King Henry VIII's Mound

King Henry VIII's Mound in London is a raised viewpoint inside Richmond Park, in the borough of Richmond upon Thames. People walk up for one thing: looking east over the treeline to the distant dome of St Paul's Cathedral. The sightline is legally protected, so new buildings cannot block it.

What is King Henry VIII's Mound?

The mound sits in the largest of London's Royal Parks, which Charles I enclosed in the 17th century as a deer park. Today the park is a national nature reserve, a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area of Conservation, and it is listed Grade I on Historic England's register of historic parks. The mound itself has been designated a scheduled monument by Historic England.

Why the name, and how old is it?

The popular story says Henry VIII stood here in 1536 waiting for a signal from the Tower of London that Anne Boleyn had been executed. Historians dispute it: according to the sources the king was in Wiltshire at the time. The earthwork is far older: heritage accounts describe it as a prehistoric round barrow dating from between 2400 and 1500 BC. A map of 1630 labels it "Kings Standinge", a stand used for watching deer hunts and falconry.

What can you see from the top?

• East: the City skyline and the dome of St Paul's, seen through a clearing in the trees that is kept open on purpose.
• West: a broad outlook across the Thames Valley.
• All around: grassland and ancient oaks where herds of deer graze.

How do you get there, and when should you go?

The mound lies in the western part of Richmond Park, near Pembroke Lodge, on the path running from Richmond Gate. It is a walk of roughly a quarter of an hour from the gate. Clear weather matters, because haze or low cloud hides the dome. Mornings and crisp spring or autumn days give the best visibility. Pedestrians enter the park free of charge.

Frequently asked questions

Is King Henry VIII's Mound protected?

Yes. The view of St Paul's is one of London's protected views, and the mound is a scheduled monument on Historic England's list.

Did Henry VIII really stand here?

It is a legend. Reliable accounts place the king elsewhere in 1536, and the mound predates his reign by thousands of years.

Do I need to pay to visit?

No. Richmond Park is free for people on foot, and the mound is inside it.

What is visible to the west?

The Thames Valley and open parkland, where deer are often spotted.