is still the place to be and shop when visiting or living in the city. Come and indulge the heritage of our wonderful neighbourhood and witness the history for yourself. 

As responsible custodians of the Sloane Stanley estate, we are committed to preserving the distinct heritage and character of the Chelsea area, while strengthening our diverse and engaged community. We love our neighbourhood and we want you to enjoy the experience as much as we do. 

Get in touch with us today to find out more about the Sloane Stanley Estate. Alternatively, view our commercial properties in Chelsea.