CAMDEN TOWN
Camden Town, often shortened to Camden (a term also used for the entire borough), is a district of north west London,
located 3.9 km north of Charing Cross. It is It is identified in the London Plan as one of 35 major centres in Greater London!
Laid out as a residential district from 1791 and originally part of the manor of Kentish Town and the parish of St Pancras, London,
Camden Town became an important location during the early development of the railways, which reinforced its position on the
London canal network. I just finished watching Peaky Blinders (season 2) where this London area and the canal network plays a role.
That series (seriously recommended, btw!) manages to capture the post-WW1 era in Birmingham and London in a convincing way.
The area's industrial economic base has been replaced by service industries such as retail, tourism and entertainment.
The area now hosts street markets and music venues which are strongly associated with alternative culture.
en.wikipedia.org:_Camden_Town
The plan to re-develop the historic Stables Market led to a steel and glass extension, built on the edges of the site in 2006,
and increased the market's capacity.
Camden is well known for its markets. These date from the 1970s or later, except for Inverness Street market, for over a century a small food market serving the local community.
Camden Lock market proper started in a former timber-yard in 1973, and is now surrounded by five more markets: Buck Street market, Stables market, Camden Lock village, and an indoor market in the Electric Ballroom.
The markets are a major tourist attraction at weekends, selling goods of all types, including fashion, lifestyle, books, food, junk/antiques and more bizarre items; they and the surrounding shops are popular with young people, in particular those searching for 'alternative' clothing. |
The Stables, since 1854. These stables were for horses and pit ponies used to shunt railway wagons.
For luck..
Singer Amy Winehouse lived in Camden Town, first on Prowse Place and then on Camden Square where she was found dead in July 2011.
Music Band Madness are also from Camden and grew up in the area & surrounding areas.
Photos © Ruud Leeuw
