Netflix’s The Last Kingdom fans urged to back plans for tourist attraction

Kingston Labour are campaigning for a history centre to be built in the town in homage to an ancient king of England.

The Anglo-Saxon history centre would be based between the Kingfisher Leisure Centre – which is closed and due to be replaced – and Kingston Museum.

It is hoped the build will transform Kingston, boost the economy, creating more jobs and pride in the town. The group hope the attraction will be a world first.

King Athelstan was crowned King of the Anglo-Saxons in Kingston in 924. Then, in 927, Athelstan became King of all England.

The Anglo-Saxon history centre would be based between the Kingfisher Leisure Centre

Labour’s Martin Ellis said on Facebook: “This would be a massive boost to Kingston’s economy. All you fans of The Last Kingdom and Vikings please support this.”

Naomi Louise Bamford-Hurrell added: “Genuinely really like this idea. Kingston has incredibly interesting history. It would be great to see it recognised and celebrated.”

A King Richard III centre opened in Leicester in 2013 and generated over £79m in two years. The Kingston centre hopes to be as successful and pay for itself.

Mr Ellis added: “We believe a ‘King Athelstan – Birth of a Nation’ centre would be a huge asset for Kingston, particularly as we emerge from the pandemic and we should aim for it to be opened by 2025 to coincide with the 1,100th anniversary of King Athelstan’s Coronation.

“It is something Kingston Labour Party will be campaigning for over the coming months.

“We would like to work with as many community stakeholders as possible to help us realise this ambitious vision for our town, which would ultimately more than pay for itself.”

The group are in the process of liaising with a number of community stakeholders about the plans, asking residents to support proposals as well as local councillors from across the political spectrum.

Plans will be submitted to Kingston Council in due course.