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]
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 assistants. (James…
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…
Follow the Drum: a reflection [Part 1] – Post-hostilities
Guerre Finie! Boche Napoo! A grainy image of a German car emerging from the mirk of a battlefield caught my imagination as I was researching this last piece for the…
Follow the Drum: Families at War
Archive material in the Local Studies collections provides an authentic glimpse into the experiences of families in the borough who had loved ones that were away from home, involved in…