In 1718 George, then Prince of Wales, and his consort Queen Caroline acquired Ormonde Lodge and renamed it Richmond Lodge. It was sold by the brother of the Duke of Ormonde who had turned into a fine ducal residence the building that was an extension by William III of a hunting lodge for James I of England, James VI of Scotland. The Duke had been exiled for his support of the Jacobite cause. George was not much interested in the establishment but Caroline, supported by the prime minister Robert Walpole, was very fond of the house and grounds. She caused them to be substantially extended and embellished. Their son Frederick annoyed them, as always, by setting up house in the neighbouring Kew Park Lodge.

O/S Co-ords:1804.7680
Source(s):

Kew Past

Her husband when Prince of Wales, later George II, acquired the house on this site with the estate of Ormonde Lodge in 1718. They renamed the house Richmond Lodge. She was much taken with the house and grounds and with the help of Robert Walpole, the prime minister, and public funds they were much extended and enhanced. As part of the extension of the estate, she acquired the Dutch House which became: the nursery for her children; the place where her grandchild lived until he ascended the throne, as George III; and where he placed his sons in their infancy and childhood.

O/S Co-ords:1804.7680
Source(s):

Kew Past

On his accession he moved to his grandparents home here, then Richmond Lodge, from the Dutch House. He subsequently moved to the house of his parents, White House, which he transformed into the first Kew Palace and then had Richmond Lodge pulled down.

O/S Co-ords:1804.7680
Source(s):

Kew Past