Richmond Lodge facts for kids

Richmond Lodge was a special old house located near the River Thames in Richmond, London. It was part of the lands known as Old Deer Park, which once belonged to the historic Richmond Palace. The Lodge was also close to the King's Observatory. It's important not to confuse Richmond Lodge with other places like Pembroke Lodge or the White Lodge, which are both in Richmond Park.

Early Owners: The Duke of Ormonde

In 1704, an important Irish nobleman named James Butler, 2nd Duke of Ormonde bought the property. He completely rebuilt the house, and it became known as Ormonde Lodge during his time.

Ormonde was a leading politician from the Tory group and a soldier. He became a top military commander, known as Captain-General, in 1711. He took over from the Duke of Marlborough in leading the British and Dutch forces during the War of the Spanish Succession.

However, after a new royal family, the Hanovers, came to power in 1714, Ormonde was removed from his position. In 1715, he faced serious accusations from Parliament and decided to leave England. He went to Paris and joined James Francis Edward Stuart, who claimed to be the rightful king. Because of this, Ormonde lost all his properties, including the Lodge, which were taken by the government.

A Royal Summer Home

In 1718, George, Prince of Wales, who later became King George II, bought the estate. At the time, Prince George and his wife Caroline of Ansbach had a disagreement with his father, King George I. This meant they had to leave St James's Palace.

During the colder months, they lived in Leicester House, Westminster. But they spent their summers at Richmond Lodge. The famous writer Jonathan Swift visited them there in 1726 and 1727. He felt a bit sad because it reminded him of happier times he had spent there with his old friend, the Duke of Ormonde.

The Lodge's Final Years

George III inherited Richmond Lodge. He and his new wife, Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, spent part of their honeymoon there in 1761.

From 1764 to 1771, Richmond Lodge became the main country home for the royal family. They would stay there from June to October each year. However, the royal family was growing quickly, and the house soon became too small for them.

In 1772, Richmond Lodge was torn down. The land was then added to the nearby Kew Gardens estate. Eventually, Kew Palace became the main royal residence in the Gardens instead of Richmond Lodge.