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 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…
Discovering Richmond upon Thames Libraries
Did you know that here in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames we have thirteen libraries? They range from the small and cosy Kew Library to the grand Teddington…
Local authors team up at Richmond Literature Festival
Reading is our passion here in Richmond upon Thames Libraries and our mission is to get more people reading. We aim to provide you with not only inspiring things to…
Women who made history – a celebration
Today is International Women's Day. It's a chance to celebrate women's social, economic, cultural and political achievements. Women have faced many obstacles in society to make a name for themselves;…
The Mysterious Montague Summers
The Information and Reference Library store contains many interesting and eclectic books, but some of the most eye-catching are those written or edited by a Reverend Montague Summers. The more…
Archive Explorers 2017
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to explore deep into an archive, traversing historical documents to discover what life was like in the past? That’s precisely what…
Follow the Drum: Life’s Essentials
Patricia Moloney, Local Studies Assistant, considers the problems caused by food shortages in everyday life for the local community during the crisis caused by the First World War. Local Authorities…