Walking tour of historic Kensington

My husband and I guided a group from the Inner West branch of The National Trust through Kensington on Saturday, 15th May. Stories and anecdotes were added by participants as we navigated the streets of Kensington.

From Kensington Places

We started from the Eastwood side of Kensington Railway Station, exploring 'below the tracks' for an appreciation of the small residential cottages mingled with the industrial past and present of Kensington.

From Kensington Places

We crossed back via the Arden St railway footbridge appreciating the views south to Brown's Hill (near Dynon Rd) and the docklands, before heading up through the residential streets of South Kensington to the top of Kensington Hill.

From Kensington Places

After a short break at Hardiman's Hotel, we continued our walk in McCracken St and appreciated the 1880's civic heart (churches and school) of Kensington. The group continued via Hopetoun St and Market St, to visit the historic Administration Office and Clocktower and a few stock pens that remain from the Newmarket Saleyards.

From Kensington Places

Leaving the best for last, we joined Bellair St at the former Flemington and Kensington Town Hall and appreciated many fine buildings and their local history on the final stretch back to Kensington Railway Station.

From Kensington Places

A second walk to take in the parts of Kensington west of Epsom Road and Kensington Banks is planned for another day. Anybody who wishes to, might describe here a special place or walking route of historical interest within Kensington and nearby Flemington, for a future guided walk.

Timber housing in Kensington

Most of the 100 year old weatherboard homes of Kensington offer a narrow corridor between buildings. This convention is quite possibly the result of historical planning regulations to minimize fire risk and provide access for maintaining the weatherboard structures which were the predominant building style in Kensington 100 years ago. It would be interesting to know if there was a particular regulation that drove this sensible approach, where even the smallest of houses gave up a proportion of their block to surround themselves with air, space. Notice that there is frequently no fence between the homes, and a low picket or paling fence separates the back and front yards. The character of Kensington streets benefits from the light and air provided by these side setbacks. They often have innovative and decorative gates, as shown in the photos.

From Kensington Places

From Kensington Places

From Kensington Places

From Kensington Places

From Kensington Places

From Kensington Places

Industrial Kensington...below the tracks...

Bounded by the Moonee Ponds Creek to the east and the railway line to the west, built over the floodplain of the creek, this area must have been swampy and less desirable than the other parts of Kensington. This small pocket retains original workers' cottages mixed with light-industrial and commercial development....it would be interesting to know the kinds of industry supported 100 years ago, compared to now. The current mix includes a textile research laboratory, panel-beaters, second-hand furniture and antiques, auto spare parts, etc. What was the primary industrial use for the land before this?

From Kensington Places

From Kensington Places

From Kensington Places

From Kensington Places

From Kensington Places

From Kensington Places

How old is your house....

Our street in Kensington has some very old single-fronted Victorian weatherboards - early 1900's - and a few brick ones which are from the late 1880's. An interesting story would be told, from each house I'm sure. The size and shapes are consistent but if you look closely, each house has some little detail that distinguishes it from a close neighbour. Do you think that houses today are built to last this long? How old is your house, and how long will you live there?

From Kensington Places

Wall space

Have you noticed some of the artwork on our buildings? Some of the historical advertising can still be seen around in this Kensington streetscape.

What do you think about the words on your building? Does your home have a name or message that you would like to share?

From Kensington Places

From Kensington Places

Welcome

What does it mean to live in Kensington? Our suburb has a mix of grand civic buildings and modest cottages. It still has a traditional village feel that we believe is special to Melbourne.

With the cool breeze of the bay drifting through my backyard, I muse about the past and worry about our future. Come back and explore some of my posts as I reflect on what it means to live in Kensington and the future of our streetscapes.



View Larger Map