Richmond and Kew Gardens

  Photo by Stephen Boisvert
Kew Palace 

The majority of American visitors to London, come only once and that is a real shame because it is when you get past the first time must see places, that the true wonder of London exposes itself. There is always a new place to explore. One of my favorites lies just outside of London and is easily accessible by tube. The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew www.kew.org  is a great mix of history with beauty and a favorite British pastime, gardening. I am currently reading a biography of the six daughters of King George III and they spend their childhood at Kew. Having actually visited where the scenes take place really helps bring history alive. 

Visitors walking into Palm House cannot help but be amazed by the size of the glass building. It was the first large-scale structure to use wrought iron and was finished in 1848. All of the panes of glass are hand blown. The Palm House is the largest Victorian glasshouse in existence and is a must see. Kew Palace was also known as Dutch House and was the royal palace of George III. As a side-note, George III married Princess Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz in Chapel Royal, St. James Palace, which was featured in yesterday’s post. Dutch House is the smallest of the British royal palaces. George III prided himself on living a simple life. It was built around 1631 and uses the Flemish Bond style of brick laying which involves laying the bricks with the long and short sides alternating. The gabled front combined with the Flemish Bond style gives the building a definite Dutch appearance.

The Palmhouse  Photo by David Hawgood

The nearby town of Richmond is also worth a visit. It is one of the wealthiest areas of London and has many pubs and shops that are worth visiting. Richmond Green is at the heart of the town, which sits on the River Thames. Richmond village green features the renowned Maids of Honour Row of three story houses. These were built for the maids of honour, or trusted wardrobe servants of Queen Caroline, queen consort of George II. Amazingly enough, this area is only 8 miles southwest of Charing Cross