Richmond Past - Tapa dura

Originally, the area was known as Sheen; Richmond is a comparatively new name. In 1501 when Henry VII rebuilt a royal palace here, he called it Richmond Palace, after his earldom in Yorkshire. Despite the abandonment of the palace by the 18th century, the village flourished, Many of the handsome houses of that time survive, including those in Petersham and Ham. Its Quinlan Terry riverfront development continues to provoke debate. John Cloake, Richmond's pre-eminent historian, has included many illustrations in this comprehensive account.