by Dorothee Schröder
A Riverside Town
Richmond, situated on the River Thames, is a town in south-west London.
Sheen to Richmond
Originally known as “Sheen” and first recorded in the tenth century, the area later came into the possession of the Crown and developed into a royal residence during the medieval period.
Richmond Palace
After being destroyed by fire in 1497, the palace was rebuilt by Henry VII and renamed Richmond Palace in 1501. Elizabeth I spent much time there—particularly for hunting—and died at the palace on 24 March 1603.
From Surrey to Greater London
Historically part of Surrey, Richmond was incorporated into Greater London in 1965 as part of local government reorganisation.
Richmond Park
Richmond Park is not only the largest of London’s Royal Parks but also an area of national and international importance for wildlife conservation.
Kew Gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, located between Richmond and Kew, are among the most famous botanical gardens in the world and home to a vast collection of plant species, many of them non-native to Europe
An Affluent Area
Richmond has one of the lowest levels of poverty in London and is known for its upmarket shops and desirable residential areas, making it one of the capital’s most attractive—and expensive—places to live.
A Business Location
Richmond is home to the UK or European headquarters of several multinational companies, including eBay, PayPal and Lindt & Sprüngli.
The Thames in Richmond
Richmond has the longest stretch of the River Thames within any London borough, with the river flowing for over ten miles and linking the area to Hampton Court Palace, Kew Gardens and central London.
The White Cross Pub
The riverside The White Cross is known for flooding at high tide, with staff even providing complimentary wellington boots for guests.
Cover picture: At the Royal Gardens, Kew (photo by Philipp Röttgers)
