 The area used to be a hamlet known as Kempston East End, but was absorbed into the Kempston Urban District in 1896.Today, Kempston Barracks and the Saxon shopping centre (including a Sainsbury's supermarket) are located within the boundaries of the ward.Previously known as Kempston East, the ward's name was changed for the 5th May 2011 local elections and it became Kempston Central and East.