Stop 4: South Kensington

The wealthy area of South Kensington, previously known as The Alexander Estate, is home to tourist attractions such as museums, as well as wealthy residential areas that house many expats. While referred to as The Alexander Estate, the area was used largely for farming ("Kensington and Chelsea"). In 1851, however, the Great Exhibition, an international event to show the technological advances of England was held in Hyde Park, a prominent landmark in the area (“South Kensington”). After the exhibition, a significant amount of money was poured into the area in order to create institutions that prioritized education, the arts, and science. 

In The Romance of a Shop by Amy Levy, South Kensington is used to represent the wealthy, a juxtaposition from the class of the Lorimer sisters. The neighborhood was first mentioned by their friend Conny. Saying, ““But such miles away from South Kensington," grumbled Conny, unfastening her rich cloak, and falling upon the cake with all the appetite born of honest labor."" (Levy) This occurs when the sisters are searching for a place to live and work. It is obvious that Conny seems to think highly of South Kensington, as she “grumbled”, showing her dislike of neighborhoods that are not in close proximity. The sisters eventually purchase their house on Baker Street. While Baker Street is only 3 miles from South Kensington, it was home to the working class, rather than the wealthy. 

While Frank is thinking of potential romantic interests, Levy says “He talked freely of the charms of Nellie and Carry and Emily; there was a certain Ethel, of South Kensington, whose praises he was never weary of sounding.” (Levy) Frank thinks of Ethel with a high level of respect and admiration. It is clear that her neighborhood being South Kensington is a factor in his interest in her. 

The theme of wealth is incredibly important to the plot of this novel. The sisters begin the novel very wealthy, however lose all their money when their father dies. Being 5 women in the 1890’s, it was not easy for them to make a living without any support from a man. The area of South Kensington serves as a reminder throughout this novel of the difference between their reality and the true wealthy part of London. The South Kensington neighborhood was a wealthy district both at the time this novel was written and is still today. 

Works Cited 

Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "Kensington and Chelsea". Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 Feb. 2024, https://www.britannica.com/place/Kensington-and-Chelsea. Accessed 20 February 2024.

“South Kensington.” Wikipedia, 20 Jan. 2024, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Kensington. Accessed 20 Feb. 2024

Images: 

Walker, Dave. Kensington Close Up. 5 Feb. 2015. The Library Time Machine.