London Borough of Richmond upon Thames

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames
Name	London Borough of Richmond upon Thames
Caption	Richmond Green with the gatehouse of Richmond Palace
Area total km2	57.41
Population	196,904
Population ref	(2021 estimate)
Official name	London Borough of Richmond upon Thames
Region	London
Country	England
Status	London borough, Royal borough
Coordinates	51.447, -0.326
Os grid reference	TQ185735
Post town	RICHMOND, TWICKENHAM, TEDDINGTON
Postcode area	TW, SW
Dial code	020
Gss code	E09000027
Nuts code	UKI74
Government	Richmond upon Thames London Borough Council
Website	www.richmond.gov.uk

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames is a London borough in southwest London, and the only borough situated on both sides of the River Thames. It was formed in 1965 by amalgamating the former Municipal Borough of Twickenham from Middlesex with the Municipal Borough of Richmond and the Municipal Borough of Barnes from Surrey. The borough is known for its extensive parklands, historic villages, and prestigious residential areas, and it is one of only four Royal boroughs in London.

History

The area's history is deeply intertwined with the British monarchy, centered on Richmond Palace, a favorite residence of Elizabeth I and where Henry VII died. Key historical sites include the National Physical Laboratory in Teddington, the Gothic Revival villa of Horace Walpole, and the Royal Military School of Music at Kneller Hall. The borough played a role in the development of rugby football, with Twickenham Stadium opening in 1909, and was home to the pioneering film studios of Cecil Hepworth in Walton-on-Thames. The 1965 creation of the modern borough unified these distinct areas with long administrative histories.

Geography

The borough is defined by the River Thames, which forms a large loop, creating the Isleworth Ait and Eel Pie Island. It encompasses several distinct towns and villages including Richmond, Twickenham, Teddington, Hampton, and Barnes. Major open spaces dominate the landscape, most notably the vast Richmond Park, a former royal hunting park and now a Site of Special Scientific Interest, as well as the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other significant green spaces include Bushy Park, Old Deer Park, and the Thames Path national trail.

Demographics

According to the 2021 United Kingdom census, the borough has an estimated population of 196,904. It is one of the most affluent areas in the UK, consistently ranking highly in measures of life expectancy and household income. The population is predominantly of White British ethnicity, with significant communities of White Other and British Asian residents. The borough contains numerous highly sought-after residential areas, contributing to a high proportion of residents in professional and managerial occupations, as classified by the NS-SEC.

Economy

The local economy is characterized by a high concentration of professional, scientific, and technical activities, with notable employers including The National Archives at Kew, Bupa's headquarters, and the Royal Horticultural Society. Twickenham Stadium is a major economic driver, hosting international rugby matches and large concerts. Retail and hospitality are focused in centres like Richmond and Twickenham, while creative industries have a presence, historically through Ealing Studios and currently in media production. The borough has very low levels of unemployment compared to national averages.

Culture and landmarks

The borough is rich in cultural assets and landmarks. It is home to world-renowned institutions like the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and the Orleans House Gallery. Performing arts venues include the Richmond Theatre and the Orange Tree Theatre. Historic houses such as Hampton Court Palace (jointly administered with the London Borough of Kingston upon Thames), Marble Hill House, and Strawberry Hill House are major attractions. The annual Richmond May Fair and the Head of the River Race on the Thames are key events. The borough's riverside pubs, Richmond Park's herds of red deer and fallow deer, and the view from Richmond Hill protected by an Act of Parliament are iconic features.

Governance

The borough is administered by Richmond upon Thames London Borough Council, which has been under Liberal Democrat control since 2019. It is within the Greater London Authority area, with the Mayor of London and London Assembly overseeing strategic services. For the UK Parliament, the borough is covered by the constituencies of Richmond Park and Twickenham. It also falls within the London Assembly constituency of South West. The borough maintains a network of local libraries, including the flagship Richmond Library.

Category:London Borough of Richmond upon Thames Category:Royal boroughs in England Category:Boroughs in London