Old records mostly wrote about men: kings, lords and priests. That doesn't mean women weren't here! These are women connected to Richmond upon Thames that we know about. Can you find out about more?
IE
Isabella, mother of Edward III
Was given Sheen
When her son, the boy-king Edward III, came to the throne in 1327, he gave her the manor of Sheen.
E
Elizabeth I
1533–1603
Lived here
Queen from 1558. She spent much of her time at Richmond, hunting stags in the 'Newe Parke'. Richmond Palace was one of her favourite homes, and she died there in 1603.
A
Princess Augusta
1719–1772
Founded Kew Gardens
She founded the botanic gardens at Kew and lived there, as Dowager Princess of Wales, until her death in 1772.
C
Queen Charlotte
Lived here
She and King George III moved into the White House at Kew in 1772. Franz Bauer taught her the art of illustration, and she died at the Dutch House, now Kew Palace, in 1818.
MN
Marianne North
1830–1890
Left her paintings to Kew
A Victorian artist who painted plants on her travels overseas. She left her collection to Kew Gardens and paid for a gallery to hold it: the Marianne North Gallery.
MS
Matilda Smith
1854–1926
Lived here
The first official botanical artist of the Royal Botanic Gardens. She lived on Gloucester Road, Kew.
HS
Hesba Stretton
Lived here
A writer of children's books, whose real name was Sarah Smith. She retired to Ivycroft on Ham Common in 1892.
IH
Imogen Holst
1907–1984
Born here
A composer, conductor, teacher and writer about music, and the only child of the composer Gustav Holst. She was born in Richmond in 1907, and her family soon moved to nearby Barnes. For 20 years she was joint artistic director of the Aldeburgh Festival.
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In 1724 houses were built for the maids of honour (trusted royal wardrobe servants) of Queen Caroline, wife of George II.