The Gardens and People of Twickenham Park
Local resident, Andrew George, has written a wonderful book on the ancient area of Twickenham Park, looking at the people whose lives made up its rich tapestry and the gardens they created
Twickenham Park, surrounded by Richmond, Twickenham and Isleworth and bounded by the Thames, has a remarkable history.
Now part of Greater London, it was first enclosed by Richard, Earl of Cornwall, when it was gifted to him by his brother, Henry III, in 1227.
Rather than a pleasure garden, ‘Istelwrth Park’ was kept as a source for timber and for holding cattle and deer for winter meat. Richard also created one of the first coney (rabbit) warrens in England.
By the 16th century, Twickenham Park was enjoyed by notable courtiers of the day, such as Francis Bacon (1561-1626). A lawyer, an intellectual and a philosopher, Bacon was also fascinated by gardens, writing the essay, Of Gardens, in 1625. He was radical for proposing a planting scheme of fruit and flowers that would provide interest throughout the year. He was particularly scathing about traditional knot gardens and topiary. It is thought likely that he designed the gardens at Twickenham Park, seeing it as a place of study, not just for enjoyment.
In 1608, Lucy, Countess of Bedford (1580-1627), a notable gardener, bought the estate. A Jacobean garden would be surrounded by a wall and had towers at each corner, which were symbolic rather than usable, and a banqueting room would be at the centre. She was a patron of the arts, a woman of letters and renowned performer in masques, which were a blend of drama, dance, music and poetry.
Over the centuries, a lake was added, avenues of trees planted and, in time, the land sold and divided up into parcels on which to build large houses. These eventually included Twickenham Park House, Twickenham Park Mansion, St Margarets House, Gordon House and Lacy House, which were built by the Thames, towards Syon Park. Well-known locals included Henrietta Howard, Horace Walpole and Alexander Pope.
All have now sadly disappeared, except for Gordon House on St Margarets Road, which became listed in 1973 and is known as the Maria Grey Training College.
One owner of Gordon House (amongst others) was Francis Jack Needham, Earl of Kilmorey. He was known as the Wicked Earl as he eloped with Priscilla, daughter of his friend, Lady Harriet Hoste. At the time Priscilla was 20 and he was 56! When Priscillia became ill and died in 1854, he erected a huge mausoleum for her, which still stands today.
Drawing on extensive archival research and contemporary accounts, George brings together landscape history and human stories, richly illustrated and meticulously sourced, making this an invaluable record of a lost riverside estate. If you love local history, this a fascinating book.
The Gardens and People of Twickenham Park by Andrew JT George. £25, Redcliffe
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