Asgill House, Richmond – [Local History Notes: 9]
Of the several notable houses in Richmond which were built on the site of Henry VIII’s royal palace in Richmond, Asgill House is perhaps the most original in design. It…
The Original Star and Garter, Richmond Hill – [Local History Notes: 8]
Many hotels and inn throughout the country bear the name Star and Garter: the name stems from the royal insignia of the Garter and establishments adopting it were frequently found…
Richmond Bridge – [Local History Notes: 7]
Long before Richmond Bridge was built, a ferry was operating at the site, that is from Ferry Hill (now Bridge Street) across to Twickenham Meadows. There were 2 boats: one…
Merlin’s Cave and The Hermitage – [Local History Notes: 6]
These were built in the gardens of Richmond Lodge by Queen Caroline (wife of George II) while she was resident there. The Queen took great interest in the gardens and…
The Observatory and Obelisks, Kew – [Local History Notes: 5]
The Observatory was built for George III, a keen amateur astronomer. The architect was Sir William Chambers (1726-1796) who also designed the Pagoda in Kew Gardens. Observatory, Kew (Old Deer…
St Anne’s Church, Kew Green – [Local History Notes: 4]
St Anne's Church, Kew Green The hamlet of Kew had a chapel in the 16th century, but this was the private chapel of Thomas Byrkis at Kew Farm and the…
York House, Twickenham – [Local History Notes: 3]
York House (river frontage) York House, Twickenham was built in the 17th century (but added to in subsequent centuries), this fine house stands at the eastern end of a drive…
The Almshouses of Richmond – [Local History Notes: 2]
Queen Elizabeth’s Almshouses Queen Elizabeth's Almshouses Founded by Sir George Wright in 1600, these were to house eight poor aged women. They were built in Petersham Road, a few hundred…
Orleans House and The Octagon – [Local History Notes: 1]
Orleans House The riverside residence at Twickenham which was to become known as Orleans House was built in 1710 for James Johnston (1643?-1737) by John James, one of Wren’s chief…
Follow the Drum: a reflection [Part 2] – The Home Front Response
‘Let us remember Spring will come again…’ (May 1915, Charlotte Mew) The Armistice Agreement had been reached, signed and implemented at am on the 11 November 1918. Permanent security was not…