Camden, or Camden Town, district is located in northwest
London and has a thriving economy focused on service industries. Renowned as a
vibrant, energetic and trendy part of the city, Camden is particularly attractive
to young professionals and students. As such, there are many street markets,
music concerts and festivals occurring throughout the district year round, and
alternative culture is thriving through venues such as Electric Ballroom,
Camden Lock
Market and Proud Camden.
Transportation
Camden is served by Camden
Town Underground Station, Chalk Farm station and Mornington Crescent
station. However, Camden Town Tube station, being central to the main
attractions and markets, is considered inadequate to handle the tremendous
amount of traffic coming into the area, in the form of commuters, tourists and
revellers. There is an overground station – Camden Road - on the line from
Richmond, which provides an alternative commuter route. With trains being so
busy, cycling is especially popular in the district, and the Regent’s Canal
towpath doubles as a shared-use cycle lane.
Things to do
In summer months, canal boat
hire is especially popular in Camden, whereas the London Waterbus
Company offers cruises and trips throughout Camden and beyond.
Another major tourist draw to the area, London Zoo is world renowned for
its vast collection of exotic animal species and open green spaces. Camden
otherwise offers countless shops, eateries and bars, meaning the area is
especially good for arranging social events or business meals. Some famous bars
include the Jazz
Café which has seen many stars perform, including Amy Winehouse and
bobby Womack.
Economy
As mentioned, Camden’s economy relies mainly on the service
industries, with one third of jobs including business or professional services.
Having been London’s third largest economy for many years, Camden’s popularity
shows no sign of slowing down. Consequently, land is at a premium in Camden,
with opportunities for new, affordable housing remaining few and far between.
Most ‘residents’, therefore, are in fact visitors, tourists, commuters or
students – with the number of actual permanent residents increasingly at a
relatively slow pace.
History
Originally part of the manor of Kentish town, Camden was
developed by Earl Charles Pratt in 1791, intending to create an area for the
educated upper and middle class. When Regent’s Canal was opened in 1820, along
with a railway, however, the area attracted many factories and working class
families. An area split by a railway and a class divide, Camden became a
hotspot for drinking houses and eateries, ultimately becoming an area
synonymous with individuality, socialising and indulgence.
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