Kensington and Chelsea, London Borough of

Kensington and Chelsea, London Borough of, administrative region, London, England. Situated in the heart of the capital, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, as it is officially known, is one of the inner boroughs of Greater London, on the north bank of the River Thames. Primarily a residential district, it is, however, known more for its public buildings and fashionable shopping areas, such as Kensington High Street and the King's Road.

Well-known institutions to be found in Kensington include the Victoria and Albert Museum; the Science Museum; the Natural History Museum; Imperial College; and Harrods department store. In the late 17th century, Nottingham House, also in Kensington, became a royal residence. It was later remodelled by the architect Sir Christopher Wren and became known as Kensington Palace. Kensington Gardens and nearby Holland Park are popular open spaces.

Chelsea has been known since the 18th century as a residence for writers, artists, and musicians. Among its landmarks are the Royal Hospital for disabled soldiers, site of the annual Chelsea Garden Festival, and the Chelsea Physic Garden, founded in 1673. Just off the King's Road, the Lots Road Power Station provides energy for the London Underground system. West of Chelsea, the Earls Court Exhibition Centre is known worldwide as the venue for many large-scale events and annual exhibitions, chiefly concerts and trade fairs.

The royal borough was formed in 1965 with the merging of the separate boroughs of Kensington and Chelsea. That same year Greater London was created under the jurisdiction of the Greater London Council. This council was abolished in 1986, and each inner and outer borough and the City of London itself had its own governing council as the sole administrative authority from then until 2000. The borough councils consist of councillors elected every four years, who in turn annually elect their presiding official. Councils are responsible for the provision of most local services including education, housing, social services, local planning, roads, refuse collection, recreation, and culture.

On May 4, 2000, the people of London voted in a new London Mayor, Ken Livingstone, and 25-strong cross-party assembly, together known as the Greater London Authority. A new mayor will be elected every 4 years, and although he or she will have limited budget-raising powers, the position includes responsibility for the police, fire service, health, and public transport. The home secretary (a senior government minister) will still be ultimately responsible for many areas, including London's Metropolitan Police Service (see Scotland Yard). Population 158,922 (2001).