Kearsley's Traveller's Entertaining Guide through Great Britain (1801)
Richmond is esteemed the finest village in the British dominions, and was antiently called Sheen, which, in Saxon, signifies "resplendent". From the singular beauty of its situation it has been termed the "Frescati of England". Here once stood a royal palace, in which Edward III died of grief for the loss of his heroic son, the Black Prince; and here died Anne, the wife of Richard II. This palace was beautified by Henry V who founded three religious houses near it. In 1497 it was destroyed by fire, when Henry VII was there; but he rebuilt it and called it Richmond, from the name which he bore before he obtained the crown. Here he died; and here also Elizabeth expired. Part of this palace with battlements and a gateway is still standing on Richmond-green. On the seite of part of it are now seats of the duke of Queensbury, Mrs Way, W. Keene, esq. Higher up the river are seats of the duke of Buccleugh, and of the earl of Leicester. The summit of Richmond-hill commands a most luxuriant prospect, which Thompson, who passed his latter years in this beautiful place, has celebrated in his "Seasons". George III spends much of his time on this spot and takes great delight in the gardens and grounds adjacent to his palace at Kew. Here is an elegant stone bridge over the Thames.
Inns: Talbot ,Castle , Star and Garter.
Use the "Show me" link to locate Richmond on the map. You may need to scroll down to see Richmond highlighted.
Chapter 15 