- published: 23 Jul 2011
- views: 85908
Coordinates: 51°32′28″N 0°08′36″W / 51.541°N 0.1433°W / 51.541; -0.1433
Camden Town, often shortened to Camden (ambiguously also used for the much larger London Borough of Camden of which it is the central neighbourhood), is an inner city district of London,2.4 miles (3.9 km) north of the centre of London. It is one of the 35 major centres identified in the London Plan.
Laid out as a residential district from 1791 and originally part of the manor of Kentish Town and the parish of St Pancras, London, Camden Town became an important location during the early development of the railways, which reinforced its position on the London canal network. The area's industrial economic base has been replaced by service industries such as retail, tourism and entertainment. The area now hosts street markets and music venues which are strongly associated with alternative culture.
Camden Town is named after Charles Pratt, 1st Earl Camden. His earldom was styled after his estate, Camden Place near Chislehurst in Kent (now in the London Borough of Bromley), formerly owned by historian William Camden. The name, which appears on the Ordnance Survey map of 1822, was later applied to the early 20th century Camden Town Group of artists and the London Borough of Camden, created in 1965.
Walkin' through London with time to spend
Go uptown with a trusted friend
Head straight out and around the bend
Everything you want's at the northern end
In Camden Town, Camden Town
Whispered through the underground
Every desire of man's been found
Hidden in the streets of Camden Town!
Silk and leather and lace and chain
Weave together in patterns plain
Hawkers cry with a wild refrain
One man's loss is another man's gain
In Camden Town, Camden Town
Whispered through the underground
Every desire of man's been found
Hidden in the streets of Camden Town!
"What do you wish?" they'll ask of me
"A crystal ball so that you can see?
All that has been or is yet to be!
Fifteen pounds and a penny three!"
In Camden Town, Camden Town
Whispered through the underground
Every desire of man's been found
Hidden in the streets of Camden Town!
"Handsome lad what is you're desire?"
"A red haired girl by a cracklin' fire
with rosy lips that would never tire!"
"Sign your name on the line, dear Squire!"
In Camden Town, Camden Town
Whispered through the underground
Every desire of man's been found
Hidden in the streets of Camden Town!
"Little wee lass, what is your delight?"
"A fuzzy top hat in black and white,
thigh high boots and a skirt so tight!"
"Better check it out with your mum tonight!"
In Camden Town, Camden Town
Whispered through the underground
Every desire of man's been found
Hidden in the streets of Camden Town!
Every shape and color and size
Presented here as a perfect prize
All your dreams will materialize
Just pay the clerk and close your eyes!
In Camden Town, Camden Town
Whispered through the underground
Every desire of man's been found
Hidden in the streets of Camden Town!
In Camden Town, Camden Town
Whispered through the underground
Every desire of man's been found