Kensington Gore - History

History

Gore House was once the residence of political reformer, William Wilberforce between 1808 and 1821. The three-acre (12,000 m²) estate was then occupied by the Countess of Blessington and the Count D'Orsay from 1836 to 1849.

In May 1851, the house was opened as a restaurant by the chef Alexis Soyer, who planned to cater for the 1851 Great Exhibition in Hyde Park. After the exhibition and following the advice of Prince Albert, Gore House and its grounds were bought by the Exhibition's Royal Commission to create the cultural quarter known as Albertopolis.

In 1871, the Royal Albert Hall was completed on the site of the former house. It was officially opened by Queen Victoria.

In 1892, The Gore Hotel was opened by two sisters, Miss Ada and Ms Cooke, both descendants of Captain James Cooke. The 50 bedroom luxury hotel has been featured in many music videos and photo shoots, such as for Beggars Banquet by The Rolling Stones.

The streets are bounded to the north by Kensington Road (present A315 road). The nearest tube station is South Kensington to the south.

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