For your next teen language study trip to London with our organization, LEC continues its overview of the most famous neighborhoods in the UK’s capital. Today, we’re taking you to the heart of Paddington, which—contrary to popular belief on this side of the Channel—is not just the name of a famous fictional bear!
One of the boroughs of the City of Westminster
During your next teen language study trip to London, be sure to venture into the heart of the city to explore the Paddington neighborhood. In fact, Paddington is one of the districts of the City of Westminster, just like the equally famous:
- Covent Garden
- Fitzrovia
- Hyde Park
- Mayfair
- Marylebone
- Pimlico
- Soho
- West End
What does the name Paddington mean?
Located north of the Thames, the Paddington neighborhood takes its name from several sources. Its literal translation? Padda’s Farm ! Padda is actually an Old English proper name: it’s our modern-day Patrick. The letters “ing” would refer to the concept of a place, while the letters “tun” would denote an agricultural settlement. The first written mention of Paddington? It dates back to the second half… of the 11th century.
Paddington Station… and its famous bear
Today, the Paddington neighborhood is renowned for its landmarks, such as St. Mary’s Hospital and St. James’s Parish Church. But the most famous of its landmarks is undoubtedly Paddington Station, built in the early 19th century. The station, which you’ll come to know as Paddington Railway Station during your teen language study trip to London, was made famous by the bear of the same name, whose statue still stands proudly on the premises! A curious name for a mammal that—as a reminder to those who haven’t yet read the novels—comes from Peru…