Sir John Puckering Lord Keeper of the Great Seal and Speaker of the House of Commons was honoured by the queen who dined in his home in Kew, probably Kew farm which was sited about here.

A record describes the features of her visit.:
'At her first alighting she had a fine fan, with a handle garnished with diamonds. When she was in the middle way, between the garden gate and the house, there came one running towards her with a nosegay in his hands and delivered it with a short, well-penned speech; it had in it a very rich jewel, with many pendants of diamonds, valued at £400 at least. After dinner, in her privy chamber he presented her with a fine gown and juppin, which things were pleasing her Highness, and to grace his lordship the more, she of herself took from him a salt, a spoon, and a fork of fine agate.'

There is no suggestion that these generous presentations were anything other than a very good investment by Sir John.

O/S Co-ords:1850.7752
Source(s):

Kew Past

Henry (1594-1612) heir to James I of England, James VI of Scotland, spent a considerable amount of time at Richmond Palace and with his sister Elizabeth Stuart and the son of John Lord Harrington of Kew farm. His Lordship was supposed to be looking after Elizabeth. He found that difficult. When Henry died in 1612 he was replaced as heir to the throne by Charles, later Charles I. The Hanoverian dynasty derived from Elizabeth's line.

O/S Co-ords:1850.7752
Source(s):

Kew Past