The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Walk with the stars
I n the year when famous Chelsea resident Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin and voting rights were extended to all British women over 21, on 21 July 1928, in the hallway of Chelsea Town Hall, a young American divorcee waited anxiously to say “I do” to Ernest Simpson, a dashing ex-soldier. Her name was Wallis Spencer and she was destined to become the infamous Simpson; catalyst for the notorious royal abdication almost 10 years later. After meeting the Prince of Wales, who later became Edward VIII, and before her divorce from Ernest was finalised, she reportedly said, “Soon I shall be Queen of England” and the rest as they say, is history… Throughout the years Chelsea Town Hall, which became Chelsea Old Town Hall in 1965, has been synonymous with style and elegance and has
Other famous faces include hellraising actor Oliver Reed who married his first wife, model Kate Byrne, as well as the iconic film director Alfred Hitchcock, who famously said ‘I do’ to his beloved Alma Reville here in December 1926. Having once declared he was “not a massive believer in marriage”, one of the UK’s most beloved bachelors, Hugh Grant, changed his stance and chose our stunning venue to wed his fiancée, Anna Eberstein. Even more recently, Made In Chelsea stars Milly Mackintosh and Hugo Taylor decided to say Marry Me In Chelsea, enjoying a romantic, intimate ceremony with one of our welcoming registrars. So with all of this iconic history we’ve delightedly been a part of throughout the years, we’d love to invite you to start your love story the right way at the Chelsea Old Town Hall as trust us, you’re in great company!
hosted many famous faces keen on experiencing a slice of history surrounded by beauty. Not all life stories have been as colourful as that of Wallis Simpson, but many have been just as glamourous. Film star Judy Garland lived in London and briefly settled in Belgravia with her fourth husband Mickey Deans after their wedding at Chelsea Old Town Hall on 15 March 1969. In 1949, Welsh heartthrob and actor Richard Burton graced our halls to marry his sweetheart Sybil Williams, so celebrities have long flocked to Chelsea to enjoy their nuptials. We’ve also hosted wild rock legends too. At the grand age of 22, Marc Bolan, lead singer of T.Rex was married on 30 January 1970 to June Child, with five friends in attendance. After posing outside for a few photographs, they celebrated with a meal and a good many drinks at an intimate reception.
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