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Kingston is widely regarded as the birthplace of England. As many as 7 Saxon Kings were coronated in Kingston. Almost all of the documents and records of Kingston from the Saxon period are linked to kings and important meetings of the most important people in England at the time.
The name of Kingston is, as you may expect, derived from its royal connection. It is from the Saxon phrase ‘Cyningestun’, which means royal estate or farm. This suggests a very important royal estate was established in Kingston at some point during the Saxon period.
The first mention of Kingston in any historical records was made in 838AD. This is a detailed record of a royal council meeting presided over by King Egbert. King Egbert ruled Wessex at a very trying time for the region. He managed to maintain his rule over Wessex despite attacks from Mercia, a much more powerful neighbour.
Egbert was one of four kings of England at this time, and so it is likely that had there been a royal estate in Kingston, Egbert would have visited it at the very least or called it home for some of his reign.
King Egbert may have also been crowned on the coronation stone. You may have seen the stone as you have walked by the Guildhall in Kingston. It is believed that this stone was used in the coronation of up to 7 Saxon Kings during this period.
Up until 1730, the coronation stone resided in the Saxon Chapel of St Mary, which was located on the grounds of the current All Saints Church. Sadly, in 1730, the chapel collapsed, so the stone was moved. For the next few hundred years, the stone was moved various times. Until 1935 when the new guildhall was built, and the stone was moved into the grounds and placed near the Hogsmill River.
Very close to the coronation stone is the Clattern Bridge. This is widely believed to be one of the oldest intact bridges in England. The bridge is thought to have been built in 1180 and may have replaced an even earlier bridge. The earliest record of the bridge, though, is 1293, so no one is quite sure when the bridge was built and whether or not it did, indeed, replace an earlier one. The bridge is a beautiful landmark, though. Flanked by wonderful architecture from every development phase that Kingston has seen.
Kingston is one of the most important places in England’s history, and this history is still on show everywhere you look. It is well worth taking a walk around Kingston to explore the old buildings, iconic sites and the incredible stories of the people that have lived in Kingston over the years.
Kingston Museum is an excellent place to start unravelling the wonderful history of the area. From the Saxons to the ‘father of motion picture’ Eadweard Muybridge, there is plenty to learn about Kingston and the history that surrounds you in the streets and under the landmarks.