Earl’s Court – From Village to Victorian Grandeur

Earl’s Court is a fascinating mix of village atmosphere, Victorian grandeur, hidden mews and surprisingly cosmopolitan London. The name dates back to the de Vere family, powerful landowners who became Earls of Oxford in 1141. Their local estate was administered from a manor court, giving the area its distinctive name. Our walk begins with a glimpse of Earl’s Court Village, a small settlement that survived until the dramatic redevelopment of the area in the second half of the 19th century. We then explore the elegant streets and garden squares created during this period, including the many mews that once housed the horses, carriages and servants of the grand Victorian houses. Along the way, we will discover some of Earl’s Court’s more unusual stories and landmarks: a striking billboard designed by Zaha Hadid, the former home of Alfred Hitchcock, and the remarkable lens-shaped Boltons, one of London’s most prestigious and expensive streets. Earl’s Court has also had a changing international character. From the 1950s onwards it became particularly associated with Australians living and socialising in London, earning it the nickname “Kangaroo Valley”. Today, the area has strong Filipino and Thai communities, adding another layer to its constantly evolving identity. The Earl’s Court of today is a long way from Patrick Hamilton’s rather bleak description in *Hangover Square*: *“To those whom God has forsaken is given a gas-fire in Earl’s Court.”* Far from being forsaken, the area has become one of London’s most varied and intriguing neighbourhoods. Distance: approximately 5–6 km Please note: Attendance is at your own risk.