Friars Lane to Old Palace Lane

This is part of a local history note on Richmond Green properties. See the start of this local history note.

Formerly the site of Richmond Palace.

Tudor Lodge and Tudor Palace

Grade II (1771/4 Rental Survey number 10)

Originally one "capital messuage", the alterations were made in the early 19th century. After being left derelict for over 4 years, the properties were refurbished and converted into houses and flats in the early 1980s.

Maids of Honour Row

Grade I (1771/4 Rental Survey number 8)

One of the finest Georgian terraces in the country, it seems certain that the four houses were built and first occupied between 1724 and 1726. The British Journal Saturday 4th April 1724 reported that:- "His Royal Highness (the Prince of Wales, later George II) hath given directions for erecting a new building near his seat at Richmond to serve as lodgings for the maids of honour attending the Princess of Wales." The rate books from 1726 to 1735 refer to "The Maids of Honours Houses". After this date they were gradually leased to other tenants. number 4 became the property of John James Heidegger, the impresario of the opera and Master of the Revels to George II. It was he who commissioned Antonio Jolli to paint the fire frescoes in the entrance hall. These houses stand on the site of the residence of Brigadier General Cholmondeley which had been constructed in the outer walls of the palace. He left this property after having constructed a large house on the riverside. "Lord Hervey passed much of his time at Richmond whilst his mother the Countess was in waiting on the Princess Caroline, and doubtless the old precincts known as 'Maid of Honor Row' often saw his elegant, handsome, but languid form pacing with the three Marys in the shade of the old tress on Palace Green." Grace and Philip Wharton: The Queens of Society. For further information see the local history notes on Maids of Honour Row.

The Old Palace and The Gate House)

Grade I (1771/4 Rental Survey number 7)

Originally one property, these two houses contain what little remains of the original palace building. For a history of the palace see local history notes on Richmond Palace.

The Old Court House and Wentworth House

Grade II

Built about the same time as Maids of Honour Row which they originally resembled. The Old Court House acquired a Georgian bow window and a flight of steps. Wentworth House, the name first appeared in 1851, was refaced around 1857 as it was in a very bad condition and now bears no similarity to its neighbour. Old Court House also includes Court House Cottage which adjoins it.

Garrick Close

(1771/4 Rental Survey number 5)

A close of 6 houses built in 1961 to 1962 on the site of an Edwardian residence known as Garrick House. It occupied a site adjacent to that of the Theatre Royal which jutted out to almost block the entrance of Old Palace Lane and was demolished in 1884 to widen the road.