Twickenham Riverside
Conservation Area Appraisal
Conservation Area No.8

Contents

• Part One: Introduction
• Part Two: Area Appraisal
• Part Three: Management Strategy

Part One: Introduction

Outline of Purpose

The principal aims of conservation area appraisals are to:

• Describe the historic and architectural character and appearance of the area which will assist applicants in making successful planning applications and decision makers in assessing planning applications.
• Raise public interest and awareness of the special character of their area
• Identify the positive features which should be conserved, as well as negative features which indicate scope for future enhancements.

This document has been produced using the guidance set out by Historic England in the 2019 publication titled Understanding Place: Conservation Area Designation, Appraisal and Management, Historic England Advice Note 1 (Second Edition).

This document will be a material consideration when assessing planning applications.

What is a Conservation Area?

The statutory definition of a conservation area is an ‘area of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance’.

The power to designate conservation areas is given to local authorities through the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservations Areas) Act, 1990 (Sections 69 to 78).

Once designated, proposals within a conservation area become subject to local conservation policies set out in the Council’s Local Plan and national policies of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

Our overarching duty which is set out in the Act is to preserve and/or enhance the historic or architectural character or appearance of the conservation area.

conservation_areas_spd.pdf (richmond.gov.uk)

Buildings of Townscape Merit

Buildings of Townscape Merit (BTMs) are buildings, groups of buildings or structures of historic or architectural interest, which are locally listed due to their considerable local importance. The policy, as outlined in the Council’s Local Plan, sets out a presumption against the demolition of BTMs unless structural evidence has been submitted by the applicant, and independently verified at the cost of the applicant. Locally specific guidance on design and character is set out in the Council’s Buildings of Townscape Merit Supplementary Planning Document (2015), which applicants are expected to follow for any alterations and extensions to existing BTMs, or for any replacement structures.

buildings_of_townscape_merit_spd.pdf (richmond.gov.uk)

Designation and Adoption Dates

Twickenham Riverside Conservation Area was designated on the 14th January 1969.

It was subsequently extended on the 7th September 1982, and the 29th January 1991.

Following approval from the Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee on 17th January 2023, a public consultation on the draft Appraisal was carried out between 17th March and 28th April 2023.

This Appraisal was adopted on 20th November 2023

Map of Conservation Area

Historical Development

Stages/phases of historical development and historic associations (archaeology etc.), which may be influencing how the area is experienced.

Archaeology

Pottery and flints discovered in a Church Street dig of 1966 date from 3000 BCE and provide the first evidence of humans in Twickenham. The riverbed between Eel Pie Island and Twickenham has produced other important finds. Evidence of the Roman occupation has been provided by a number of scattered archaeological finds.

Saxon and Norman Twickenham

The Domesday Book of 1086 does not mention Twickenham individually because it formed part of the Manor of Isleworth, but it is estimated that Twickenham consisted of approximately 25 households. During the 11^th century the population grew, and Twickenham expanded; the village was centred around the church, extending in a linear form along Church Street and King Street with narrow lanes running down to the riverside. Archaeological excavations at the rear of 29 and 31 King Street revealed medieval rubbish pits, probably associated with buildings at the western edge of the settlement. A church is thought to have been established on the site of the present St. Mary's church by the end of the 11^th century. The oldest part of the present church is the stone tower which dates from the 14^th century, the nave of the same date fell into serious disrepair and finally collapsed in 1713 (later rebuilt by John James, the architect of Orleans House).

15^th, 16^th, and 17^th centuries

The manor of Shene (Richmond) had been transformed into a royal palace during the 15th century by both Henry V and Henry VI. This coupled with Henry VIII's development of Hampton Court into another fully fledged palace in the early 16^th century, had an enormous impact on Twickenham which lay between the two. Courtiers, poets. painters and nobles associated with the royal household began to build fashionable houses along the Thames as summer and weekend retreats from the increasingly noxious City of London. The map of 1635 by Moses Glover (Fig.1) clearly shows the Thames and Eel Pie Island and the street pattern, much of which survives today.

18^th century onwards

The concept of a villa set in a natural landscape as a classical retreat for the cultivated man emerged in the first decades of the 18^th century and ultimately formed the basis of the English Landscape Movement epitomised by the work of Launcelot 'Capability' Brown. The decision of Alexander Pope, the poet and satirist, to move to Twickenham was of great importance. He leased a property in Cross Deep from 1719 which he adapted and extended, with architectural advice from Lord Burlington, to create a classical villa facing the Thames. Pope lived in the villa until his death in 1744 taking great pleasure in the laying out of the grounds with professional assistance from William Kent and Charles Bridgman. Cross Deep separated the house from its riverside gardens, so Pope built an ornamental grotto under the road to act as an ingenious link. The villa was eventually demolished in 1808 but the grotto survives lying beneath the science laboratory of the present-day school.

In this spirit, a perfect new Palladian villa called Marble Hill was built between 1723-9 for Henrietta Howard, Countess of Suffolk. The elegant, white villa was set in a purpose-built riverside garden designed by Pope and Bridgman. In 1887 the house was bought by the Cunard family who planned to demolish the house and develop an estate of suburban houses on the grounds.

There was uproar locally, especially with regard to the impact on the famous view of the Thames from Richmond Hill. Fortunately, in 1902 the house and grounds were saved by a consortium of local authorities and private donors for public use and enjoyment and are now in the care of English Heritage. As a result, the Richmond, Petersham and Ham Open Spaces Act was passed in 1902, which in conjunction with various covenants, was designed to protect views and prevent building in some areas.

Orleans House was designed in 1710 by the architect John James for James Johnston, a Scottish politician. The Octagon was added in 1718 and was designed by the architect James Gibbs. The house only acquired its present name in 1815 after Louis Phillipe, Duc d'Orleans stayed there. By the late 19th century Orleans House became the property of a gravel company who demolished most of the house. The remnants of the house included The Octagon and were bought by Mrs Basil lonides when she bought the adjacent Riverside House. On her death she bequeathed her riverside properties to the local authority and the Octagon now forms the central feature of Orleans House Gallery.

The opening of Richmond Bridge in 1777, connecting Richmond directly to Twickenham for the first time, dramatically increased traffic through Twickenham. The arrival of the railway in 1848 signified the end of Twickenham's era as a suitably quiet location for grand riverside villas. Large estates started to be broken up and sold off as plots for speculative housing to accommodate the expanding ranks of middle-class commuters. Between 1801 and 1901 the population increased dramatically from 3000 to 21,000. By the end of the 19^th century, Church Street had become a pinch point between Richmond and Twickenham. It could not be widened so a new road, York Street, was created in 1899; older properties were demolished, and the ancient street plan altered. Further road widening in 1928 saw the demolition of the south side of King Street, and the construction of new shopping parades, creating a shift in commercial focus from the river to the town centre.

Fig. 1: 1635 Map of Twickenham, Moses Glover

Fig. 2: John Rocque's London 10 Miles Round Map, 1746

Fig. 3: Samuel Lewis Map, 1784

In 1926 Twickenham became a Borough, acquiring York House as an acting Town Hall. The borough was enlarged 1937 to include the neighbouring districts of Hampton, Hampton Wick and Teddington. In 1965 the Borough was in turn united with Richmond and Barnes to form the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames.

Fig. 4: Aerial view of Twickenham, 1928

Archaeological Priority Areas

An Archaeological Priority Area (APA) is an established location where there is strong known archaeological interest or a particular potential for future discoveries. The local plans for the London boroughs describe APAs. They provide guidance for putting national and local planning principles into practise so that archaeological interest is recognised and preserved.
Historic England updated the Archaeological Priority Areas Appraisal for the London Borough of Richmond in March 2022: London Borough of Richmond Archaeological Priority Areas Appraisal 

The Greater London Archaeological Advisory Service completed its review and update of the boroughs Archaeological Priority Areas in 2022. This identifies the area as encompassing the Tier 2 areas of Marble Hill (2.14) and Twickenham and Riverside (2.17). https://historicengland.org.uk/content/docs/planning/apa-richmond-upon-thames-2022-pdf/ 

Part Two: Conservation Area Appraisal

Location and Setting

The Conservation Area is situated on the Middlesex bank of the River Thames and spans from Marble Hill Park in the east to Radnor Gardens at its western boundary, with the A305/A310 forming most of its northern boundary. To the south, the Conservation Area extends south into the Thames to include Eel Pie Island, which is physically connected via a narrow footbridge. It is surrounded by a number of other conservation areas such as Richmond Hill to the east, Amyand Park Road to the northeast, and Queen’s Road to the northwest.

Sandwiched between the river and the principal road to Richmond, both landscape and townscape have been determined by the proximity of the River Thames. A double curve of the river gives continuing unfolding views of both banks framed by mature trees and foliage. Although outside of the Conservation Area, Ham Lands to the south form an important part of the Area’s setting, contributing to its natural/rural/village character.

Topography

The Conservation Area is relatively flat though it does rise gently to the West and slope slightly toward the river at its south end, with some slipways remaining between Sion Road and Lebanon Park. Much of the riverbank, however, has been built up and so the river itself sits below the embankment.  

Buildings and Townscape Overview

The layout of the Conservation Area, and thus its appearance and how it is experienced, is dominated by two routes: the curving course of the Thames, and the parallel roads of York Street/Richmond Road, King Street, and Cross Deep. 

These busy roads shifted the historic core and focal point of the historic village and have influenced both the layout and type of development, with the most dense, urban character at the junction of the main arterial route with London Road and the historic Church Street. Outside this core, many historic properties turn instead to address the river, and it is along its frontage that the most significant developments can be found.

Within the centre of the village, historic remnants remain obvious, including deep and narrow burgage plots surviving from medieval times, and dense, traditional laneways such as Church Street which project from the busy main roads. There also remain pockets of small-scale domestic dwellings, such as simple workers’ cottages reflective of the contrasting character between the village centre and the grander developments along the river’s edge. Primarily a historic town centre, the piecemeal and organic growth of the area has resulted in a richly varied and much altered townscape, and the character of much of the area is defined by this diversity and a richness of building typologies.

With the arrival of the railway, as with many areas in London, development was spurred and the type of occupant relocating to Twickenham shifted. In response, large sections of land from former estates were sold off for speculative development – most evident in Lebanon Park. This area illustrates an important shift in the evolution of the area and has a more obvious and consistent townscape than the other character areas which will be examined in this Appraisal.

Although there is a high degree of variation within the Conservation Area, there are general townscape features which are relatively consistent.

Commercial buildings range from 2-4 storeys, where the top storey is often contained within a pitched or mansard roof, and occasionally behind a parapet. Fourth storeys are typically set back or most often articulated by way of decorative projecting gables. Frequently, corners are addressed, often with architectural elements such as projecting corner elements or narrow corner façades.

Shopfronts are restricted to the ground floor, most commonly within a single building or bay, but increasingly occupying the entire ground floor of a smaller terraced group. Often the wider shopfronts are visually subdivided to reflect bays, but some contemporary shopfronts fail to achieve this. Shopfront styles overall are varied, but there are a number of surviving historic shopfronts in good condition, and contemporary shopfronts are generally of a good quality, following traditional forms, proportions, and detailing.

Residential dwellings are typically 2 storeys with simple pitched or hipped roofs, and roof alterations are uncommon. In areas such as Lebanon Park, houses are designed with the appearance of two storeys while offering a habitable third storey.

Victorian houses are generally short groups of terraced workers’ cottages, but there is rich variation, with earlier mews style housing to Orleans Road in various configurations, semi-detached homes in Lebanon Park, taller Georgian townhouses on Montpelier Row, and more robust detached villas to Cross Deep.

Brick is the predominant building material, with stock and gault brick generally employed for residential use and red brick for commercial buildings. Even where this norm is broken, such as in Lebanon Park where there are red brick façades, lower cost stock brick is utilised to secondary elevations. Paint and render to entire elevations are uncommon.

Embellishments are frequent, and a variety of materials used, most often differently coloured brick, or stone or rendered features.

Institutional buildings, such as churches, banks, and civic buildings, are also often constructed of brick, which is somewhat atypical and adds to the rural character of the Conservation Area, though these buildings often utilise robust stone elements to elevate their status.

Despite the rich variation of the area, there are legible groups, or sub-areas, which have a shared character and history and are outlined in further detail below. Within each broad area there are further subdivisions, reflecting the complexity of urban development and variations in the overall character.

Spatial Analysis

As the Conservation Area is focused along two main routes, much of it is experienced in a linear fashion, often to the disadvantage of its proximity to the Thames. Along its northern boundary, the Area is primarily experienced following the main busy roads, built up on each side, giving a sense of an enclosed urban centre, a sense which dissipates at each end where there is a more residential and suburban character, with large houses and front gardens becoming more common. The gently curved road offers shifting views as one travels along it, informed by the course of the river, and the forks in the road at Cross Deep to the west and London Road/York Street/Church Street to the east invite the eye and exploration. Although there are side routes which offshoot from the main throughway, the buildings at corners generally do not reduce in scale, and therefore there is little impression of breaks in the consistent streetscape.

To the south of the Conservation Area along the embankment, there is a clearer sense of openness with the Thames – development is typically set back from the road with the promenade and Thames Path offering pedestrian access, although the presence of cars detracts from this. Radnor Gardens and the Thames Path at York House Gardens offer a more tranquil and open view of the river, and their positions allow for interesting views through much of the Conservation Area’s boundary and its changing character, including towards Eel Pie Island.

The historic centre feels perhaps more enclosed due to the narrowness of its streets, but the side lanes, such as Water, Bell, and Church Lanes offer longer views toward the river, contributing to a village character.

Lebanon Park has a good established layout, and while the development is consistent and somewhat linear, the reasonable front gardens and gaps between buildings prevent an overbearing sense of enclosure. The side roads, slight curve, and forking of Lebanon Park also break the traditional grid form and give the impression of a neighbourhood more than a typical row of Victorian terraces might do.

Marble Hill is the largest open space in the Conservation Area, with a distinct rural feel in contrast to the suburbanised setting and town centre of Twickenham beyond. Within this area, there are pockets of enclosure created by mature planting and historic brick boundary walls, but primarily it is experienced as open parkland. Orleans Road and Montpelier Row have their own townscape, which is contemporary to the park.

The Conservation Area generally slopes toward the river which allows for evolving views toward the river and Eel Pie Island from the centre, while taller building elements, such as the church tower and the top of the Civic Centre, are visible in longer views from the embankment, and particularly from the footbridge to the island.

Traffic is a dominating feature of the Conservation Area and greatly impacts how it is experienced and perceived. Much of the Conservation Area is focused on the A-roads which pass through the area and influenced its development, their introduction altering the ancient street plan. King Street, therefore, has a more open feel than the adjoining roads, though this openness is impacted by traffic. Increased traffic creates a sense of separation, both visually and physically, which has affected the quality of the urban fabric and public realm, while the resultant noise and pollution has impacted air quality and makes the area less attractive to pedestrians and cyclists. The infrastructure required for traffic has also greatly influenced the layout and development of the area. Traffic creates an ever-changing spatial element and contributes to a contrasting character between the commercial centre and relative tranquillity of the other character areas.

 

Townscape Details

Here, general townscape details which are consistent throughout the Conservation Area will be highlighted – where elements are more distinct to a character area, they will be further addressed within the sub-section below.

Hard Landscaping

Footways are for the most part high quality York stone pavers with granite kerbs, and the quality of the material is reflective of the high quality of the urban character. In some places, lesser quality concrete pavers have been used to a similar effect. To peripheral streets, brick is often used for pavements in a simple running bond, in various qualities and colour of brick, though typically in purples or greys. Within the historic core, to verges, there are good surviving examples of granite setts, which are reflective of historic street patterns and add richness to the character of the area.

Fig. 8: Wide pavers with granite kerbs

Fig. 9: Smaller pavers inserted primarily along King Street as part public realm improvements

Fig. 10: Bricks in herringbone pattern appear sporadically

Fig. 11: Common square pavers

Trees and Soft Landscaping

Street trees are uncommon, apart from within Lebanon Park, and yet a rich green landscape persists in much of the area, formed by richly planted private gardens, grounds, and pockets of greenspace, as well as the large parks which form a substantial part of the Conservation Area as a whole. The river front in particular is very green with a promenade of trees, the Gardens at Radnor, York House, Orleans Gardens, and Marble Hill, as well as Eel Pie Island which is lush with vegetation. The sense of greenery is enhanced with the views toward Ham on the other side of the river, where the bank is lined with mature trees.

Fig. 12: Street trees are primarily found near residential development, such as here in Lebanon Park

Soft landscaping is underutilised, and the occasional potted plant and hanging basket to the commercial centre. Soft landscaping is most utilised at the Embankment, where it separates the pedestrian area from parking and surrounds garden walls.

Street Furniture

Lamp columns are generally of two styles – within the commercial centre, they are black columns with decorative lanterns, while to the peripheries they are more modern, green columns with a flat grey lamp. Where space does not allow for a post, the decorative arm and lamp are sometimes attached to the façade of a building to allow the pavement to remain clear of obstruction

Bike stands are few but of typical Sheffield style in black.

Bollards are generally black iron – within the commercial centre, they are connected by vertical poles at curves in roads acting as a visual and physical barrier, guiding traffic through and separating pedestrian areas.

Fig. 13: More decorative lampposts appear along busy roads and paths

Fig. 14: Most other lampposts are of a standard design common in the borough

Architecture

The evolutionary character of town centres, shifting to reflect and meet the needs of its occupants, results in a complexity of urban development and variations in their overall character. While this document identifies sub-areas that have a more obvious and legible shared character and appearance below, this section will broadly outline common styles, materials, and features, which are evident and relatively consistent throughout the Conservation Area. Given the variety of the area, the descriptions are not exhaustive, and where clear variations exist, these will be addressed within the appropriate character area descriptions.

Community Buildings – Civic buildings and places of worship are concentrated in the centre of the Conservation Area, which is reflective of its village origins. These buildings are often set back and within formally planned spaces, but given the density of the area, they do not cause disruption to consistent streetscapes or building heights. The status of these buildings is typically illustrated by their larger scale and use of building materials, frequently employing stone or terracotta for architectural embellishments. Buildings such as banks also employ more robust building materials and are typically of a larger scale, and often anchor corners or parades.

Windows make a substantial contribution to the appearance of an individual building and can enhance or interrupt the unity of a terrace or semi-detached pair of houses. The Conservation Area contains a wide variety of window styles, and many unsympathetic replacements but it is important that a single pattern of glazing bars should be retained within any uniform composition. Generally, windows follow standard patterns/styles. In Georgian and early-mid Victorian terraces, each half of the sash was usually wider than it was high, but its division into six or more panes emphasised the window opening’s vertical proportions. Later Victorian and Edwardian buildings often employed a simpler pattern, with the top and bottom sash either having one large pane, or a single central glazing bar. Windows reduce in size and have simpler surrounds as they rise through the building demonstrating the hierarchy of the internal spaces.

Window frames are most commonly white painted timber, and where uPVC replacements have been allowed, these are mostly white and reflect the historic glazing pattern. Both casement and sash windows are common, reflecting the Victorian and Edwardian periods from which most of the buildings date.

Bricks are the most common building material within the Conservation Area, with residential properties primarily comprised of stock and yellow brick, while commercial premises are generally red brick. Public buildings are also generally constructed of brick, including churches and schools. Brick is also often used in contrasting colours as a decorative embellishment.

Later development has also employed brick skins, generally paired with contemporary windows and detailing, such as metal window surrounds, which respect historic proportions and the rhythm of the existing streetscape but remain legible as later additions.

Roofs are most commonly finished in black slates or red tiles. Roof extensions or alterations are uncommon, with few examples located to commercial buildings. Where commercial premises have been altered, this has been carried out through mansard style roof extensions, generally in slate, set back from the parapet, or through simple, consistent dormers into the existing roof slope.

Character Areas

Twickenham Riverside Conservation Area is one of the largest and most varied in the Borough. For ease of appraisal, it has been divided into the following sub-areas each with its own distinct character:

1. Marble Hill & Orleans
2. Lebanon Park
3. Historic Centre and Riverside
4. Eel Pie Island
5. Commercial Centre
6. Cross Deep

Character Area 1: Marble Hill and Orleans

Fig. 16: The Character Area is centred on the grounds of Marble Hill House

Summary Description

Marble Hill House and Park form a substantial portion of the eastern section of the Conservation Area which is characterised by its open space. The 18^th century Montpelier Row and Orleans Road are contemporary, and little change to the character and general form of the area has occurred since this period other than the park transferring to the public realm.

Character Appraisal

Townscape

Marble Hill and Orleans House & Gardens

The distinguished greenery and spacious character of Marble Hill Park (Grade II* Registered Historic Park & Garden) is visible from many points in the area, providing its characteristic parkland atmosphere. From the edge of the Conservation Area, at Richmond Road, the park is observed through a thin line of trees, separated from the public realm by a simple timber fence. At the west side of the green is a simple late 18^th or early 19^th century single storey lodge building (Grade II), a remnant of the private estate, while to the east is a short access route leading to a small car park adjacent to 20^th century development. Beyond the border lies an expanse of grass, currently in use as a cricket field, and at its centre, in the distance, the landmark building of Marble Hill. The Grade II* Palladian villa lies at the centre of the park, with expansive lawns surrounding. The lawn is edged on the north and west boundaries by the remnants of the former shrub planting, and a shallow treeline separates the grounds from the Thames. The grounds are distinctly more open in character than the western section around Orleans Gardens and Orleans Park School. Within the villa’s peripheries are smaller scale buildings which formed part of its estate, notably the restored Grotto, an 18^th century icehouse, and a former stable block (both Grade II), that currently provides a café service and toilet facilities.

Fig. 17: The open grounds of Marble Hill serve a variety of community uses

Fig. 18: Original Gate House to Marble Hill

Fig. 19: Marble Hill House

Fig. 20: The original treeline is retained at the perimeters of the grounds, while sections to the front are being restored and improved

Fig. 21: The restored grotto

Fig. 22: 18th century icehouse

Fig. 23: Former stable block, currently serving as a café

The park is well-used by visitors and residents, accommodating a wide range of informal activities as well as sports, housing within the grounds a rugby field, a tennis court, and space to play cricket. The park, along with Orleans Gardens and the grounds of Orleans House, are both Metropolitan Open Land and Other Sites of Nature Importance. The southern side of the park feels fully separated from the surrounding suburban character and is a more peaceful space, though its character is slightly different, with remnants of the tree frame, in the process of being restored, which framed the house in views from the river.

At its south extreme, the gardens and park are separated from the river by a simple iron rail and the Thames path, the appearance of which is more urban than necessary with tarmac paving and a mixture of standard street furniture with some timber memorial benches, contrasting with the context of the house and its grounds. Beyond the path is the raised embankment which was altered in the 1920s to allow for more efficient use of the towpath. Here, one finds the access point to Hammerton's Ferry, which links the banks of Marble Hill to that of Ham House, and numerous moored boats, which add visual interest and a connection to the active river which carries through strongly into the adjacent riverside character area.

Fig. 24: The Thames path has simple paving and street furniture which could be more sympathetic to their context

Fig. 25: Hammerton's Ferry offers access to the river

The southwest section of the character area historically formed part of the grounds and gardens of a less grand house and has a slightly different character and feel, separate from the open character of Marble Hill Park. Orleans Gardens is located to the southwest of the area and the smaller open space has a more enclosed and intimate feel, being surrounded by a boundary of mature trees, the Thames Path to the South, and a low brick wall and Riverside to the north. The north side of Riverside has a taller brick wall which surrounds a dense and mature wooded area, the former grounds of Orleans House. This ‘wilder’ area has a distinct character to the surrounding open lands, with a sense of enclosure heightened by the robust boundary wall, and despite its relationship with Orleans House Gallery to the west, perhaps feels the most secluded.

Fig. 26: The low boundary wall of Orleans Gardens with mature planting around separating it from Marble Hill Park

Fig. 27: The ‘wild’ area to Orleans House feels more enclosed, an impression heightened by the tall brick wall

On the western edge of the character area are a group of historic buildings, including the remnants of Orleans House (Grade I) and Riverside House (Grade II). A private driveway branching from Riverside leads to three private residential houses, marked by an arched brick opening, giving an air of privacy and status. Central to the group are the remains of Orleans House which operates as a Gallery and sits within a slightly formalised garden. Completing the group is a former stable building, in use as the gallery café.

Fig. 28: The remnants of Orleans House

Fig. 29: Riverside House

Fig. 30: Entrance gates to the collection of buildings in the southwest corner of the character area

Fig. 31: Former stables, now in use as a café

Between this group and Richmond Road is a large sports ground and a group of school buildings. While the grounds fit into the open character of the area, the sprawling development of the schools is at odds with its setting and of contemporary design. Its appearance is somewhat mitigated, however, by mature planting and a robust brick wall to Richmond Road, as well as being set back into its grounds. 

Fig. 32: View towards the schools from Richmond Road

Orleans Road, Montpelier Row, & Chapel Road

Orleans Road is a narrow street that intersects with Richmond Road, the entrance of which is flanked by two notable buildings: The Crown (Grade II), a two-storey high rendered late 18^th century pub, the setting of which is interrupted by a large car park, and a timber framed exposed detached house of two storeys. These buildings give an indication of the scale and style of buildings beyond, which contrast with the Victorian cottages of Richmond Road, and the grander Georgian buildings to Montpelier Row.

Fig. 33: The Crown Public House and 1 Orleans Road

Fig. 34: View looking south along Orleans Road showing the tightknit townscape at its north side

The road is distinguished by its colourful cottages and former works buildings, narrow pedestrian space, and quaint village appearance. There are a variety of building materials and styles, with brick, render, timber all common. The intimacy of this former mews is emphasised by the buildings which rise directly from the pavement, though there are occasional front gardens which are well landscaped, adding visual interest, contributing to the village character, and interrupting the building line to avoid feeling too enclosed. Generally, buildings within the northern section of the road are more tight knit, terraced or adjoining buildings, whereas buildings to the south are set in wider gardens, transitioning to the more open character of the parkland beyond.

In terms of fenestration, sash windows with exterior shutters are predominant, but there are also casement windows along the street. 

Fig. 35: Buildings rise directly from the pavement enhancing the intimate, enclosed feeling of the street

Fig. 36: Some houses toward the middle have deep and well maintained front gardens

Fig. 37: Contemporary development carries the scale and character

Fig. 38: A larger house with simple detailing continues the building line

The ‘Old Chapel,’ formerly The Montpelier chapel school constructed in 1856, is a more picturesque building, juxtaposing with the cottage/mews buildings, having two storeys, brick-built Romanesque arched windows with a dressing brick, and abuts the end house (no.29) on the west side of the road. No. 10 is an old storage building with a gable roof that imitates the form and scale of the chapel, creating a harmony in appearance. South of the Old Chapel, the west side of the road has a consistent row of single storey garages which are of no particular interest, but which continue the consistent streetscape and intimate feeling. Despite the garages, there is much street parking which disrupts the character of the street. The presence of cars also contrasts with the typical use of the Road as a key route for pedestrians and cyclists that frequently use the route to access Marble Hill Park at its southern end.

Some buildings, such as former stables, have been converted into garage space, found in No. 2A, 2B and 19. Houses become increasingly spaced toward the south end, where there is a transition between the residential area and the grounds of Orleans House and Marble Hill. Here, the houses are slightly larger and more similar in form, with long hipped roofs projecting into gardens, leaving wider spaces between that are concealed behind tall brick walls. These include No. 36 Orleans Road, the former coach house to the Grade II* Listed Montpelier House, and Park Cottage, which has robust gates and piers across from a public entrance to Marble Hill Park.

Fig. 39: The Old Chapel

Fig. 40: No. 10, a former works/garage building

Fig. 41: Single storey garage line the southwest side of the road

Fig. 42: Converted garage/works building

Fig. 43: No. 36 once served as the coach house to the Grade II* Montpelier House

Fig. 44: Park Cottage has robust gates across from the entrance to Marble Hill Park

To the east, the appearance of the area completely transitions to the formality and scale of Montpelier Row. Most of the properties within Montpelier Row are listed either grade II or II*, denoting its rich architectural value, primarily comprised of 18^th century 3 and 4 storey terraced houses in gault or brown brickwork with red dressings, brick cornices and panelled parapets, although a small number are now rendered. The three groups of terraces are broken by Chapel Road, a short alley connecting Montpelier with Orleans Road. The east side of Montpelier is well planted, given a sense of privacy and exclusivity, though this soft green edge has been somewhat eroded by the insertion of parking bays. There are a single pair of 18^th century cottages and a Victorian cottage, but otherwise the east side remains undeveloped. The road terminates at the impressive gates of the 18^th century Southend House.

Fig. 45: The grand Georgian Houses to Montpelier Row

Fig. 46: A few of the houses have been rendered which disrupts their terrace

Fig. 47: The terraces have deep gardens and entrance porticos

Fig. 48: The east side of Montpelier Row is largely undeveloped but many car parking spaces have been inserted

Fig. 49: Pair of 18th century cottages

Fig. 50: The Row terminates at Southend House and its prominent gates

Connecting Orleans Road with Montpelier is the short and narrow Chapel Road, which presents two groups of two storey properties. The late 19^th and mid-20^th century buildings were built on the grounds of a former chapel, and are more balanced and reserved in their design, with balanced elevations in simple brick with little detailing – a transition from the varied character of Orleans Road to the formality of Montpelier. 

Richmond Road

The Conservation Area extends north of Montpelier Row to encompass part of Richmond Road, which is predominantly residential. Buildings are typically two storeys and semi-detached, and while the majority are Victorian cottages there are examples of earlier and more contemporary development. A parade of three storey red brick Edwardian shops forms the corner of Crown Road, which appears prominent and as a visual focus to the mini roundabout. The upper elevations are restrained but the roofline is more dramatic with large gabled dormer windows punctuating the mansard roof. At street level the shopfronts are relatively attractive and provide colour and activity with forecourt space sometimes utilised for displays.

The northwest side contains a distinctive group of six pairs of early 19^th century cottages with deep front gardens, well planted, which forms a green buffer between house and road. The unaltered shallow pitched slate roofs and pretty, decorative timber porches contribute to the surviving rural character of this group. A slightly more robust pair of altered Georgian houses and a group of red brick maisonettes complete the building line, and while their style varies, the scale, materials, and setting all compliment the character of the streetscape.

Fig. 51: Chapel Road

Fig. 52: Later infill development to the corner of Richmond Road and Crown Road

Fig. 53: Attractive group of Edwardian shops on the opposite corner

Fig. 54: Victorian cottages with deep gardens along Richmond Road

Architecture

Montpelier Row is defined by its balanced elevations and formally arranged layout. Tall stacks and mono-pitched roofs are predominant in the roof line, and parapets give a strong horizontal emphasis. It has decorative classical porticos and bay and sash windows. A very uniform frontage illustrates doorcases with classical pilasters, a wealth of high-quality architectural detail and embellishment provided by an array of decorative fanlights as well as iron railings and overthrows forming well-defined front boundaries enclosing front courtyards. Front gardens provide greenery with bushes and trees.

By contrast, Orleans Road is a rich patchwork of different styles and materials, all of which are sympathetic to the quaint mews character. A uniformity in scale helps retain a consistency in appearance, but a variety of materials, finishes, window treatments, and boundaries adds richness and visual interest. While brick is the most common material and timber sash windows the most utilised, there are exceptions of painted or rendered elevations, timber cladding, and leaded windows.

Richmond Road is simpler and more traditional, predominantly Victorian architecture. Here, houses are in balanced pairs, utilising gault brick with sash windows. Hipped roofs are unaltered and in slate with central stacks. 

Fig. 55: Large gates are common to the taller Georgian houses of Montpelier Row

Fig. 56: Later terraces have projecting bays and lower boundaries to reflect their smaller scale

Fig. 57: The south side of Montpelier Row is more varied

Fig. 58: Typical cottages to Orleans Road

Fig. 59: The south side of Orleans Road becomes more open allowing for views to Montpelier Road beyond

Spatial Analysis

As predominantly an area of park land and gardens, the area is characterised by its openness, although there are discernible areas defined by the former grounds of Marble Hill House, or demarcated by natural or brick boundaries, such as at Orleans Gardens and Grounds, which have a more enclosed feeling.

The built environment is more varied – Orleans Road is a narrow and intimate setting, with houses built up straight from the pavement, but to a domestic two storey scale which avoids feeling overly enclosed. This is helped further by gaps in the streetscape due to occasional front gardens and the smaller scale of the garage group. Montpelier Row, with its taller and longer terraces is more commanding, although it is balanced with the east side remaining largely undeveloped. Gaps between the terraces are limited but important in breaking up the street from appearing as a single mass.

Richmond Road is more suburban, with good sized front gardens contributing to a verdant character and mitigating the impact of the busy road on houses. While the houses are quite closely spaced together, small gaps between and the setting into their gardens prevents a sense of terracing to Richmond Road.

Character Area 2: Lebanon Park

Fig. 61: View north along Lebanon Park highlighting its suburban appearance

Summary Description

Lebanon Park is a very distinctive area of Edwardian houses built on the grounds and site of a large villa, Mount Lebanon, which burnt down in 1909. The grounds were set between the Richmond Road and Riverside on the gentle slope towards the river. This sub-area is unusually well defined, with the form and layout of the housing development little altered since its inception. It is the only speculative group within the Conservation Area.

Its special character is formed by the repetition of ornate features, the use of red brick and well-defined front gardens. The largely unaltered slate roofs form a strong rhythm in the street scene as the road runs downhill towards the river. Mature trees make an important contribution to the greening of the streets and add to the sense of enclosure.

Lebanon Court and Sion Court

Lebanon Court and Sion Court are purpose built 1920s developments of mansion flats which flank the Lebanon Park and Commercial Centre character areas. Given its residential purpose, it will form a sub-area of the Lebanon Park character area for the purposes of this appraisal. The blocks form a fortress like estate, occupying the corner of London Road and half of Sion Road, greater in height, scale, and massing than nearby developments, and blocking views towards other nearby development. Both blocks are four storeys of red brick walls with little modulation to a large, tiled mansard roof with robust stacks. Windows have been replaced with unsympathetic uPVC with overly reflective panes but retain their historic form and glazing bar patterns. Entrances are identical, with large timber double doors framed by a broken pediment. The appearance of the bulk is somewhat mitigated at street level by their setback from the road and manicured hedges above a low brick wall, but there is otherwise a lack of landscaping.

Fig. 62: Lebanon and Sion Courts are robust estates which dominate the western side of the character area

Townscape

Character

The entrance into Lebanon Park from Richmond Road is marked by tall 3 storey terraces on either side. The western block contains a parade of well-proportioned shops with flats above. The original shopfronts were of high quality with some unusual details, many of which survive. The upper storeys are of a simple design with good surviving original sash windows with their subdivision unaltered. The slate roof is supported at eaves level by white stucco brackets above a plain cornice. This architectural device links these outer buildings visually to the rest of Lebanon Park where it is used throughout.

Fig. 63: An attractive group of shops with good quality shopfronts on Richmond Road have architectural elements that tie them to the houses of Lebanon Park

Lebanon Park is lined with street trees giving the sense of an avenue, and there is a marked contrast to the noise and traffic of Richmond Road, instead experienced as a peaceful and tranquil suburban neighbourhood. The road gently slopes down towards the river, invisible beyond.  

Houses are generally designed as pairs, set back from the pavement behind small front gardens, though there are some detached houses to corners, and short terraces to the western offshoot. Though there are variations in the design, they are highly complementary, using consistent materials and patterns, and most importantly, scale. Alterations are highly uncommon, with the most obvious being the loss of some stained-glass windows which erodes that characteristic richness of detail of the dwellings. Otherwise, the group is remarkably intact, and the erosion of this cohesiveness in any capacity would be viewed unfavourably.

Fig. 64: A typical short terrace

There are no sequential views, instead a straight vista towards the walls of York House Gardens and not such a sense of enclosure. At its southern extreme, the road forks, with an individual more idiosyncratic single house forming the apex of the resulting peninsula – the east half leading to a cul-de-sac, and the west to the embankment, including a single pair of houses, heavily modified, which match the group at the corner of Riverside.

Fig. 65: Standard speculative pair at the south end of Lebanon Park

Spatial Analysis

The area is predominately comprised of a linear road, with the emphasis of a boulevard heightened by street trees and the vertical emphasis from the architectural details of the houses. Pavements are wide and front gardens are of a good size, however, so that the sense of enclosure provided by the consistent streetscape gives the impression of a residential enclave rather than a tight urban space. Gaps between pairs contribute to this experience, offering views through to gardens and sky beyond.

Fig. 66: Gaps between houses allow for views through to rear gardens

Fig. 67: Gaps and hipped roofs help avoid the street feeling too enclosed and views through gardens contribute to the suburban character

Architecture

The architecture is dramatic with vibrant orange/red brickwork enlivened by embellishments such as terracotta panels, white stucco, and ornate white painted timber barge boards and porches. The white contrasts vividly with the rich tone of the brick. Gables topped with timber finials and contrasting decorative ridge tiles create a strong rhythm in the slate roofscape, the slope of the road accentuating the effect. The eye is drawn along the road by horizontal bands of white stucco.

Fig. 68: The houses share a consistent and largely unaltered sequence of patterns, forms, and materials

Window & Doors

Windows are timber casement generally pairs of two panes with a fanlight above, with the pairs separated by a central column. The fanlights within the ground floors of the projecting bays are typically stained glass, with only a few examples removed. One typology has a sash window adjacent to the entrance under the porch, which is also typically stained glass.

Windows to front doors and their sidelights also contain ornate stained glass adding architectural richness of the buildings, and the elevational fanlights usually match this design. Door styles are consistent, and most are original.

Roof types and material

Roofs are hipped with projecting front gables and finished in natural slate and are largely unaltered. Where concrete tiles have been used for patchwork repair, it is obvious and contrasting. Decorative ridge tiles are an attractive feature which add visual interest and elevate the appearance of the houses. Chimney stacks and slightly raised party walls add variation and richness to the roofscape and remain in situ, creating balance between pairs. Alterations are uncommon, limited on front and side elevations to rooflights. Many houses have rear dormer extensions, frequently a single dormer but sometimes a pair. These are limited to a single small window in width and generally placed toward the centre of the house so that they are largely invisible from the public realm. This scale and placement, and overall lack of intervention, has maintained an attractive and historic roofscape which makes a substantial contribution to the character and appearance of the Area.  

Fig. 69: The roofscape remains largely unaltered apart from roof lights to some front elevations

Fig. 70: Artificial slate has a different appearance to the original roof finish

Porches

Porches add visual interest and a sense of elegance to the area with the decorative bargeboard, pillars, and rails. While the pattern of the bargeboards varies, rails are typically straight vertically or follow a rectangular geometric pattern. In contrast to the main roof, porch roofs are covered in terracotta tiles. Entrances are set in from the front elevation creating a smaller, internal porch, the flanks of which are adorned with decorative wall tiles

Fig. 71: Decorative tiles flanked the entrances with inset porches

Fig. 72: Timber porches generally follow two styles, such as this geometric pattern

Boundaries & Entrances

Fig. 73: Original timber boundaries

Front boundaries were traditionally of timber construction with decorative ball finials. Today, boundary treatments are more diverse, generally well-defined low brick walls and timber fences with low gates onto front paths. Where brick is employed, it is generally contrasting stock brick with some red detailing, often with simple iron rails and spear finials. Boundaries are consistently low and transparent, so that front gardens are easily observed, creating a sense of openness and contributing to a suburban garden character.

Fig. 74: Modern boundaries are a mixture of timber and brick, but are low and allow for views into gardens

Fig. 75: Attractive mirrored entrance with original door and tiled footpaths below a shared porch

Many of the decorative ceramic tiled paths survive ranging from simple black and white designs to more complex polychromatic patterns.

 

Gardens & Trees

Gardens are typically well planted with a variety of plant types which offers greenery in all seasons and contribute positively to the suburban character of the area, particularly as low boundary walls allow for longer views across multiple gardens. Some gardens have been overly landscaped with decorative hardstanding and plants in pots, which introduces a sense of formality which is at odds with the general character of the area.

Sometimes hedges are used for privacy, but again this feels too formal and detracts from the open character of the area. Privacy screening should instead be achieved through a rich variety of types and heights of plants, which will change seasonally and still allow glimpsed views into gardens.

There are some places where gardens have been lost to parking which further diminishes the suburban appearance, often creating abrupt, visual gaps in the boundary treatment, and is highly uncharacteristic of the Area.

Occasionally trees are planted in gardens but generally height comes from street trees – typically common lime, with some Norway maple to the southern half of the area.

Fig. 76: Mature street trees contribute to a suburban appearance and break up the building line

Fig. 77: Hard standing to front gardens disrupts the garden character and has an overly urban appearance

Paving

Pavements are of concrete paving slabs edged with granite kerbs reinforcing the high quality urban residential character.

Fig. 78: The area is paved in good quality pavers with granite kerbs

Street Furniture

The area is largely vacant of street furniture, though there is an excess of parking signs throughout. Lampposts are unremarkable, and of a standard modern design which is common throughout the Conservation Area: a green pole topped with a flat grey lamp.

Character Area 3: Historic Centre and Riverside

Fig. 80: View toward Eel Pie Island

Fig. 81: View down Church Street

Summary Description

At the centre of the Conservation Area are the remnants of the former village which evolved into a prosperous 19^th century town. Given the heavy traffic along the A-roads and the prominence of the commercial area along King Street, the village’s prominence has been somewhat eroded, however, in contrast, the smaller routes which escape to quieter roads and to the river are more appreciated and form a haven for pedestrians. Church Street is the most attractive with its road and buildings retaining an intimate scale, with varied materials and good quality 19^th century shopfronts. This intimate scale and character create welcoming surroundings which attract specialist shops and the liveliness of cafés and restaurants, many with al fresco dining. This village core forms a focal point when viewed from the Thames and is closely linked to it, a relationship emphasised by its pedestrianisation.

The Embankment to the centre of the Area served as a busy wharf until the end of the 19^th century, but today forms its main public realm, with a landscaped promenade offering exceptional views to the river and Eel Pie Island, with places to sit, gardens to enjoy, and the occasional fishing. Narrow lanes connect the riverside to the commercial streets of the town centre. From the Embankment eastwards, large villas and houses were constructed along the river edge culminating in the extensive grounds of Marble Hill House. A lane, Riverside, connecting the Embankment to Orleans Road separated the houses from their river edge, leaving a narrow wedge of riverside garden remote from the houses. The Riverside Area demonstrates Twickenham's enduring history of river-related activity, both recreational and industrial.

Some of the larger houses have been demolished and their land subdivided and redeveloped as housing, but the essential form of the area survives unchanged. Environmental quality is high with much of the historic fabric surviving intact, notably, 18^th century buildings, narrow lanes and footpaths bounded by high brick walls, all interspersed with mature trees which create an important backdrop to the built form. Riverside is an important route, channelling traffic between the Embankment and Marble Hill, making the transition from a vibrant urban character to a more peaceful rural one. 

Character Appraisal

Townscape

Church Street has a gradual curve allowing hints of views towards the river along Water Lane and Bell Lane, which encourages exploration. There is a notable variation in design, materials, and roofscape and the often excellent 19^th century shopfronts are interspersed from time to time with gates and alleys leading to back yards and outbuildings. The street makes a satisfying transition from the bustle of King Street to the calm oasis of the church and the adjoining square. The street and adjoining lanes are lined with 2 and 3 storey buildings, where the upper/attic storey is typically recessed with dormers, and this is evident on both historic and contemporary additions. Many of the buildings are listed and date from at least the 18^th century, although burgage plots have survived since their medieval foundation. While Church Street is predominately commercial, Water and Bell Lanes are residential, lined with short terraces of workers’ style cottages with shallow front gardens. There is some infill development, which has respected this scale and the traditional building materials.

 

Fig. 82: Church Street attracts many pedestrians with its independent shops and restaurants, many with outdoor seating and displays which creates active frontages

Fig. 83: Wares displayed in front of shops add character

Fig. 84: Public House with outdoor seating

Fig. 85: 13 & 14 Church Street, two of the Grade II listed buildings along the street

Fig. 86: Residential Lanes branch off toward the river

Fig. 87: There is some infill development which is sympathetic to the scale and character of the historic village centre

The narrow lanes of the village which lead south offer the first glimpse of the river. The Embankment is a unique place, well landscaped and with sweeping views of the Thames, though it is separated by public car parking which somewhat disrupts the views and breaks the quaint village character. Cars travelling through and parking can make it difficult for pedestrians to cross, but at the water’s edge, there is a more definite sense of separation. Here, the surfacing is varied with many textures and materials such as brick, stone, gravel, and setts, but in a very formalised and planned manner.

Fig. 88: The embankment separated by car parking

Fig. 89: The embankment is pedestrianised and has a rich variety of landscaping details

Pin Oak trees line the bank separating the wide promenade from the road and parking as well as other soft landscaping. The promenade is lined with seating and offers a large stretch of public river access. At the west end, the car parking and the abrupt end to the Embankment deprive it of potential interest, and concealing a listed boathouse and deep-water dock beyond, within the grounds of Thames Eyot. The Diamond Jubilee Gardens to the north offer public open space and an interesting vantage point, but the space overall feels underwhelming and underused, and features such as artificial grass detract from its appearance. The electric substation stands out as a low point, but its appearance is somewhat softened by the small adjacent park. Heading east there is a grassed area at the base of Water Lane which is somewhat at odds with the rest of the area, but regardless, is well used and contributes to the openness and green space.

Fig. 91: The café within the Gardens

Fig. 92: Green space at the base of Water Lane

The tidal nature of the river, and the buildings and equipment associated with the working boatyards of Eel Pie Island make an enormous contribution to the interest and character of the Embankment. The view upstream is of great importance as direct contrast to the Embankment itself, the Thames curves into the distance lined by a thickly vegetated, apparently rural landscape.

Narrow lanes run downhill from the town centre to the quayside. The footpath between the close-knit houses provides the best way of appreciating the charm and small-scale detail of the historic village core. It curves gently around the backs of the historic riverside inn, the Barmy Arms, and the Mary Wallace Theatre. The path eventually emerges halfway up Church Lane giving an attractive view of the Grade II* church and graveyard.

Fig. 93: Narrow alley with view of the church

East of Bell Lane are a group of more robust buildings dating from as early as the 17^th century, most listed, which illustrate the origins of the village as a summer escape for wealthy Londoners, their grandeur heightened by their riverfront setting. At the corner of Bell Lane, the buildings have mature front gardens, but to the east is another car park, which erodes their historic setting.

Fig. 94: This listed group illustrate the status of the embankment

At the base of Church Lane, one can either continue along the promenade via York House Gardens or continue along Riverside. Riverside is a narrow lane, with no pavements for most of its length. Much of it is enclosed by high 18^th century walls creating a tunnel effect with restricted views. Vegetation clings to the tops of the brick walls with the canopies of mature trees visible behind enhancing a strong sense of enclosure, but also giving hints at the gardens beyond.

Fig. 95: Riverside has high walls on either side and feels enclosed

Riverside carries into Orleans Gardens and Marble Hill, with a distinct shift in character from the river side to parkland. Although Riverside House forms part of the Marble Hill character area, its peeking over the tall boundary wall marks an obvious point at which riverside development begins and thus marks the boundary of this character area. Heading west, the lane widens slightly and is punctuated by a contemporary building in a style inspired by boathouses to the south, as well as the Twickenham Yacht club, the drive of which was a former slipway and has good surviving setts and brickwork. To the north side is a small group of whitewashed 20^th century houses set above the level of Riverside. The houses are of a standard speculative design and heavily modified, with one house in the group turning the corner to Lebanon Park. A mixture of boundary types along this stretch of Riverside is visually distracting and therefore to the detriment of its character.

Fig. 96: Riverside House

Fig. 97: Riverside heading east, the entrance to Marble Hill branches off at the end

Fig. 98: Rowing club with historic slipway materials forming its drive

Fig. 99: Much altered speculative housing group

The river is first revealed by a narrow glimpse along the former slipway which once served the Twickenham Ferry. The remaining sense of enclosure vanishes soon after with the appearance of the wide gravelly beach and slipway belonging to the White Swan public house which is frequently used for the launching of boats and offers clear views to the undeveloped northern side of Eel Pie Island, enhancing the secluded riverside character.

Fig. 100: Slipway to the Thames which once had a ferry service

Fig. 101: Slipway with gravelly beach and the north end of Eel Pie Island

Views towards this area are dominated by the substantial 2 storey canted bay window of Ferry House. This building forms one end of an excellent group of unusual, whitewashed 18^th century houses, all listed. While Ferryside has a simpler balanced elevation and deep front garden, the rest of the group share the same slightly frivolous Regency seaside character. In front of the group, the pavement rises substantially from the level of the road, forming part of the formal tide defence in the area, and this, combined with the raised floor levels and wall and gate details, ensures that the houses do not flood at high tide.

Fig. 102: Ferry House

Fig. 103: Ferryside

Fig. 104: Part of the group of whitewashed listed buildings

Fig. 105: Sion House is Grade II*

The terrace of unique riverside houses wraps neatly around the corner of Sion Road to become an elegant red brick terrace of early 18^th century town houses, including Sion House, and both the house and group are Grade II* Listed. The eye is drawn up hill by the strong horizontal emphasis of the elevations, and the unusually decorated overhanging eaves bolster this appeal. Opposite, the high walls of York House Gardens tower over the narrow road. The sense of enclosure in this southern section of Sion Road is strengthened by the proximity of the house fronts to the pavement. Tiny forecourts are strongly defined by simple iron railings and gates, but still, a good amount of planting is achieved, giving the terrace a distinct country flavour.

Fig. 106: Grade II* terrace of Sion Road

Fig. 107: No. 12 shows vertical emphasis, balance composition, and detailed eaves at top

Although a good distance from the river, the houses at the junction of Sion Road and Ferry Road share a common character with many of the riverfront houses although at a much smaller scale, reflective of the working class of people who would have lived and worked along the quay. The buildings decrease to modest 2 storey Victorian cottages and single storey outbuildings. The road is very narrow, and although picturesque, it has a distinct functional character in contrast to its surrounds. There are two charming terrace groups, the north (Sion Cottages, 1852) painted in pastel colours, and the east (Redknaps Cottages, built 1854), closing the view along Ferry Road as the road bends sharply through ninety degrees. Apart from the painting and a single roof light, the cottages remain largely unaltered and form an attractive and rare example of this scale of domestic dwelling surviving in the Conservation Area. The outbuildings are simple, with attractive bracketed eaves and tile roofs.

Fig. 108: A pair of simpler cottages at the corner with Ferry Road

Fig. 109: Sion Cottages

Fig. 110: Redknaps Cottages

Fig. 111: Simple but charming outbuildings to Ferry Road

Fig. 112: Riverside with the walls of York House Gardens rising above

The section of Riverside west of the junction with Sion Road returns to its former enclosed tunnel-like character, this time flanked by the walls of York House Gardens, until it emerges at Champions Wharf, just past Dial House. The house is 18^th century and was formerly owned by members of the Twining family, later becoming a vicarage, with its notable sundial on its central pediment. Above the walls of Riverside, trees and vegetation can be seen from the road and provide another clue to the existence of the gardens. Views along the road are focused on the bridge which passes overhead linking the gardens.

The gardens are accessed via Champions Wharf, a quaint hard landscaped garden which has a sandy children’s play area and a large semi-circular seating area focused on a contemporary sculpture celebrating Alexander Pope. From there, there are excellent views over the stone balustrading of the promenade, across the Thames, to the working boatyards and slipways of Eel Pie Island.

Fig. 113: The bridge connecting the two sections of York House Gardens is a focal point

Fig. 114: Dial House

Fig. 115: Champions Wharf is a contemporary public space

Fig. 116: Views toward the river and Eel Pie Island from Champion’s Wharf

At the southeast corner of the parkette, an opening through the brick wall leads to a shady riverside path which contrasts with the adjacent hidden formal Italian style garden, part of the Grade II listed York House Garden. The western section is dominated by the dramatic group of statuary forming a 3-tiered garden fountain in a lily-pond. The southern garden is divided roughly into three sections, with two long octagonal gardens flanking a central circular element with pond at centre, the half being a rose garden. The gardens are surrounded by well-manicured hedges. Further exploration of the gardens involves crossing the stone balustraded bridge across which the sunken gardens of York House are found, behind the magnificent Grade II* York House itself.

Fig. 117: The Thames Path from within York House Gardens

Fig. 118: The Italian fountain

Fig. 119: Part of the south gardens

Fig. 120: The central element of the south gardens with small fishpond at centre

Fig. 121: The eastern ‘rose garden’

The sunken garden lies immediately to the south-east of the House and was constructed by Sir Ratan Tata circa 1906. It includes a rectangular, sunken area of lawn and grass banks with brick steps aligned on the central north-west/south-east axis leading to the two raised walks. Adjacent to the east corner of the sunken garden lies a Japanese Garden, bounded to the south by Riverside. The Garden, which was created by Sir Ratan in the early 20^th century, contains an irregular pond spanned by a wooden bridge (late 20^th century). To the east of this bridge stands an iron sculpture of Venus. The north-west end of the pond is surrounded by a rockery planted with a variety of plants including juniper and heather. The Japanese Garden is surrounded by woodland currently and to the northeast are two mid-20^th century tennis courts which replaced the former kitchen garden.

York House stands in the north-west half of the gardens and is a large, three-storey H-plan house which dates originally from the mid-17^th century but was remodelled in the early 18^th century, with later alterations and extensions from the mid-19^th (east wing) until the mid-20^th centuries (the office wing to the west). The House is built of red brick with stone quoins and a cemented rusticated ground floor and a hipped roof.

North of York House, the grounds and setting of the house and garden have been much altered with its transition to municipal use. While a section of garden and walking path remains to the northeast, there is a large roundabout and car park to the northwest which has impacted its setting, somewhat softened through the use of soft landscaping and planted boundaries. The multiple extensions have also impacted its setting and are of little interest. Substantial gate piers supporting large decorative iron gates form the start of a formal yew lined vista to York House and are the best point from which to appreciate the grandeur of the original house.

Fig. 122: The sunken garden and rear elevation of York House

Fig. 123: The Japanese Garden with its wooden bridge

Paving

There is a variety of paving within the Riverside Character Area which is unique to the river frontage, particularly to the historic frontage with good surviving setts, as well as contemporary landscaping carried out as part of wider public realm improvements. Although richly varied, there is a consistent palette and various materials complimentary of each other.

Fig. 124: Large granite pavers indicate the high quality of landscaping throughout the area

Fig. 125: Historic sections of brick survive along Church Lane

Fig. 126: Later sections of brick survive along Church Lane toward the village centre

Fig. 127: Historic setts to the embankment at the end of Church Lane are indicative of previous landscaping treatments around the slipway

Fig. 127: The current promenade is more varied but still of a high quality

Fig. 128: Simple brick and setts are common landscaping treatments to the character area

Fig. 129: Detail of mixed materials to the former slipway at Twickenham Yacht Club

Fig. 130: Modern brick paving is utilised around the Civic Centre

Street Furniture

The character area is unique in that it primarily has a single lamppost style that does not appear elsewhere – simple yet elegant wrought iron post with vertical lanterns

Fig. 131: Style of lamppost unique to the riverfront Character Area

Character Area 4: Eel Pie Island

Fig. 133: The west side of the island with simple single storey bungalows

Summary Description

Eel Pie Island makes a vital contribution to the appearance and character of the Twickenham Riverside Conservation Area. The island is substantial, long enough to conceal the entire Twickenham quayside from Ham. The extreme ends of the island are thickly wooded and are designated as both Metropolitan Open Land, as well as an Other Site of Nature Importance (albeit, separately), providing valuable, quiet, and relatively undisturbed areas for wildlife. Consequently, when approached by up- or downstream, the island appears uninhabited. Views from the Twickenham and Ham banks reveal the opposite; the central section has been developed as an eclectic mix of housing and industry with trees interspersed. The northern section of the island is characterised by boat building yards and related activities on an informal layout. This is the closest part of the island to Twickenham and makes a significant contribution to the area’s character.

Character

Eel Pie Island has its own distinct character as an eclectic mixture of river-related industry and residential development. The island is accessed by foot at a single point, via a simple single span prestressed concrete bridge which was funded by the former Eel Pie Island Hotel. The bridge itself provides a unique viewpoint from which a series of views of Twickenham and the river can be gained, including most of the Conservation Area.

Fig. 134: The footbridge links the island to the mainland and offers unique views to the Area

Fig. 135: View south from the apex of the bridge

Fig. 136: View northwest with church visible at centre

At the foot of the bridge is a simple signpost with a map and community notice board, with the footpath breaking in opposite directions. The southern path is largely private and inaccessible to public visitors, occasionally closed off by a simple iron gate. The path is lined by tall fences and hedges, with a sense of enclosure further heightened by mature overhanging trees. Only occasional glimpses of buildings are possible, all of which are residential in nature, and there is a great sense of quiet and seclusion. At the start of the 20^th century, the first houses on the island were built in this area: they were simple single storey timber framed bungalows and chalets generally clad in timber weatherboarding. Most of the plots are deep and narrow, intended to maximise the number with a riverside view, and this has resulted in a characteristic riverside elevation of gable ends. While many of the houses are not visible from the path, they can be viewed from the banks of the Thames and form an important part of the riverside character. Many of the original houses survive in this area, though typically with later alterations, and with examples of uncharacteristic brick cladding. (Reference to main pic)

Fig. 137: A footpath leads to the centre of the island and is flanked by plantings giving a rural character and sense of privacy

Whilst the overriding building form remains as single storey with pitched roofs, later developments, including some contemporary, have incorporated more robust and permanent materials such as brick and concrete which compromises the character. Two storey buildings are the exception and are generally inappropriate, but increasingly common and encroaching, particularly to the northern section.  

Fig. 138: Houses are glimpsed through gaps in hedges or trees

There is an eclectic variety of building design found on the island which can be described as ranging from colonial bungalow to alpine chalet. A palette of pastel colours gives a summery, nautical/cottage character, often enhanced by fanciful gardens. Many buildings operate as houses as well as workshops or studios, with many craft and art related businesses attracted to the island and its lifestyle. The variety gives a sense of community and is in stark contrast to the formal, planned spaces of a typical residential area. The organic growth, combined with an air of gentle shabbiness adds to the eccentricity.

 

The footpath to the north is more accessible and slightly wider, though it too is characterised by dense planting and tall boundary walls. Though there are fewer of the original modest single storey houses, there are pockets of the same lightweight, nautical character and eccentric personalisation where the earlier houses survive which are of great interest. The taller contemporary buildings replacing more modest boathouse buildings somewhat interrupts this character, as does the use of brick. There is a slow transition to light industry visible and a clear link to the river with the Yacht Club. The pedestrian route terminates at the side of the Eel Pie Island Slipways – a lightweight industrial canopy building constructed mainly of corrugated steel.

Fig. 139: Enclosed footpath giving the island a unique character

Fig. 140: A typically scaled house to the north side of the island

Fig. 141: A typical single storey cottage with mature gardens around

Fig. 142: Many of the houses are decorated eclectically which adds a charm to the island

Fig. 143: Contemporary development is often to a taller scale using more solid materials

Fig. 144: A modern block of flats is an overly urban building typology

Fig. 145: Flats replaced the Eel Pie Island Hotel and are at odds with the predominant character of the island

The boat houses and building sheds introduce a larger scale to the water's edge and they share a simple, recognisable, and therefore impactful form- two storey gable ends rising from the hard surfaces of slipways and docks. Materials and architectural style vary with robust combinations of brick, render, timber weatherboarding, and corrugated metal sheeting. The working nature of the moorings and slipways house a constantly changing collection of river craft creating an interesting and active foreground for the buildings. This industrial frontage provides a lively contrast to the leafy character of this stretch of the Thames. The island provides unrivalled views of Twickenham which encapsulate its remaining village character and links to the river.

Fig. 146: The footpath terminates at one of the boat houses

Fig. 147: A small number of working boathouses survive to the island and add activity and industry which is otherwise a mix of houses and live/work spaces

Character Area 5: The Commercial Centre

Fig. 149: The Commercial Centre is focused on King Street which essentially serves as a ‘High Street’

Summary Description 

The commercial centre of Twickenham is based around the part of the former village but was also heavily influenced by the introduction of York Street in 1899 and the widening of King Street in the 1920s. King Street and Church Street form the true heart of the town centre, mainly because of their surviving 18^th century buildings, but there is a distinct commercial character to the ribbon development of the main through roads that lacks the village charm of Church Street, and thus forms its own character area. The commercial centre begins to the west at the King Street Parade, curving eastward to include King Street, before branching north along London Road and east to York Street. The area transitions from commercial to residential at its eastern extremity, stretching until just past the junction with Lebanon Park. These commercial streets retain buildings from the Victorian and Edwardian periods to give weight and rhythm to the streetscape and to provide focal points for views.

 

The prevailing impression of the centre, and to an extent, the town itself, is of a linear space with no natural focal point – dominated by traffic and lacking formal public space or a draw for pedestrians. There is a clear disconnect from the river, despite its proximity, which further enhances an urban character, and creates a more tangible contrast between this character and the more tranquil character of the historic village centre and riverside. The character of the area is transitional, with a dense, urban, strongly commercial character focused on King Street, which dissipates to a less dense and more residential character along Richmond Road, including the civic character of the Council buildings. Despite the residential use of much of Richmond Road, the interspersing of occasional commercial use and the presence of constant traffic prevents a suburban character more common to other residential groups within the Conservation Area.

 

Character Appraisal

 

The commercial centre reaches as far east as the north end of Cross Deep with the King Street Parade. The sweeping group of 1930s purpose-built shops is of good quality and proportion, built in red brick with a simple pitched roof punctuated with gables and sturdy chimneys. While most windows have been replaced with uPVC, they retain the original appearance and characteristic lead bar details. The shopfronts are mainly modern replacements which vary greatly in their design and quality. Many historic pillars and corbels separating the shopfronts remain and require repair. At the very south bay, an unusual feature survives, where part of the Cross Deep elevation of the Poulett Lodge has been absorbed and remains in situ. The former lodge dates from the mid-19^th century and was originally part of the estate of the large house, itself called Poulett Lodge, which originally occupied the site of the Thames Eyot flats.

Fig. 150: King Steet Parade

Fig. 151: King Street Parade curving at King Street to join another parade from the same period

With the proposed boundary changes (See Management Strategy), the western boundary of the area is marked by the Grade II Listed 60 & 62 King Street. In essence, the street acts as a busy ‘High Street,’ serving as the commercial centre of the town and the main through road. Consequently, the road is dominated by traffic and its associated clutter of barriers and signage. At street level there are an array of mainly 20^th century and contemporary shopfronts of varying design and proportion. Following a concerted effort to re-establish traditional shopfront designs, the appearance of the street has much improved.

Fig. 152: Listed pair forming part of the western edge of the Conservation Area

Fig. 153: Buildings are consistent in scale and material with various embellishments adding a variety and richness to the streetscape

Fig. 154: Grade II Listed George Public House

Above ground floor, there is the same diversity in good quality, 18^th and 19^th century elevations, and it is this richness and variety from which the character and appearance of the sub-area is derived. Many of the buildings are narrow, reflecting the shape of the medieval burgage plots they occupy.

Red brick in a variety of hues is the predominant wall material, many embellished with contrasting brick, render, or stone. Buildings range between 2 and 3 storeys in height producing a broken skyline which is further accentuated by the mixture of parapeted eaves and pitched roofs. Unfortunately, many original windows have been replaced, both sash and casement, and the retention, repair, and replacement of unsympathetic ones would be much to the benefit of the appearance of the streetscape.

Fig. 155: Typical buildings along King Street

Here, a short stretch of Queen’s Road leads to the rear plots of the commercial buildings along King Street. While many of these buildings have a Holly Road address, they have the character of urban back land development which is more aligned with the development of the town centre. Outbuildings along the southern edge of the road were typically used for light industrial and workshop use, and while many retain use by business fronting King Street, others house independent businesses, such as studio space or a nursery, while some have been replaced by mews style housing. At the east end, there are pair of early 18^th century cottages which adjoin an alley of medieval origin, linking Holly Road directly to King Street. The high walls forming its edges exaggerate the narrowness of the alley.

Fig. 156: The back lands of King Street can be accessed from Holly Lane but have a distinct urban character

Fig. 157: Historic pair of cottages much altered and extended

Fig. 158: Narrow public footpath providing access to King Street

The south side of King Street is dominated by a second shopping parade, constructed after the widening of the Road in 1928, contemporary to the adjacent parade but in a slightly different design, including contrasting mortar and flat red arches. It is proposed the boundary of the Conservation Area be changed to include the parade. At the end of the group, at the junction with Water Lane, is a short unattractive 3-storey parade with projecting canopy, and a small public space in front.  

Fig. 159: The south shopping parade dominates the south side of King Street and was built after the road was widened

Fig. 160: Low-quality group at the junction with Water Lane set to be redeveloped

Fig. 161: This small forecourt is the main area of public realm

This small forecourt is some of the open public realm in the area and is difficult to enjoy given the congestion of traffic adjacent to it, including traffic turning onto Water Lane. Despite this, the junction of the King Street, Church Street, and Water Lane, anchored by the landmark Barclays bank building, is the logical ‘centre’ of the commercial area, both visually and functionally - a position which is underutilised. Traffic barriers are a necessity but are also restrictive and create an obstacle between this public space and the pedestrianised Church Street, and consequently, they are experienced as two separate spaces. Although the wedge offers some of the only seating and street trees to the centre, the space is not fully engaged.

 

The east edge of King Street and London Road are less cohesive in terms of architectural character than the rest of King Street and York Street, being a mixture of periods and typologies but there is consistency in materials, scale, and rhythm which unites the group. The main character is derived from the important Victorian and Edwardian buildings, primarily the robust corner bank buildings and the former post office. The former post office, at the northern edge of the area, stands out, built in flamboyant Queen Anne revival style, an unexpectedly complex addition to an otherwise relatively modest streetscape. These buildings demonstrate good examples of urban design principles, where devices like a corner or a curve are used to draw attention and encourage exploration to what lies beyond. The former public buildings and older banks also perform a social and physical function to the built environment, emphasising the nature of the High Street character and heightening the impression of a town centre.

Fig. 162: Barclays Bank acts as a focal point and landmark building at the junction of multiple roads

Fig. 163: Corner buildings are typically prominent and more decorative

Fig. 164: Projecting gable elements

Fig. 165: There is less cohesiveness, but individual buildings can be richly decorated

Fig. 166: The former post office stands out as a unique building amongst the shops and parades

Fig. 167: Another former bank building

Fig. 168: Buildings typically range from 2-4 storeys

York Street, driven through in the 1890s to replace part of Church Street as the main route out of King Street to Richmond, is lined by shopfronts set in 2 and 4 storey terraces of mainly Edwardian buildings, which although generally architecturally modest, use the urban design device of turrets, towers, and cupolas on corners to act as focus points. There is a clear transitionary character, of which a reduction in scale forms only part. The short stretch of road is also where the town’s civic buildings can be found, and there are good examples of townscape which survive. The library on the off-shooting Garfield Road is an attractive public building though its setting could be improved. At the corner of Arragon Road, the Art Deco façade of the 1930s Seeboard building is a highlight, and its tower, punctuating the streetscape, is visible from the riverside.

Fig. 169: The Carnegie Library is an attractive public building

Fig. 170: Surviving stone setts to the library

Fig. 171: York Street has a more consistent scale and attractive corner buildings

Fig. 172: Group of shops to York Street

Fig. 173: Art Deco façade of the 1930s Seeboard building balanced with the projecting corner of the Civic Centre

As York Street shifts to Richmond Road, the commercial character changes to civic, with the robust civic centre occupying an island to the south. The enclosed urban landscape is suddenly broken by the front gardens of York House, where substantial gate piers and large decorative iron gates form the start of a formal yew lined vista to York House. The mature landscaped gardens and beginning of regular street trees creates a tangible transition to a more suburban character, and building use also becomes increasingly residential. On the south side of Richmond Road is Lebanon Court, the purpose built 1920s development of mansion flats. Opposite in contrast, are two terraces of neat Victorian cottages with shallow front gardens, and more generous pavements heighten a sense of change. At the east end of the terrace are a pair of projecting cottages followed by a small cluster of commercial buildings forming the eastern periphery of the character area as well as part of Lebanon Park. The group to the north is more varied in typology and quality, and this, combined with their setting, creates a character bordering on village more so than urban town centre. East of Seymour Gardens, the character returns to residential with a group of simple but attractive terraced cottages.

Fig. 174: The Civic Centre initiates a change in character

Fig. 175: York House breaks the building line and starts a transitionary section where residential becomes more common

Fig. 176: Front gate to York House

Fig. 177: Typical group with mixed use commercial and residential with a corner element

Fig. 178: Cottages become increasingly common along Richmond Road

Shopfronts

The commercial centre has isolated examples of high-quality historic shopfronts as well as contemporary insertions which replicate historic styles and make a positive contribution to the character of the streetscape. Some shopfronts still use plastic signs, fascias, and overly commercial branding, occasionally combined with inappropriate methods of illumination, which detract from the historic character of the host buildings, and create a visual disparity, both between the shops and their host buildings, and between the shopfronts themselves. There has been a determined effort to improve the quality of shopfronts within the area, and this has drastically improved its overall appearance, a trend which is encouraged to continue by reusing or highlighting existing historic elements, or through contextual replacements.

Fig. 179: Shopfronts are varied but have improved in recent years. The right two contemporary shopfronts follow traditional design principles while the left shopfront is overly modern

Fig. 180: A good quality contemporary shopfront

Fig. 181: Shopfront spread across multiple units but appearing as one and overly glazed

Fig. 182: Simple historic shopfront

Open Space, Gardens, and Trees

 

There is little public space within the area apart from the small forecourt to the west of Water Lane at the Junction of King Street. This roughly triangular space has been improved along with the paving of the area more broadly, with contemporary curved benches introduced, but is dominated by the business of the roads and therefore underutilised. Despite its proximity to the active Church Street, there is a separation, in a tangible and intangible sense, and they are not experienced or enjoyed together. Even without these restrictions, it’s a small and difficult space to practically function as a meaningful public space.

 

The area is largely vacant of gardens given the urban character of the townscape, with buildings fronting directly onto the pavement. They slowly emerge at the extremity of York Street, where the townscape shifts to smaller scale domestic dwellings with shallow but well planted front gardens.

 

Street trees are limited with only a few extant within the forecourt at Water Lane and are otherwise absent until the beginning of Richmond Road. The potential for more is restricted by the extent of underground services, and so alternative solutions could be pursued to soften the appearance of the area and create a stronger connection to the verdant character that is prevalent elsewhere within the Conservation Area.

Character Area 6: Cross Deep

Fig. 184: Large, detached dwellings are typical of the area

Summary Description

The Conservation Area extends along the east side of Cross Deep, which is a very busy road, carrying large volumes of traffic through to the town centre Although there is wide paving, the area is unattractive and not conducive to pedestrians, with a strong urban character despite the prominence of large residential dwellings in good sized plots. These large houses hark back to the origins of the village as a summer escape from London, though they are later replacements. The houses turn from the road to address the riverside location. As a result, there is little interest on the roadside, with Cross Deep House the architectural high point and the tower of the convent the focus for views. At the south, Radnor Gardens offers a peaceful respite from the road and access to the Thames. On the west side, the Conservation Area wraps around St. Catherine’s School to include Pope’s Garden (Grade II), the former grounds of Alexander Pope’s now lost house. 

Character Appraisal

Townscape

Cross Deep emerges from King Street Parade beginning with the remains of Poulett Lodge. The lodge dated from the mid-19^th century and was originally part of the estate of the large house, itself called Poulett Lodge, which originally occupied the site of Thames Eyot flats. A large portion of the lodge remains intact and can be viewed from within the grounds of the flats. It is notable for the decorative stone pediment complete with a clock and garlands; a deep stone frieze and cornice are supported by chunky stone brackets. Other remnants of the original house are dotted around the grounds including the impressive gate piers forming the entrance, and the riverside frontage retains stone balustrading, a fine boathouse, and a loggia.

Fig. 185: Surviving fragment of Poulett Lodge

Thames Eyot is a long, narrow estate which exploits its river frontage position to the benefit of its residences, set deep into the grounds of the former estate and with pleasurable private gardens surrounding. The three-storey building is largely concealed by surrounding planting, and primarily visible from the front car park and access road, giving glimpsed views to its central pediment. At the street are a low boundary wall and surviving brick pier from the former boundary wall of the Lodge, and the tall trees within the site as well as along the neighbouring boundary form an important green focus in views along the road. Further south there is a Georgian House with a tall brick boundary wall, which creates a strong sense of separation. Just south of this, the steeply pitched red plain tile roofs of ‘The Cottage’ are prominent from Cross Deep, with its western wall forming part of the boundary. Cross Deep house (Grade II*) is set well back, a surprising survival behind its high walls. It dates from the late 17^th century and has unusual Gothic sash windows which were probably introduced in direct response to the influence of Strawberry Hill, and its many extensions are obvious yet sympathetic in material in scale. Decorative wrought iron gates, overthrow, and piers provide visual interest at street level.

Fig. 186: Thames Eyot Estate

Further south still is an attractive Georgian pair but otherwise between Cross Deep house and the Convent adjacent to Radnor Gardens, the character becomes distinctly 20^th century suburban. Here, large houses of 2.5-3 storeys are set in large gardens, in a variety of styles, typically brick, render, with tiled roofs and timber cladding. Many of the gardens are paved which contributes to the overly urban character of the streetscape. Boundary treatments are inconsistent, generally low red brick with numerous large openings.

Fig. 187: Cross Deep and its coach house are Grade II* listed

Fig. 188: Large, detached dwellings front the river

The view south along Cross Deep is dominated by the pagoda-roofed tower of the former St Catherine's Convent. This landmark form a key focal point in long-distance views from as far as Petersham Meadow. The building dominates the streetscape, though its richness in materials and textures, decorative elements, and variation in scale, break up its massing and provide visual interest, with different sections of the building revealed in different views. At the end of Cross Deep is the Grade II listed Ryan House, the surviving half of a largely early 19^th century house, itself built after Pope’s House was destroyed in 1807.

Fig. 189: Pagoda-roofed tower of the former St Catherine's Convent

Fig. 190: The former convent is a prominent local building and serves as a landmark building

Surrounding the former Convent and St. Catherine’s School is the Grade II listed Pope’s Garden, and early 18^th century garden and grotto made by the poet Alexander Pope largely on land separated from the mansion by a public road. The garden survives only as part of the archaeological record, although some elements such as the grotto and underground passages (all Grade II*) survive. The current school buildings are a mixture of attractive historic buildings and neutral contemporary structures, but legibility of the historic garden, either its historic location or appearance, are not obvious.

Fig. 191: Grotto Road runs parallel to Pope’s Garden, the grounds of Alexander Popes former home

The Conservation Area terminates at its southern end with Radnor Gardens, an important green space which breaks the building line of Cross Deep from either end. The gardens themselves are attractive and well maintained but are also overshadowed by the sight of the River Thames itself. Radnor Gardens is the only place between Ferry Road in Teddington and Richmond Bridge where the river can be clearly seen from the main road. The levels are distinctive (the gardens once formed an island), the steep fall giving an extra dimension and impact to the view from the road. At its centre adjacent to the road is an attractive raised bed with brick walls and seating, and this western garden is more formally landscaped than the remainder of the park.

Fig. 192: Entrance to Radnor Gardens

Fig. 193: View north along the Thames toward Eel Pie Island

Along the embankment, mature trees cover the roughly surfaced riverside path which is encroached by wild vegetation from the foreshore creating a rural character. From the water's edge there is a wonderful range of views, including to Ham, downstream past Cross Deep to Eel Pie Island and Twickenham Riverside, upstream past Swan Island and its colourful collection of boats, and towards Teddington. The gardens are pleasant and municipal in character, the remnants of Radnor House, an 18^th century Gothic polygonal summer house and a picturesque, stuccoed gazebo provide islands of quality and architectural interest, both elements having been restored. The Park also contains a War memorial, erected in 1921, a bronze sculpture by Mortimer Brown. A bowling green and children’s playground sit at western edge, providing public amenities separated from the otherwise open gardens.

Fig. 194: Remnants of Radnor House

Fig. 195: The north side of the gardens are well landscaped and have a raised walled garden

Spatial Analysis

Despite being quite open, Cross Deep has a distinctly linear feeling, emphasised by the traffic creating a visual and physical barrier to the west, while tall brick boundary walls separate the private and public realm to the east. Although houses are very large, they are well spaced, with gaps between providing important glimpses of sky beyond, avoiding an even stronger sense of enclosure. Towards the south of the area, boundary walls drop in height, but shallow paved gardens do little to enhance a sense of openness.

Open spaces and Trees

Open space is predominantly limited to Radnor Gardens which offers relief to the business of Cross Deep and a publicly accessible area of river frontage. Typically, houses neglect the road and address the river, and this is reflected particularly to the southern group of houses, which lack any substantial planting and have paved gardens behind low walls, which make the barren spaces highly visible, contributing to a hard, urban character. The northern group of houses have more generous planting, which help soften the streetscape, but paved drives and front gardens intrude and create obvious gaps.

Part Three: Management Strategy

Summary

The Appraisal has assessed the quality and the condition of the Twickenham Riverside Conservation Area. Several site visits were undertaken between August and October 2022, when the area was observed and photographed.

This Appraisal has summarised the strengths and weaknesses of each character area and this management plan will set out a strategy to consolidate and enhance these strengths and prevent further erosion of the area’s special historic and architectural character.

The Conservation Area is well maintained, and it is hoped that this clearer, more extensively illustrated Appraisal will assist the Development Management process in making more informed planning decisions in respect of the Area’s character. It will also assist applicants to ensure their proposals contribute positively to the preservation or enhancement of the Conservation Area.

Under section 71 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 local planning authorities have a statutory duty to draw up and publish proposals for the preservation and enhancement of Conservation Areas in their area from time to time. Regularly reviewed appraisals, or shorter condition surveys, identifying threats and opportunities can be developed into a management plan that is specific to the Area’s needs.

Boundary Changes

This appraisal has also identified areas where boundary changes/extensions would be suitable, to include buildings of some architectural and historic quality which have a shared character and appearance to the existing conservation area, and to rationalise existing conservation area boundaries into more coherent groups.

Extension to include King Street east Shopping Parade (currently not within a designated Conservation Area)

The boundary is proposed to be extended to include Nos. 3-33 (odd) King Street, including the Queen’s Hall to the rear of No. 9, which is already designated as a BTM. This shopping parade is contemporaneous to the King Street Shopping Parade at the top of Cross Deep and is of a similar design, scale, and quality, making a positive contribution to the local streetscape and a significant contribution to the ‘town centre’ character of the commercial sub-area. It is noted that while the front façades and roof are of good quality, the rear elevations are much altered and are of limited architectural interest and therefore make a limited contribution.

Transfer of North Side of King Street from Queen's Road Conservation Area to Twickenham Riverside Conservation Area  

It is considered that the north side of King Street (Nos. 10-62, even) has a more commercial and urban character that is more closely aligned with the character and appearance of the Twickenham Riverside Conservation Area, and therefore it is proposed to change the boundary to include these addresses. Similarly, the addresses along Holly Road which were previously part of the Queen’s Road Conservation Area, are proposed to be included in Twickenham Riverside. Although these buildings address Holly Road, their character is of back land/outbuilding development to the more prominent commercial buildings of King’s Road, and therefore have a stronger connection to this character and appearance. The buildings to be included within Twickenham Riverside CA rather than Queen Street CA are: 29-35 (odd), 90A, 50-67 (odd) Holly Road. 

Transfer of group to east side of Holly Road from Twickenham Riverside Conservation Area to Queen’s Road Conservation Area

Similar to the inclusion above, it is considered that group of buildings at the east end of Holly Road actually has a smaller, more domestic character which is more aligned with the development, character, and appearance of the adjacent Queen’s Road Conservation Area. Therefore, the group is proposed to be shifted from the Twickenham Riverside Conservation Area, to be included within the Queen’s Road Conservation Area. The affected addresses are: 1, 5, 13-27 (odd) Holly Road.

Deletion of Addresses from Conservation Area at London Road

It is proposed to amend the boundary of the Conservation Area at the Junction of London Road and Holly Road to delete two addresses from the Conservation Area. The addresses form part of a site which has been redeveloped since the original drawing of the boundary, resulting in 2 of the 5 addresses within the same building falling within the Conservation Area. The building has been assessed as part of this appraisal and is not considered to contribute to the identified character and appearance, and therefore it is proposed to exclude the entire building, resulting in the removal of the two addresses. Those proposed to be deleted are:

• 29 London Road, TW1 3SZ
• 31 London Road, TW1 3SZ

Problems and Pressures

• Development pressure which may harm the balance of the commercial river-based uses and landscape-dominated setting in many parts of the area, and the obstruction or spoiling of views, skylines, and landmarks
• Loss of traditional architectural features and materials due to unsympathetic alterations and extensions
• Loss of boundary walls and garden space in residential areas for hard standing, front lightwells and vehicular parking and hard surfacing
• Use of poor-quality products in building works such as uPVC, roofing felt, and Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) products
• Lack of coordination and poor quality of street furniture and pavements
• Domination of traffic in King Street leading to a hostile pedestrian environment and clutter of signage and street furniture
• Negative impact of car parking on the appearance and use of the Embankment
• Loss of original or quality shopfronts and unsympathetic alterations and advertisements such as disproportionate signage, excessive illumination, loss of detailing such as plinths, pilasters etc

 

Opportunity for Enhancement

• Improvement and protection of the river based commercial uses and landscape setting
• Preservation, enhancement, and reinstatement of architectural quality and unity that is preferably based upon historic evidence
• Encourage the reinstallation of boundary treatment and front garden planting in conjunction with planning application proposals for refurbishment and seek that any lightwells are placed to the side and rear of properties, and that hard standing is reduced
• Coordination of colour and design and improvement in quality of street furniture and pavements
• Improvement of highways conditions and pedestrian convenience where practicable, and rationalisation of existing signage and street furniture to make streets more pedestrian and cycle friendly.
• Retain and improve the quality of shopfronts and advertisements, ensuring that proposals are in line with the shopfront design guide (link).
• Improve the quality and pedestrian experience of the narrow alley between King Street and Holly Road, which is a public footpath.

 

Design Guidance

Historic England recommends that the Appraisal is also a source of guidance for applicants seeking to make changes that require planning permission, helping to make successful applications.

The guidance below will set out design guidance which encourages good quality of design, which will help to both preserve and enhance the Conservation Area.

Dwellings within the Conservation Area which are blocks of flats do not benefit from Permitted Development Rights, requiring planning permission to carry out alterations and extensions.

Traffic

One of the overriding issues concerning the public realm within the Conservation Area is the volume of traffic passing through. Both the traffic itself and the visual clutter from direction signs, traffic signals, and guard railings make it difficult to appreciate the quality of the buildings and overall townscape. It also isolates the limited amount of public realm and impedes the relationship between the historic village focused on Church Street with the ‘town centre’ of King Street.

Any opportunity to improve the environment within the town centre to make it a pedestrian and cycle friendly place would be beneficial to its character and appearance. It would be possible to reduce the scale and impact of signage and other associated traffic related paraphernalia, and the improved environmental conditions would not only make the town centre a more attractive place for pedestrians to enjoy, but also make investment in its heritage buildings more likely.

Windows

Windows make a substantial contribution to the appearance of an individual building and can enhance or interrupt the unity of a terrace, so it is important that a single pattern of glazing bars should be retained within any uniform composition. Generally, windows follow standard patterns/styles. In Georgian and early-mid Victorian terraces, each half of the sash was usually wider than it was high, but its division into six or more panes emphasised the window’s vertical proportions. Later Victorian and Edwardian buildings often employed a simpler pattern, with the top and bottom sash either having one large pane, or a single central glazing bar. Casement windows are also common in later buildings.

Many original timber framed windows survive within parts of the Conservation Area, and these make an important contribution to the special character and appearance. Where they have been lost, many replacements are of a different style and materiality which is unsympathetic to the historic appearance of the building and Conservation Area, disrupting the harmony and rhythm of the legible groups, and creating inconsistences within the otherwise congruous terrace typologies.

The quality of these replacements also varies, which dilutes the consistent appearance of the building groups, with some mimicking historic style while others are inappropriate uPVC and casement windows. Where timber sashes have been replaced, these are often of poor quality, with thicker frames and higher reflectiveness, varied horn details, a variety of glazing bar formats, and there is a general lack of consistency to the approach to fenestration. Casement windows often have wider frames which create larger or overlapping gaps to their hinges, giving the impression of two windows rather than a single window in two parts.

It is encouraged that residents, in the first instance, retain and repair existing original timber windows. If replacement is required, all aspects of the window should be considered including opening type, glazing bar pattern, horns to sashes, and depth. New windows should be timber and are generally single panes with no glazing bars or a simple two-over-two, often best informed by surviving examples within the building or in the context of its setting. Timber frames are not only the most appropriate option, but a natural material which helps reduce the use of single-use plastics, often found in other windows. Timber windows also have the benefit of being more cost effective, being much more durable and repairable than alternatives, and there are options to maintain their appearance while introducing energy saving and noise reducing features.

Single glazing is the most common approach and would be the most acceptable replacement to maintain the existing character and appearance of the area. Secondary glazing is an unobtrusive option to increase efficiency, reduce noise, and avoid intervention to existing fabric, often performing as well and lasting longer than double glazing. Double and triple glazing can be inserted into timber frames and help maintain a consistent appearance with similar benefits to secondary glazing and may be appropriate where there is justification for full replacement. Where double/triple glazing is accepted, black spacing bars and seals should be avoided – these should instead be white to blend with the frame. Trickle vents should be avoided or well concealed within the frame to maintain consistency with historic appearance.

Windows to contemporary development can vary in detail but it is still important to consider their design in relation to the character of the area.

Doors

Like windows, it is encouraged that residents, in the first instance, retain and repair any existing original timber doors. This is best for the environment, for the character and appearance of the area, and is often a more inexpensive solution than complete replacement. Simple modifications can often be carried out internally which improves the weatherproofing of the door without impacting its external appearance.

If a replacement is required, then it should match the original door for the property. Doors are typically simple timber four panel doors to Victorian buildings, and six panel doors to Georgian. Where decorative doors form an integral part of the character of an area or group, such as to Lebanon Park, modern replacements or alternative designs will be resisted.

Existing styles of doors in the area generally manage to reflect the architectural style in which they are set, and original examples make a great contribution to the character of the area.

Roof Extensions

Roof extensions are uncommon and there is a consistency in scale within each character area which contributes to its special character and appearance. Where limited roof alterations have occurred, these are sympathetic to the host building, as well as to the surrounding context in terms of scale and level of intervention. Rear dormers are generally employed given their small scale and ability to be well concealed from the public realm, while mansard style extensions behind parapets are found to commercial premises. Consistent roofscapes will not tolerate extension which erodes this consistency, nor will extensions which project above established and consistent building heights.

Gardens

Front gardens make a positive contribution to the landscape setting of houses and add to the leafy suburban character of the Conservation Area. Consistent well planted front gardens can also unify streets and soften their overall appearance. Full hard-surfaced frontages are generally uninviting and lessen the separation between the public and private realm, compromising the intended setting of the built environment. For these reasons, along with environmental and ecological reasons, they should be avoided.  

Glimpsed views between houses to rear gardens and mature planting help break up the street scene and contribute to the overall suburban character.

Boundaries

Boundary treatments vary throughout the area, but a good degree of consistency remains to groups within character areas, such as Lebanon Park, where historic timber fences coexist with low brick boundary walls of similar designs.  Robust brick walls form an important aspect of the Riverside Area, both its appearance, and how it is experienced. The robust boundary walls for York House Gardens and other earlier properties create a sense of enclosure to the Riverside, and also mark physical and visual boundaries between urban, suburban, and garden character areas.

Painting and External Finishes

Painting is uncommon and should only occur if the existing location has already been painted, and an appropriate colour should be selected to maintain the overall neutral palette of the Conservation Area, excluding shopfronts. Most often existing colours should be refreshed, or neighbouring houses can be referenced to create a harmonious appearance.

External finishes are not a common feature to the Conservation Area as a whole, and the approach to their treatment is similar to paint – where existing finishes can be repaired and restored, and new finishes not normally approved. The predominant character of the area is derived from the consistent use of brick with some details and dressings in white and red. Where full or part smooth rendering has been carried out, it has harmed the architectural coherence of the terraced groups and creates a visual disruption.

Shopfronts and Signage

The quality of shopfronts within the area varies but are generally of a good quality with many good surviving shopfronts or shopfront elements. Where historic elements survive, these should be retained and repaired in the first instance. Where traditional forms have been replicated or contemporary shopfronts inserted, these should continue to follow traditional designs should they need to be altered or replaced. Any new or replacement shopfronts proposed will need to maintain or improve the appearance of the existing shopfront or also follow these traditional designs as outlined by policies in the Local Plan, as well as the, the Shopfronts Supplementary Planning Document (2010) https://www.richmond.gov.uk/media/7631/shopfronts_2010_lr.pdf

Signage should replicate traditional styles with painted or applied letters to the fascia and simple hanging signs. Modern signage, including corporate branding, internally illuminated projecting box signs, and plastic / box fascia signs, will be resisted. Projecting signs should be of an appropriate scale and design, attached to the fascia or to the building in an unobtrusive manner. Where hanging signs are employed, these should use a traditional bracket and be of a simple design, as outlined in the shopfront SPD.

Shopfront awnings were a common feature of historic shopfronts, and there are some examples of traditional awning styles sensitively reintroduced. Where appropriate, and where applied to traditionally styled shopfronts, awnings can add an attractive element and make a positive contribution to an active commercial streetscape. Awnings should be thoughtfully integrated into shopfront designs and positioned so that the other elements of the shopfront design are not impacted – typically set just below the fascia. Awnings of an overly modern design or material, or which contrast with the predominant palette of the area, may not be appropriate. Awnings to modern shopfronts are generally not appropriate.  

Shopfront Security

Shopfront security can have an imposing impact on the appearance of the streetscape and create an uninviting atmosphere. For instance, projecting shutter boxes have a negative impact on the appearance of shopfronts and are not acceptable in Conservation Areas, nor are solid or perforated shutters. Instead, there are other systems which would be more suitable, and these are also outlined in the Shopfronts Supplementary Planning Document (2010) https://www.richmond.gov.uk/media/7631/shopfronts_2010_lr.pdf

Generally, shopfront security features are installed internally, which has benefited the appearance of the Conservation Area as a whole. For contemporary shopfronts, more passive security measures can be effective, such as laminated glass, which is not readily apparent and therefore mitigates security features from detracting from the appearance of the shopfront. Lattice brick-bond grilles can be installed internally behind the windows, with the box inserted into the ceiling – this prevents an external projecting box and the internal box from being visible through the shop window. This would allow for an appropriate level of security, while minimising the visual impact of shutters on the external appearance of the shopfront, and therefore on the Conservation Area. It also allows for passive observation by keeping the inside of the shop visible.

Energy Efficiency

Introducing energy efficient measures can reduce carbon emissions, fuel bills, and improve comfort levels. It is important that the appropriate course taken should be informed by the context of the building being improved, with each building having different opportunities and restrictions. Not all solutions will be appropriate across the Conservation Area, and the ‘Whole Building Approach’ advocated by Historic England encourages a case-by-case approach, which fundamentally considers the context, construction, and condition of a building to determine which solutions would be the most suitable and effective. More detailed advice can be found within the Guidance Note Energy Efficiency and Historic Buildings: How to Improve Energy Efficiency 2018.

Solar Panels

Solar Panels and equivalent technology are most suitably placed on rear or side elevations where they are hidden from the public realm – principal elevations and roof slopes facing the public realm are less appropriate as they generally make the most substantial contribution to the character and appearance of the Conservation Area. New technologies, such as PV panels disguised as slates and sitting flush with roof materials, may be suitable in the appropriate context, and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.