Richmond

I was in London, had some free time, and the tube was on strike, so I took a train to Richmond.

The railway arrived at Richmond in 1846, and sealed its fate as a suburb of London. At one time there were two station, one either side of the main road, The Quadrant. Both stations fell under the control of the Southern Railway in 1923, and they were rebuilt as a single station in 1937, in an Art Deco style.

It has just this year been restored, and the interior in particular has been faithfully done.



To the right of the station is the Railway Tavern; rather older than the station, and undergoing renovation itself. It was built on a triangular plot, making me wonder what the rooms are like.


I headed southwest along The Quadrant, towards the river. Is this half-timbered building the oldest building? Looks authentic to me, but it is not listed (as far as I can tell) so perhaps mock-Tudor?


Dome Buildings is listed, and is where The Quadrant becomes George Street. 

This was originally the Mechanics Institute, built in 1843. It has subsequently been a swimming pool and a cinema apparently. The dome was added 1908. It is an odd building; the door at the far left leads into a very narrow, curved wing; I guess a spiral staircase.


A flower seller in a kiosk.


A short way down George Street is an alley way...


... Leading to St Mary Magdalene Church.


There are quite a few quaint, older houses here.


I followed Red Lion Street west to meet the end of George Street, and walked down Water Lane, past Waterman's, formerly the Waterman's Arms.


Water Lane takes us down to the river. This is the view looking northeast, which, because of the way the Thames meanders, is downriver.


Another view from slightly further long. You can see the iron railway bridge, and Twickenham bridge behind. 


Note also the heron in front of the bush between the dinghies.

And looking upriver, another road bridge.


Here is the bridge from the other side; a very elegant structure, very much in keeping with the town.

I probably just scratched the surface - there seems to be numerous listed buildings I missed - but time was a bit limited. However, I hope this gives a good feel for the town.












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