Terrace Gardens Richmond

Terrace Gardens in Richmond is a public park on the western slope of Richmond Hill, in south-west London. It is listed in the National Heritage List for England as Terrace and Buccleuch Gardens. The park lies between the hilltop and the River Thames, and its layout has changed little since the late 19th century.

What is the history of Terrace Gardens?

The land was once part of Hill Common. Tile kilns operated here from about 1630 to 1767. Brickworks known as the Tile Kilns, a wharf and workers' houses occupied parts of the riverside, and clay was dug along the lower slopes of the hill.

Between 1765 and 1771 land was bought for George Brudenell, Earl of Cardigan and Duke of Montagu, to extend the grounds of his riverside house. The estate later passed to his daughter, and in 1827 to her grandson, the 5th Duke of Buccleuch. He enlarged the ornamental gardens and was known for entertaining royalty and other dignitaries.

The present park grew out of three large private estates: Buccleuch House, Lansdowne House and Cardigan House.

When did it become a public park?

Richmond Vestry acquired the Lansdowne and Buccleuch estate in 1886. The Terrace Gardens were formally opened in May 1887 by the Duchess of Teck, also known as Princess Mary Adelaide. Buccleuch House was demolished in 1938. In the late 1950s work began on a woodland garden, completed in 1962.

What can you see there?

The gardens became well known for seasonal bedding, a rockery, shrubberies and a rose garden. The slope gives the park a layered feel, with paths and planting stepping down towards the river. Because the layout is essentially the same as it was in the past, a walk here follows the plan of the Victorian park.

How does it relate to the view from Richmond Hill?

The gardens sit beside Terrace Walk, a tree-lined ridge path at the top of the hill. Terrace Walk is a separate protected landscape and has been protected by Act of Parliament since 1902. The view from Richmond Hill is a famous one, and Richmond Council has a dedicated programme to preserve it. The gardens are a natural stop when you walk along the ridge.

Frequently asked questions

Where are Terrace Gardens? On the western slope of Richmond Hill in Richmond, south-west London, below Terrace Walk.

Is it a historic site? Yes. It is listed as Terrace and Buccleuch Gardens in the National Heritage List for England.

When did the park open? In May 1887, opened by the Duchess of Teck.

What was here before the park? Part of Hill Common, with tile kilns from about 1630 to 1767, brickworks, a wharf and, later, the grounds of large private houses.

Is there a woodland garden? Yes. Work on it began in the late 1950s and it was completed in 1962.

Who owned the land before it became public? Among others, the Earl of Cardigan and Duke of Montagu, and later the 5th Duke of Buccleuch.