This tranquil, Thames-side neighbourhood is at the heart of supposedly London’s happiest borough. Beyond the stunning river bank sits a number of large green spaces, including Terrace Gardens, Buccleuch Gardens, and the northern tip of the mighty Richmond Park. The residential streets are lined with impressive Victorian houses, which the likes of David Attenborough call home, as well as some more modest, but no less beautiful, Edwardian terraces and semis. There are a number of schools within the area, and with the convenient transport links of Richmond station on the District, Overground, and South Western lines, the neighbourhood is very popular with affluent commuters and young professionals. The shopping hub of Kingston is not far away, but Richmond’s own town centre more than caters to the needs of the local population, all the while retaining its rural village aesthetic.

Once part of ‘Shene’, the town of Richmond only emerged when Henry VII built a grand palace in the area in 1501, naming it after Richmond Castle, his ancestral home in Yorkshire. Rumour has it that Shakespeare performed some plays there. Elizabeth I was very fond of Richmond, spending much of her time hunting stags in Old Deer Park. Richmond remained mostly rural and agricultural until the 18th century, even with the enclosure of Richmond Park. The building of hunting lodges within the park led to the area’s reputation as a fashionable part of town outside of the hustle and bustle of the city, and spurred the construction of large Georgian terraces such as those that surround Richmond Green to this day. The completion of Richmond Bridge in 1777, which connected the neighbourhood with East Twickenham on the other side of the river helped the area’s growth. The town continued to expand into the 19th century and many grand houses were built and the area was wired for electricity in 1896.

The former brickworks turned peaceful green space, Terrace Gardens, is home to a statue that once caused so much outrage amongst the local community that it was subject to a national debate! ‘Aphrodite’ by Alan Howe was positioned at the centrepiece of a beautiful fountain at the heart of the gardens in 1952. Its modernist style wasn’t what the well-to-do suburban folk of Richmond were used to, nicknaming it ‘Bulbous Betty’, and writing countless letters to the local press denouncing it as ‘too modern’ and ‘disturbing to gentlemen’. The council voted for her removal, but a protest by those who liked Betty means that she is still here today!

Richmond’s reputation and history as a rather affluent area means that there are very few affordable places to live nearby, making the area exclusive to those who are very rich. Also, while Richmond is well connected, its Zone 4 location means that travel into town can prove very expensive, particularly for those who must commute regularly at peak times.

As previously mentioned, the lack of affordable housing in South Richmond, and the wider Richmond borough is becoming a problem. Luckily Richmond council have committed to providing affordable new homes to accommodate new residents. Between 2010 and 2018, 687 homes were built, and more are planned over the coming years. Not too far from Richmond town centre, a new development proposal is being pitched at a site now occupied by Homebase on Manor Road. The plans from developer Avanton Richmond will see 453 homes built across tower blocks up to 11 storeys tall with retail and office space at the bottom. While initially the proposal was refused by Richmond council in 2019,the Mayor of London took over and approved the revised development in 2020 subject to a Section 106 agreement being completed which has a deadline of September 30. Almost 800 Richmond locals have objected to the scheme, with concerns it will be an “eyesore” and “monstrosity”. A final decision has not yet been taken.