[1] The status was granted after the death of Queen Victoria, in accordance with her wish (she was born at Kensington Palace in the borough).

The old Town Hall was demolished "in controversial circumstances" involving an impending conservation order in June 1982.

[3][4] The coat of arms is derived from those of the former Lords of the Manor, and that of the parish church, which is dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

[9] In 1894 as its population had increased the incorporated vestry was re-divided into eight wards (electing vestrymen): Golborne (18), Norland (15), Pembridge (15), Holland (15), Earl's Court (12), Queen's Gate (15), Redcliffe (15) and Brompton (15).

[10][11] The metropolitan borough was divided into nine wards for elections: Brompton, Earl's Court, Golborne, Holland, Norland, Pembridge, Queen's Gate, Redcliffe and St Charles.