Vauxhall was originally the property of Falkes de Breaute, one of King John's nastier knights - Vauxhall comes from "Falkes' Hall".
For nearly 200 years Vauxhall was world famous for its gardens featuring elegant walks, aviaries, music and food. Highlights were Handel's rehearsals for the Royal Firework Music that attracted over 12,000 people; the first balloon ascents in Britain, a reenactment of the Battle of Waterloo by 1,000 soldiers and one of the first parachute descents in 1837. The parachutist jumped from a balloon but was unfortunately killed.
Vauxhall Gardens finally closed in 1859 and the site is now a public open space where family events are held including a fire festival with music, dancing, fireworks and, of course, food and drink.
A Vibrant Community
The most prestigious place to live is the recently-completed St George Wharf next to Vauxhall Bridge. The centrepiece is a slim, pencil-like tower, with lower apartment blocks along the bank. The gardens are open to the public, and the ground floor is filled with shops, bars, restaurants and a gym. The development has rapidly become a favourite place for nights out.
Next to the development stands Brunswick House, an elegant Georgian mansion now restored and occupied by the amazing LASSCO architectural salvage shop - it's like a museum where everything is for sale! And if you are not in the market for an antique fireplace or bath, the restaurant is highly recommended.
A little further inland, the green haven of Vauxhall Park is surrounded by a mix of tall Victorian houses in quiet streets such as Bonnington Square. Homes in the area are much in demand.
The Yanks Are Coming!
Vauxhall is on the verge of a transformation as one of the closest established residential areas to the massive regeneration scheme at Nine Elms, based around the new American embassy.
The area is set to become one of the hottest new locations in the capital and prices in Vauxhall are already climbing in anticipation.
Eat And Drink
The Riverside Bar and Restaurant in St George Wharf boast panoramic views up and down the river, and is a great place to go to for a drink or a meal. Nearby, Brunswick House offers dining in a superb Georgian ambience. The Dirty Burger, under a railway arch, is operated by the Soho House Group so you need have no worries about food hygiene. We think. Vauxhall Street Food Garden, open in the warmer months, specialises in 'pop-up' street food stalls offering a wide variety of food from around the world.
Sport And Recreation
Vauxhall has many gyms and its open spaces and the riverside path are great places to run.
Schools
There are six primary schools in the Vauxhall area: Archbishop Sumner School (Church of England); Henry Fawcett Primary School; St. Anne's Primary School (Roman Catholic); St. Mark's Primary School (Church of England); Vauxhall Primary and Walnut Tree Walk Primary School. There are two secondary schools within the Vauxhall area: Archbishop Tenison's School (admits boys aged 11 – 19; admits girls into the Sixth Form), and Lilian Baylis Technology School (admits boys and girls aged 11 – 16).
Transport Links
The recently-completed Vauxhall transport interchange with its swooping roof covered with solar panels makes the area one of the best connected places in London. The Victoria Line has frequent services to Victoria, Oxford Circus and Euston. The overground rail line takes you to Waterloo, Clapham Junction and the south.
The bus station, the second busiest in London, has services for most parts including the West End and City of London.
A cycle superhighway runs past the bus station towards Westminster, and you can even take a river bus to work.
