Beyond the Books: Kingston-upon-Thames Traditions You Need to Know About

Stepping into Kingston-upon-Thames for university means you have chosen to live in a community with a history that predates the UK itself. While you are here for your degree, the town offers a unique chance to walk the same streets as ancient royalty, providing a backdrop to your student life that few other cities can match.

Key Heritage	Local Tradition	Best Time to Experience
Royal Coronations	Saxon King Reenactments	Throughout the academic year
Town History	The Coronation Stone	Accessible 24/7 (Guildhall)
Historic Sport	Shrovetide Football	Shrove Tuesday

Why is Kingston Called a Royal Borough?

The answer lies right outside the Guildhall. Kingston is famous as the site where at least seven Anglo-Saxon kings were crowned throughout the 10th century. This royal connection is why the town remains such a prestigious destination today. Notable figures such as Athelstan, crowned in 925CE, and Ethelred the Unready took their oaths here, marking Kingston as the heart of the fledgling English nation.

The Coronation Stone remains the physical link to this era. It is believed that this is the seat used during these ceremonies; it stands as a focal point for the town’s heritage. It is a logic-defying piece of history sitting right in the middle of a modern shopping and student hub, reminding us that Kingston has always been a meeting place for important moments.

What are the Local Saxon Traditions?

If you want to truly immerse yourself in the local history, you need to attend an Anglo-Saxon re-enactment. These community events bring the 10th century to life with authentic greetings and costumes. You may hear the phrase “Westal” (meaning welcome) or the powerful greeting “Rex and Gloriam” (King of a united England) used to hail the symbolic monarch. It is this heritage that sets Kingston apart as a cultural hotspot.

What is Shrovetide Football?

For those who love a bit of chaos, Kingston has a long-standing tradition of enjoying a game of Shrovetide football. This historic ‘mob football’ match was first played on Shrove Tuesday (AKA Pancake Day) and was known for being particularly rigorous. Unlike the modern game, this version usually involved three balls, including a golden one. There are also no set rules. While it isn’t exclusive to Kingston, it’s a great way to enjoy some classic British culture.

More Kingston-upon-Thames Traditions

• Riverside Heritage: Of course, Kingston lies on the banks of the Thames. This location made the town a centre of trade and travel, with barges taking visitors to Hampton Court.
• Musical Connections: Kingston has plenty of musical history, perhaps most notably through David Bowie, who lived in the town for some of his life.

Kingston Calling

We hope you found this run-through of the main Kingston-upon-Thames traditions interesting. We love this little town on the banks of the river and know you will too. Discover our collection of luxury student accommodation in Kingston-upon-Thames today and elevate your university experience.