Knightsbridge
Knightsbridge is situated in the city of Westminster and with its close proximity to the West End, and just a stone's throw from the City of London and Canary Wharf, it is a leading international business location.
In 1780 Knightsbridge was still classed as a small village between Kensington and London and a well-known haunt for villains. Travellers taking the western route out of London were often a target for robbers and cut-throats. There were many public houses and a number of new buildings being constructed, but even by 1783 there were still no pavements, streets had no form of lighting and streams ran open and unrestricted. Around the mid 1800's there was progress of sorts. Roads and streets were dimly lit by way of oil lighting and journeys to London were made by stage coach, however, the only modern paving to be seen was along Knightsbridge Terrace.
Based at Stepney in the East End of London in 1834 Charles Henry Harrod was an established wholesale grocer and tea merchant. In order to get away from the filth of the inner city he took over a small store in Knightsbridge. This move also enabled him to take advantage on trade to the Great Exhibition of 1851 in nearby Hyde Park. From a single room he employed two assistants along with his son as messenger boy. Although a thriving business, the store was to undergo a major transformation in 1861 when Harrod's son Charles Digby took over. His expansion into adjoining buildings and increased staff of 100 he was able to further his potential by selling a far wider range of goods. Even though the store was demolished by fire in 1883 it was rebuilt and among its best customers of that era were Oscar Wilde, and well-known actresses Lily Langtry and Ellen Terry. Today owned by Egyptian billionaire tycoon Mohammed Al Fayed the store still prides itself on a reputation for excellence.
Due to the wealth and prominence of Knightsbridge, the area is a constant target for international crime. Most of the properties and buildings have closed circuit television, doormen, as well as security guards. A major security overhaul was put in place in the recent past and with the continual convergence of international multi-millionaires residing in the area, Knightsbridge is now considered to be one of the most highly protected and secure locations in the world.
Knightsbridge is a shopper's paradise with its exclusive Harrods, which serves as corner shop to many of the world's billionaires and celebrities and where Victoria Beckham has her own fashion label line VB Rocks. There is the Sloane Rangers favourite Peter Jones and the legendary Harvey Nichols immortalised in the classic comedy 'Absolutely Fabulous.'
Knightsbridge has some of the highest property prices in the world, and considering it is located in the heart of London it is an especially leafy area with its houses and apartment buildings sited around large private gardens, along with Hyde Park, Inner London's largest public park situated nearby.
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