Richmond upon Thames: 
River-views and royal connections

Richmond upon Thames is the only borough that is situated both north and south of the Thames. 

Richmond Palace

Richmond has a long royal history as well as the largest of the Royal Parks (Richmond Park). 

When King Henry VII built a new palace in 1497, he called it Richmond. He and his father had been Earls of Richmond in Yorkshire. 

Richmond Palace became the most important royal property in England. It was used by Henry VII, Henry VIII (until he moved into Hampton Court), James I and Elizabeth 1. 

Rich nobles and merchants moved to Richmond and built the large, elaborate houses around the Green. The Thames was used to transport the royal family between London and its palaces.

Today, boats are still made on the pretty riverside embankment and there is one of the best riverside views - the only view in England that is protected by an Act of Parliament!

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We meet at Richmond Station (on both the underground and train lines). After a coffee in a nearby café to introduce ourselves, we begin our walk. We discover many places:

• Richmond Green - the large grassed area that's used for cricket and picnics
  
• Richmond Theatre - opened in 1899
• Richmond Palace - built between 1497 and 1501 by Henry VII. 
• Trumpeter's House - built in 1702-4
• Richmond Lock and Footbridge - built between 1891-4 to maintain a depth of water so that boats could continue to navigate up the Thames
• The pretty Thames embankment
• The Old Town Hall
• The Terrace and Buccleuch Gardens
• Richmond Hill and the view across the Thames and surrounding area that is the only view in England that is protected by an Act of Parliament.

Richmond Palace Gate House

Did you know?
Richmond Palace (and Hampton Court 
Palace) were the first buildings to install
 flushing toilets during the Tudor period.  

Go over the new vocabulary at the end

After the walk, relax over a coffee in a café. We go over the new  vocabulary and you can ask your teacher and guide any questions..

Richmond station is on the train line to Clapham Junction, Vauxhall and Waterloo and on the tube (District Line).

Old Palace Lane, richmond

You can find dates and prices for this walk here.  

Did you know?
The houses were built in 1724 to provide accommodation for the maids attending the Princess of Wales, future wife of George II. 

Richmond Green

Did you know?
Richmond Green was originally common land 
which provided pasture for domestic animals. 

Don't forget the VOCABULARY!

After your walk, you will find the new vocab here ...

History notes will be given to you at the end of the walk. 

Richmond Theatre, 1899

Find the new vocabulary from the walk here. 

By Richmond Green

Richmond Lock and Footbridge

A view that is protected by an Act of Parliament

You can find dates and prices for this walk  here.