The enclosure of these grounds of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew derives from two major factors. The one was the decision of the Hanoverians - George II and his consort Queen Caroline, their son Frederick and his consort Princess Augusta (and her very good friend Lord Bute), and their son George III and his consort Queen Charlotte - to make their homes here from the estates that had originally been the residences of Tudor courtiers. The other was the fact that they and those they followed had at least an interest in and for some a passion for landscaping and gardening. Through more than 250 acres there are dozens of features and more than a score of specialist collections. Elizabeth I and Leicester met under an elm, that was, in the car park. George III's fifteen children tended their own garden plots around the Dutch House (Kew Palace) and enjoyed family teas in and around Queen Charlotte's cottage. A great many people have enjoyed and do enjoy all the seasons here. A considerable number of people have worked and do work here on major research programs.

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Kew Past

Rural Walks around Richmond