London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames -
The Town of Richmond
Richmond is situated on a delightful stretch of the river Thames. The borough which is some 10 miles to the south-west of central London includes Twickenham, Whitton, Ham, Teddington, Mortlake, Petersham,East Sheen, Kew and Barnes.
Richmond is beautifully endowed by not only the river Thames but Richmond Park an area of 2,358 acres of woodland, rough pastures, the Pen Ponds and the Isabella Plantation a delightful water garden. The park which was enclosed in 1637 by Charles 1 for the purpose of hunting now supports an amazing range of wild life including Red and Fallow deer, birds, bees and over 1300 varieties of beetles! It remains the largest enclosed park in Europe. Although cars are permitted in the park it is a splendid environment for horse riding, cycling and walking. The new facilities and visitor centre by Pembroke Lodge are excellent.
Pembroke Lodge which was once the humble home of the resident molecatcher was built in 1754. In the late 18th century it was extended to become a fine Georgian mansion. It is now a venue for weddings, conferences and social events and is also open daily for a varied selection of food and refreshment. It is set in 11 acres of landscaped gardens and from the terrace can be seen the most wonderful views of the Thames Valley with Windsor Castle in the far distance. Within the gardens of the Lodge stands King Henry’s Mount(Henry V111) from which vantage point can clearly be seen St.Paul’s Cathedral in the heart of London.
The Park also contains White lodge built in 1727 as a hunting lodge for George 11 and used by royalty for many years including Queen Victoria, Edward the V11 and George V with Queen Mary. Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip spent their honeymoon here when Duke and Duchess of York. It eventually became the home of the Royal Ballet School in 1955.
Thatched House Lodge built as two houses in 1675 was enlarged into one house in1727 and is now the home of Princess Alexandra. Interestingly it was the home of The Allied war Commander General Eisenhower during World War11. Holly Lodge Centre which is open to visitors(restricted hours)aims to ensure that visitors to the park can experience the maximum enjoyment and benefits that the park has to offer. Mrs Sawyer’s kitchen evokes Victorian life and there is a vegetable garden where traditional varieties are grown.
Richmond Park should be the first stop for visitors to this area who will also want to see Richmond Hill and the Terrace gardens where can be seen the most inspiring view of the Thames of which the following has been said.
“The view from Richmond Hill is, by universal consent, the finest within a few miles of London. Indeed, of its kind it is difficult to surpass anywhere”
This beautiful landscape which encompasses six counties was painted by many artists including Reynolds and Turner.
Richmond’s other great asset is the ancient Green. Smaller now than when jousting took place it is still used for cricket matches and affords a very restful place for weary shoppers who can refresh themselves at the public Houses, cafes and restaurants nearby. Richmond’s Theatre on the Green is a thriving and long established venue for plays, music and dance. Facing the Green on the west side is Maids of Honour Row, erected in the reign of George 1 to accommodate ladies of the Court when his son the Prince of Wales and his wife resided there.
The Green is surrounded by houses some of which date from the reign of Queen Anne and the Georges. There are also some remains of Richmond Palace built by Edward the 1 in the 13th century, rebuilt and enlarged by Henry V11 and torn down by order of Parliament after the execution of Charles 1 in 1649 who lived there until his death. The Palace was sold for £13,000 and the wood and stones used for building material. All that remains now are an archway bearing the arms of Henry V11, Wardrobe Court and the Gate House now containing many fine apartments.
Richmond is a bustling, busy town with many fashion stores including the House of Fraser, many restaurants and pubs where London’s finest beers, Youngs and Fullers ales can be sampled. Antique shops and boutiques can be found in the narrow alleys which lead from George street onto the Green. The town attracts many visitors both local and from far afield. There are good public transport facilities and the railway station is both main line(Waterloo 30 minutes)and Tube District Line.
Richmond is an ideal hub for the many nearby attractions such as Hampton Court Palace, the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, The Wetlands Centre at Barnes, Osterley Park and House, Ham House and gardens and Syon Park. River “steamers” ply between Richmond(Hampton Court)and Westminster which is a marvellous way to see London from the river. Also nearby is the magnificent Twickenham Stadium which apart from being the headquarters of English Rugby Football(RFU)also hosts many other popular events. The new luxury 156 bedroom Marriott hotel(opening 2008)is part of the stadium complex.
Crossing over the river Thames from Richmond you will find yourself in East Twickenham and walking a short distance straight ahead entering Marble Hill Park where stands the grand house built in Palladian style for Henrietta Howard(1688-1767)later the Countess of Suffolk and one time mistress of George 11. Walking further west through the park you pass Orleans House Gallery(free entry) and further on nestling by the side of the river the dramatic and spectacular Cascade, pool and oceanides. This is a unique collection of stunning marble statuary featuring winged horses and naked water nymphs acquired by the last private owner of York House Sir Ratan Tata(1871-1918). Set in beautiful gardens the statues are known as the “naked ladies”. Returning towards Richmond one can hire a row boat or take the Hammerton Ferry across to Ham and visit Ham House and Gardens or simply follow the towpath back to Richmond Bridge.
Richmond is also the Site for the Royal Star and Garter Home for disabled ex-servicemen and women. The Royal British Legion poppy factory is also in the town and since 1922 has been manufacturing millions of poppies each year for Remembrance Day.
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