Frederick was a great enthusiast for the pursuits of the English gentleman and passionately engaged in betting on racing and cricket. He played the latter and tennis. He captained a team against one led by the Duke of Marlborough played on Kew Green.

O/S Co-ords:1896.7754
Source(s):

Kew Past

Mrs Papendiek who was once a playmate of the family of George II and then an Assistant Keeper of the Queen's Wardrobe, succeeding Fanny Burney in that post. She wrote her memoirs in the 1830's. Of the 1770's she wrote: 'Kew now became quite gay, the public being admitted to the Richmond Gardens on Sundays, and to Kew Gardens on Thursdays. The Green on those days was covered with carriages, [*] more than £300 being often taken at the bridge on Sundays. Their majesties were to be seen at the windows speaking to their friends, and the royal children [**] amusing themselves in their own gardens. Parties came up by river too, with bands of music, to the ait opposite the Prince of Wales's House. The whole was a scene of enchantment and delight; Royalty living amongst their subjects to give pleasure and delight.' She also wrote of a Mr Frame: 'He lived on housebreaking and footpad robberies, but we all spoke with him as a friend.' Supposedly according to Mr Frame this meant: 'If I can take my beer on the Green and sit with my neighbours, I shall take care that no harm happens here.' Surely an offer his neighbours would not refuse.

* This gave rise to the first complaint by Kew residents about the parking of visitors to their neighbourhood because of the damage done to the grass required to feed their beasts. A significant element of the income of the neighbourhood was that gained by fattening beasts which could then be taken into London Town's markets.
** There were fifteen royal infants altogether.

O/S Co-ords:1896.7754
Source(s):

Kew Past