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