Sir Francis Walsingham, in retirement at Barn Elms Mansion which Elizabeth I gave him, entertained her there in 1589. One of those involved was a son of the Earl of Shrewsbury who wrote his father (26/05/1589):

This daye Her Matie. goeth to Barn Elmes, where she is purposed to tarry all daye to-morrow, being Tewsday, and on Wednesday to return to Whitehall agayne. I am appointed among the rest to attend her Matie. to Barn Elmes. I pray God my diligent attention there may procure me a gracious aunswere in my suite at her return, for whilst she is ther nothinge may be moved but matters of delyghte and to content her, which is the only cause of her going thither.

The following year Sir Francis died a pauper. He had been poorly paid for his many years of service to the state and probably did not need to have this white elephant romping round his home

O/S Co-ords:2290.7867
Source(s):

A History of Barnes

John James Heydegger, a Swiss, was a resident of Barn Elms Mansion and the Master of the Revels for George II. According to the local historian John Eustace Anderson, writing in 1900:

The King on one occasion gave him notice that he would pay a visit by water from Richmond [he had created a palace from Richmond Lodge which was sited in what is now Kew Gardens] In order to surprise His Majesty he arranged with his servants that he should not arrive before night. On the King's arrival the avenue leading to the house was in darkness, and there did not appear to be any signs of any preparations having been made to receive him. He was beginning to get angry when he saw Heydegger, when the latter gave a signal, and the house and avenue was at once lit up with a number of lamps.
His majesty was delighted at the surprise and entertainment he received

O/S Co-ords:2290.7867
Source(s):

A History of Barnes