What is the significance of Kew in England?

Kew is the location of the Royal Botanic Gardens (“Kew Gardens”), now a World Heritage Site, which includes Kew Palace. Kew is also the home of important historical documents such as Domesday Book, which is held at The National Archives.

When did Kew become part of Surrey?

In 1965, under the London Government Act 1963, the Municipal Borough of Richmond was abolished. Kew, along with Richmond, was transferred from Surrey to the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, one of 32 boroughs in the newly created Greater London .

Who are the Hanoverians and Kew?

The Hanoverians maintained the strongest links with Kew, in particular Princess Augusta who founded the botanic gardens and her husband Frederick, Prince of Wales who lived at the White House in Kew.

Did William IV Live at Kew Palace?

King William IV spent most of his early life at Richmond and at Kew Palace, where he was educated by private tutors. During the French Revolution, many refugees established themselves in Kew, having built many of the houses of this period. In the 1760s and 1770s the royal presence attracted artists such as Thomas Gainsborough and Johann Zoffany.

What is the history of Kew Green?

In Elizabeth’s reign, and under the Stuarts, houses were developed along Kew Green. West Hall, which survives in West Hall Road, dates from at least the 14th century and the present house was built at the end of the 17th century. Elizabeth Stuart, daughter of James I, later known as the “Winter Queen”, was given a household at Kew in 1608.

What is the history of Kew Pond?

Kew Pond, near the northeast corner of Kew Green, believed to date from the tenth century, is originally thought to have been a natural pond fed from a creek of the tidal Thames. During high (spring) tides, sluice gates are opened to allow river water to fill the pond via an underground channel.