Richmond Terrace (originally Richmond Place)

This Grade II listed terrace, attributed to William Paty dates from 1791. The terrace is in the form of an outward facing square with the communal garden in the centre ground overlooked by the backs of the houses.

A counterpart lease dated 1791 indicates a pleasure ground and shrubbery to be enjoyed by the residents of the terrace. Described as follows “…Richmond Place aforesaid…laying out, levelling and covering with good turf and planting with trees, flowers and shrubs the whole of the ground lying behind Richmond Place and of making terrace walks within such intended shrubbery…”

Donne’s map of 1826 indicates a layout of borders intersected by paths. We know the garden was divided into individual plots during the Dig for Victory campaign during WW2. Some plots remain and the outline of others can still be made out in the lawns.

This pattern continued for a while after the War, but sadly, by the 1960s many plots had fallen into neglect. From 1974, the Richmond Terrace Residents Association (RTRA) has been active in managing the garden, with some clearing and new planting. Several of the wartime plots were retained and cultivated. The programme of clearing neglected areas and introducing more species of plants and trees has been accelerated since 2000, creating the space you see today.

Enjoy our special secret garden but, please, no dogs, except guide dogs. Well behaved dogs can usually be left at the gate with our volunteers. Thankyou!