Hi
I've been looking at various old maps of London recently, including one called 'Cary's New and Accurate Plan of London and Westminster 1795'. It includes a good enlarged version of Kensington and Paddington, both surrounded by fields.
Kensington Gravel Pits is right on the edge of the map (2nd row, 1st left of plan). The name was given to the main road that continued as Uxbridge Road and led into Oxford Street. It seems that the name was originally given to the road itself, but then also used for the area alongside the road.
As Kensington and Paddington expanded, Kensington Gravel Pits, was re-named Notting Hill Gate. Uxbridge Road became Bayswater Road due to the developement of Bayswater.
The map of 1795 shows just a few rows of cottages along the Uxbridge Road called Black Lion Row and George Row. By the 1830's further rows of small cottages had probably began to line this main route. It is quite likely that one of the rows of cottages lining Kensington Gravel Pits was given the name of Greyhound Row.
As the whole area developed, the name of Kensington Gravel Pits disappeared and was replaced by the name of Notting Hill Gate. This means that the address of Greyhound Row, Kensington Gravel Pits in the 1830's was exactly the same location as Notting Hill Gate in later years. Notting Hill Gate was just a small section of Notting Hill High Street, but the name of Notting Hill was also given to the nearby housing developement. Notting Hill Gate is still on modern maps, but the name of Notting Hill High Street has been replaced by Holland Park Avenue!
This is an extract from 'Old and New London' Vol 5. Published 1878 but probably written earlier.
"The neighbourhood of Kensington Gravel Pits, by which name is understood a district of some extent bordering on the Uxbridge Road, has long been noted for the salubrity of the air and was a favourite residence of artists, half a century ago. The High Road through the district is now known as High Street, Notting Hill and forms the Northern boundary of the suburb". (Kensington High Street formed the Southern boundary
Another extract (unfortunately no reference)
"Portobello Road grew up between the estates of Notting Hill and Paddington in a period of expansion in the late 19th century. Previously (1841) it had been a country track called PortoBello Lane connecting Kensington Gravel Pits (now Notting Hill Gate) with Kensal Green".
Bye for now
Bernice - Have a good holiday Kerry.