A good place to live and die
Today there are plenty of good reasons to live in Richmond. For those who can afford to buy a house there, the location on the Thames and nearness to the wide open spaces of Richmond Park are strong arguments. Richmond has upmarket shopping streets, good restaurants with a view of the river, and some fine pubs. One of the most attractive residential areas is Richmond Green, a large expanse of grass used for sports, children’s games and picnics. On the west side of the green lie the remains of a royal palace: kings found Richmond a good place to reside, and could reach their palace in Westminster comfortably by boat.
Edward I and Edward II both spent time in a manor house on this site, which Edward III then extended. It was known in his day as the Palace of Sheen, and he died there in 1377. His successor Richard II tore down the building, as his beloved wife also died there, and Richard was overwhelmed with grief. In the 15th century, the palace was rebuilt twice. It was more magnificent than ever under Henry VII – who also drew his last breath there. One of his titles, Earl of Richmond, gave the palace and town their new name. Henry VIII preferred Hampton Court Palace and left the residence in Richmond to his divorced fourth wife, Anne of Cleves. 60 years later it was the scene of one last significant death: that of Queen Elizabeth I in 1603.
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Address The Green, TW9 1LX | Public Transport Richmond (District Line) | Tip The Cricketers on Richmond Green, built in 1834 on the site of an older tavern, serves hearty pub food and offers a choice between English ales and continental beer.
In the late 17th century much of the palace was demolished. What remains today is a brick-built gatehouse adorned with the coat of arms of Henry VII. In the leafy courtyard beyond, a house on the right-hand side named The Wardrobe survives from the palace. Tudor Place on Richmond Green occupies the side of the tennis court – tennis was a royal sport in Tudor times. The four grand brick houses next to it were built in 1724 to accommodate attendants of the queen, and are therefore called the Maids of Honour.
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