Westminster and its opulent districts

The City of Westminster is an Inner London borough which spreads over an area of 8.29 square miles. It has a population of about 230.000 people and shares a common boundary with the ancient City of London. The City of Westminster is known for being the location of numerous internationally known landmarks, monuments and green areas.

The district of Knightsbridge, SW1, is one of London’s two international retail centres. The area has a population of approximately 10.000 residents and is home to some of the city’s most opulent shopping centres including the world famous Harrods which was established in 1834 and today is one of London’s main tourist attractions. Knightsbridge is also the location of the well-known Victoria and Albert Museum which was founded in 1852 and is the 6^th most visited museum in the United Kingdom.

Pimplico is one of the smallest areas in the City of Westminster. The district is known throughout the city for its Regency architecture. Pimplico, SW1, is situated in close proximity to the Tate Modern which is one of London’s most famous and visited museums. The area is also the location of several beautiful Anglican churches such as:

• Gabriel’s
• Saviour
• James the Less

During the years numerous notable people including Sir Winston Churchill have lived in the district.

St. John’s Wood lies at about three miles from the junction of Charing Cross and is one of Westminster’s most popular areas. It is the location of numerous places of worship such as St. John’s Wood Church, Saatchi Shul (Orthodox Jewish synagogue), London Central Mosque and the Liberal Jewish Synagogue. Also some of the borough’s most prolific schools are situated in St. Johns’ Wood, NW8.

The area of Lisson Grove, NW8, shares common boundaries with several of Westminster’s most prominent districts. It is neighboured by Paddington from the west, St. John’s Wood from the north and Maryledone from the east. The area lies in close proximity to several famed London landmarks such as the Baker Street, Madame Tussaud’s, Regent’s Park and the London Planetarium. Lisson Grove is linked to the other parts of the city by several bus routes while the nearest rail links are situated in the adjacent districts.

Maida Vale is perhaps the most affluent and wealthy district in the City of Westminster. It has an estimate of 10.000 inhabitants and is considered to be one of London’s greenest and most beautiful areas. The district is known for being the location of the Maida Vale BBC Studios which comprise of seven music and radio drama rooms. Maida Vale, W9, has always been the home to some of the most successful and richest people in Britain and Europe.

Millbank, SW1, is a district that lies between the area of Pimplico and Westminster. The Chelsea College of Art and Design is beyond any doubt the most noted educational facility in the district. It was founded in 1895 and since then it has changed its name and status on several occasions. Throughout the years the school has produced numerous notable alumni such as Rita Angue, Richard Deacon, Ralph Fiennes, Alex Randall, Ossip Zadkine and more. The Millbank Tower is another well-known local place of interest.

The above mentioned area of Westminster, SW1, is arguably the borough’s most visited and famous district. It is the location of some of the capital’s most notable structures such as the Palace of Westminster, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and Westminster Cathedral. The intersection of Charing Cross is situated at less than a mile from the area. Westminster is served by its own tube station which was opened in 1868.

Mayfair is another opulent area which is located in the City of Westminster. Several of the finest museums and galleries of London are located in the district. The Halcyon Gallery is perhaps the most notable venue in the area. Mayfair, W1, is neighboured by the world famous district of Soho which is well-reputed for its vibrant and extravagant nightlife. The area is home to some of the best pubs, bars and nightclubs of the British capital.

St. James’s has a population of over 10.000 people and lies at less than a mile from Charing Cross. The district has been associated with the British aristocracy since the 17^th century. Nowadays it is the location of numerous well-known gentlemen’s clubs.